Riding with Pillion Here’s How Odia Nana Ensures His Safety and Comfort
Namaskar dostho! Odia Nana here.
Many of you know me for my bike rides and vlogs. You see me
enjoying the open road. But often, I am not alone. My brother, my sister or a
friend is sitting behind me. This person sitting behind the rider is called a
"Pillion rider."
Riding with a pillion is double the fun. You can share the
beautiful views and the joy of the journey. But, it also brings double the
responsibility. The bike handles differently. The weight is more. So, safety
and comfort for both of you become very important.
Today, as your Odia Nana, I will tell you some simple things
I always do when I have a pillion with me. If you are new to biking, these tips
will help you a lot. Remember, a happy pillion means a happy journey!
1. The Talk Before the Ride (The Most Important Step!)
Before I even start the bike, I have a small talk with my pillion. This is very, very important. They are trusting me with their safety. So, I make sure we both understand the rules.
I tell them simple things like:
- "Sit
straight and hold me tight." I tell them to hold my
waist or hold the grab rail behind them. They should not hold my
shoulders, as it can push me forward.
- "When
I lean in a turn, you also lean with me." They
should look over my shoulder in the direction of the turn. This helps the
bike stay balanced.
- "Keep
your feet on the footpegs always." Even when we are
stopping at a signal, their feet should stay on the pegs. I will tell them
when to get off.
- "No
sudden movements." I tell them not to make
any sudden moves. If they need to adjust their seat or point at something,
they should tell me first.
This small talk makes my pillion feel safe and confident.
They become a part of the ride, not just a passenger.
2. Checking the Bike – Our Trusty Steed
A rider is only as good as his bike. For Odia Nana, the bike is like a family member. When I have a pillion, I take extra care to check the bike.
Here is my simple check-list:
- Tyre
Pressure: With two people, the bike carries more weight. So,
I put a little more air in the tyres than I do when I ride alone. I check
the pressure to make sure it is correct.
- Suspension: Most
bikes have adjustable suspension. I make it a bit stiffer when I have a
pillion. This stops the bike from sinking too much at the back and keeps
the ride smooth.
- Brakes: I
check both the front and rear brakes. I make sure they are working
perfectly.
- Footpegs: I
check that both the rider and pillion footpegs are strong and not loose.
Doing these small checks gives me peace of mind. I know my
bike is ready for the journey.
3. Getting On and Off the Bike – The Right Way
Many people just jump on the bike. This can be dangerous. The bike can become unbalanced and fall.
This is what I teach my pillion:
- Getting
On: I always hold the front brake lever and keep the
bike stable. I tell my pillion to use the left footpeg. They should step
on it and then swing their leg over the seat. They should do this only
when I say "OK."
- Getting
Off: When we stop, I keep the bike steady with both my
feet on the ground and the engine on. I tell my pillion to get off from
the left side, the same way they got on. Only after they are safely off,
do I put the bike on its stand.
This simple habit prevents many small accidents.
4. The Art of Riding with a Pillion
Now, the actual ride begins. Riding with a pillion is different. You have to be much smoother.
- Starting
and Stopping: I start the bike very slowly. I accelerate
gently. When I need to stop, I start braking early and slowly. No sudden
brakes! This keeps my pillion comfortable and prevents them from hitting
their helmet against mine.
- Taking
Turns: With extra weight, the bike turns differently. I
take all turns a little slower than I would alone. I tell my pillion to
relax and lean with me.
- Looking
Far Ahead: I always keep my eyes on the road far
ahead. I look for bumps, potholes, or any obstacles. This way, I have
enough time to slow down or avoid them smoothly. A smooth ride is a
comfortable ride.
For Odia Nana, the safety of my pillion is my biggest prize.
It is not about speed; it is about the smile on their face after a wonderful
journey.
5. Comfort is Key
A comfortable pillion is a happy pillion.
- Breaks: On
long rides, I stop every hour or so. We can stretch our legs, drink some
water, and relax.
- Communication: I
set up a simple way to talk. A tap on the left shoulder could mean "I
need a break." A tap on the right could mean "Slow down."
This helps a lot.
- Luggage: If
we have bags, I tie them properly to the bike. The pillion should not be
carrying a heavy backpack.
My friends, riding with a pillion is a beautiful experience.
It is about sharing your passion. By following these simple steps from your
Odia Nana, you can ensure that every journey is safe, comfortable, and full of
happy memories.
So, gear up, talk to your pillion, check your bike, and hit
the road with confidence. Ride safe, ride smart!
Your friend,
Odia Nana.






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