Pillion seats for .... pillions and newbies?

[ManDownUnder]

Following a thread/poll run over the last few days there is a want to match up available seats to pillions.

I'd suggest a new group be set up, similar to Mentors, where newbies or people that want to be pillions can find someone capable, local to them and PM them.

Can this be put in as a sticky to the newbies section so anyone grazing the site for the first time can be aware of the option to be a pillion for a while? It's likely they'd generally get involved in motorcycling before they're otherwise able to (while saving for that bike or whatever).

I do not want to see anyone being able to offer a pillion seat however. They need a minimum level of experience on a bike, and obviously must have the requisite licence etc. Could/should it be invite only per the mentors group?

Thoughts?

[R6_kid:Me]

i was removed from the mentors group for being 'too young', yet i've helped quite a few new riders with some tips etc that they all said helped them, and i enjoy helping and teaching (i used to be a coach).

I think that pillion riding is a different kettle of fish. You need someone that is going to be sensible and know they have to take it down a few more notches than normal.

In the year that i've had my full i've taken my fair share of pillions, many of which had no bike experience what so ever, all of them loved it, and i find that i tend to ride much safer (i.e slower) with a pillion, not only to be safe in the event that i have to stop knowing that i need more room to do so, but also because at 'high' speed the ride isnt too comfortable for a passenger.

In reality it should be based on a skill level, time riding isnt always a good indicator of this though, of course the mentors are all well respected and sensible people (generally ) so passing it on to them wouldnt be all bad, but i believe it should still be open to others so that if a mentor in the area isnt available or doesnt want to help out on that particular day/night 'new' pillion doesnt miss out. The licence thing is an obvious point though.

[Crisis management]

I do not want to see anyone being able to offer a pillion seat however. They need a minimum level of experience on a bike, and obviously must have the requisite licence etc. Could/should it be invite only per the mentors group?

Thoughts?

Makes sense MDU, it could be a bit of a temptation for some to show off their riding "skills" rather than provide a safe introduction to biking.
So, how and who, assess' the potential riders?
I have no involvement with the mentor programme but assume you have some assesment made there, just apply the same to potential pillioners?

[ManDownUnder]

One of the advantages of having an invite only group is that removal option.

Some people are simply not suitable or capable. If they get nominated and subsequently demonstrate they're not fit for purpose, they get un-nominated.

[Devil]

Sounds like a good idea to me.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

could be a bit of a temptation for some to show off their riding "skills" rather than provide a safe introduction to biking.

Very true... and I would hate it to turn in to a show off ride for any new pillion.

So, how and who, assess' the potential riders? I have no involvement with the mentor programme but assume you have some assesment made there, just apply the same to potential pillioners?

I would help if I can but Im in Dunedin so probably not alot I can do to help..

[R6_kid:Me]

One of the advantages of having an invite only group is that removal option.

Some people are simply not suitable or capable. If they get nominated and subsequently demonstrate they're not fit for purpose, they get un-nominated.

good point. Perhaps the riders should be 'known' first...

i agree that it should be a safe introduction to riding, not a 'this is how fast you could go in a year or two' sort of experience.

[klingon]

One of the advantages of having an invite only group is that removal option.

Some people are simply not suitable or capable. If they get nominated and subsequently demonstrate they're not fit for purpose, they get un-nominated.

I think this should apply to the pillion as well - if they can't or won't follow instructions, or do really dangerous things, there needs to be the option of either removing them from the list or sending them to a re-education camp in Siberia.

Also the rider should have just as much right to say "no" as the pillion. For example if the pillion arrives for the ride with inadequate gear, or just a bad attitude, the rider is under no obligation to carry them.

As for it not being useful to be in Dunedin - of course it is! There are new riders/pillions all over the country who I'm sure would appreciate the opportunity to have a safe seat to ride on.

[klingon]

good point. Perhaps the riders should be 'known' first...

Absolutely. This is a public forum and anybody could be reading it, sign up and volunteer to carry pillions. There should be some kind of nomination process where people can recommend safe, reliable riders to be invited to participate. Then the list should be 'published' on here, and other people who know that person, if they have doubts about their abilities, could make that known to the organisers via PM.

Also perhaps people could volunteer if they have extra gear for a pillion to borrow? Helmets, gloves, jackets etc that newbies might not have bought yet.

When I first started pillioniong, one of the lesser-known members on here leant me a pair of his old leather trousers to get me started. I was impressed and forever grateful.

[ManDownUnder]

Mods - input? Can you/will you help?

[ManDownUnder]

I think this should apply to the pillion as well - if they can't or won't follow instructions, or do really dangerous things, there needs to be the option of either removing them from the list or sending them to a re-education camp in Siberia.

True although a "sort it or you're walking" message would be a good deterrant too...

Without absolving pillions from any responsibility, I'm sure riders have more control and power over the situation in general so controls should be more focussed on them (IMHO).

The names appearing in the poll as suitably qualified riders tend to know each other well enough too. Any pillion causing grief would quickly come to the attention of the rest.