Riding with your OBR (official back rider) is one of the best ways to share the road and make memories together—but safety should always come first. A smooth, secure ride is not just about skill; it’s about responsibility, awareness, and proper preparation.
As part of its commitment to road safety and responsible riding, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc (MDPPA)—through its Tropang Maalam campaign—reminds all riders that the key to a safe and enjoyable trip with a passenger starts with the right habits. Whether it’s a short city ride or a long road trip, knowing how to properly accommodate and protect your OBR is a must.
Here’s a quick and easy guide to making every ride with your back rider safe, comfortable, and worry-free.
2 helmets, 1 safe ride
Your OBR’s safety starts before they even hop on the bike. Helmets are not optional—both you, the rider, and your passenger need to wear a certified, properly-fitted helmet at all times. Ensure your OBR’s helmet is securely fastened and fits comfortably. Avoid loose or oversized helmets—they won’t provide proper protection. If possible, get a full-face helmet for maximum safety.
Protecting your OBR’s head is the ultimate way to say, “I care about you.”
Proper seating: Stay close, stay secure
How your passenger sits can make or break the ride. A proper seating position ensures balance, comfort, and safety for both of you. Here are some tips on the correct way to sit:
o Hands: Your passenger should wrap their arms securely around your waist, keeping their grip firm but comfortable.
o Upper body: They should sit as close as possible behind you, moving with you—especially when navigating sharp turns or uneven roads. Think of it as riding as one unit for better balance and control.
o Knees: Their knees should press lightly against your hips, helping with stability and reducing sudden shifts in weight.
o Feet: Always ensure their feet are firmly planted on the passenger foot pegs to prevent imbalance or accidental interference with bike controls.
o Mirrors: Adjust your mirrors after your passenger is seated to ensure a clear rear view despite the added weight.
o Head position: Ask your passenger to rest their head on the right side when needed, rather than the left, to avoid blocking your view when checking for traffic before turning, overtaking, or moving forward.
What NOT to do: Shifting weight unexpectedly, especially during turns; Holding on to your shoulders or arms (this can affect your steering); and moving suddenly, which can throw off your balance.
MDPPA tip: Always do a quick “ready?” check before hitting the road to ensure your OBR is seated properly.
Communication is key: Hand signals 101
Since you can’t exactly chat while riding, having basic hand signals and discussing them beforehand makes it easier to communicate while on the road. Here are some basic OBR signals to know:
o Pat on your side → “Slow down” or “I’m uncomfortable.”
o Double tap on your shoulder → “I need to stop now.”
o Thumbs up → “I’m good!”
o Pointing ahead → “Watch out for that!”
Want an upgrade? If you and your OBR ride together often, consider using Bluetooth intercoms for seamless communication.
Ride with your passenger in mind
Riding solo is different from riding with an OBR—the extra weight changes how the bike handles. Adjusting your riding style is key to a safe and smooth journey. Here are MDPPA’s tips for a smoother ride:
o Accelerate gradually. Sudden speed changes can throw off your OBR’s balance.
o Brake gently and earlier than usual to accommodate the extra weight.
o Take turns smoothly. Leaning too aggressively can make your OBR uneasy.
First-time back rider? Take them on a short practice ride before heading on a long trip.
Gear up!
Riding gear isn’t just for you—your OBR needs proper protection, too. Before heading out, make sure they wear: A certified helmet (non-negotiable); a riding jacket (for wind and impact protection); gloves (for grip and comfort); and pants and closed shoes (no shorts or slippers)
If you wouldn’t let your OBR go out in bad weather unprepared, then don’t let them ride without proper gear.
At the end of the day, the best way to show you care is to keep each other safe. A careful, responsible rider makes for a happy, worry-free passenger. Before every ride, double-check your gear, communicate clearly, and ride smoothly—because nothing beats arriving safely together.
MDPPA, on its 50th year, is the country’s most relevant association proactive to the needs of stakeholders in the country’s motorcycle industry. MDPPA members include leading motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and TVS.