Family seek change in UK pillion law

[Bob]

You can't carry passengers in your car on your learners, so perhaps take pillion pegs off L plated bikes??

In the UK, a learner cannot take a pillion passenger - of course, our laws are different; you are restricted to 125cc for a start, also you've got 2 years to pass your test or you are off the road for 12 months.

That said, I wouldn't think it too bad an idea to disallow pillion for the first 2 years of full licence. If they get rid of Direct Access (UK/EU legal point - there is a 2 year, 33bhp limit after passing test, unless you're 21 or over when you can take a 'Direct Access' test on a bike of 47bhp or more), then it could be part of the 2 year qualifying period that you cannot take a pillion.

But as Frosty says, the issue was ill-fitting kit. In this case, it was an 8 year old wearing an adult helmet. You can bet his head was rattling around in it.

Personally, I adhere (well I did when I still took pillions - I think I had the option of an insurance premium reduction if I went "no pillion", and was only too happy to do so) to the edict of 'If you take a pillion, they get the best kit you can give them'. So if they fit into your decent jacket and you wear your older, tatty one - then that is what you do. They're entrusting their safety to your hands, so it is only fair you give them the best protection you can.

[riffer]

I was pillioning on a bike at the age of 8 - on Dad's bike.

I wouldn't let my kids go on the back of anyone's bike - I couldn't bear the thought of something happen - but the oldest is only 7. But I'll take them on a bike when they are 8.

At 16 I don't have a problem with them going on another bike as pillion, provided I trust the rider. But as Frosty says, wear the gear.

Pretty obvious really.

But the general population seem to be required to be protected from themselves.

[FROSTY:Me]

I'ts so darned easy and tempting isn't it.?? UNcle Uncle can I have a ride on your BIIIG motorbike.
Ego all puffed up ya wanna give the youngun a bit of a thrill.
I agree with bob Doesn't matter who ya pillion is they should be in decent gear that fits them properly.
Another issue with kids on bikes is the helmet must be appropriayte for them
Kids dont have strong neck muscles like adults so they need lighter helmets
Baby bikies lid is a rf800 weighing 1.6kg but if I took his little brother i would only use a polstar open face which weight a heap less.

[betti]

all sensible balanced and reasonable points, the general problem in the Uk, is the knee jerk reaction to every bloody thing, ok its sad and unfortunate when people are killed, in whatever form of accident, but a high proportion the Uk population has adopted an immediate, BAN IT NOW! attitude, without any sort of reason behind it, one of the main reasons we moved to Nz!

[phantom]

I just don't feel comfortable taking a pillion partly because of my relative inexperience on this bike but mainly because I now know I'm not immortal ( unlike when I was young ) and IF something happens I don't want to take anyone with me. ( Plus its my toy and I don't share )