Virginia Motorcycle Passengers, Cargo and Group Riding Practice Test

What the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual says about passengers, cargo and group riding

• Equipment

  To carry a passenger you need a seat big enough for both of you without crowding (don't sit farther forward than usual), footpegs for the passenger (without firm footing a passenger can fall off and pull you off too), and protective equipment and clothing for the passenger like the operator's. p. 20

• Riding with Passengers

  With a passenger the motorcycle responds more slowly, and the heavier the passenger the longer it takes to slow, speed up or turn: go a little slower, especially in curves, corners and over bumps, start slowing earlier for stops, and open up a larger space cushion ahead and to the sides. p. 20

• Equipment

  Adjust the motorcycle for a passenger's weight: with the passenger seated, re-adjust the mirror and headlight for the motorcycle's changed angle, add a few pounds of tire pressure (check the owner's manual) and adjust the suspension. p. 20

• Keep the Group Together

  Put beginners up front, just behind the leader, where more experienced riders can watch them. p. 21

• Keep the Group Small

  Keep the group small: a large group interferes with traffic, forces cars to pass a long line of motorcycles, and is easily split by traffic or red lights, and riders left behind often ride unsafely to catch up. Divide a group of more than four or five riders into smaller groups. p. 21

• Keep Your Distance

  Riders in a staggered formation pass one at a time: the leader passes when safe, returns to the left position and keeps riding at passing speed to open room for the next rider; then the second rider moves up to the left position, watches for a safe chance, passes and returns to the right position. p. 22

Where it is in the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual

• p. 19–21Section 9 · Carrying passengers and cargo
• p. 21–22Section 10 · Group riding

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