Rider, sweet lover: road safety tips for you and your O.B.R.

One of the greatest ways to travel together and create memories is to ride with your official back rider, or O.B.R., but safety should always come first.  It takes responsibility, awareness, and preparation in addition to skill to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

Through its "Tropang MAALAM" campaign, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) reminds all riders that the first step to a safe and enjoyable trip with a passenger is adopting the proper habits. This is part of the MDPPA's commitment to road safety and responsible riding.  Knowing how to appropriately accommodate and protect your O.B.R. is essential, regardless of how long the road trip is or how short the city ride is.

Here’s a quick and easy guide to making every ride with your back rider safe, comfortable, and worry-free.

Two helmets, one safe ride

Your O.B.R.’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 O.B.R.’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 O.B.R.’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:

• Hands: Your passenger should wrap their arms securely around your waist, keeping their grip firm but comfortable.
• 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.
• Knees: Their knees should press lightly against your hips, helping with stability and reducing sudden shifts in weight.
• Feet: Always ensure their feet are firmly planted on the passenger foot pegs to prevent imbalance or accidental interference with bike controls.
• Mirrors: Adjust your mirrors after your passenger is seated to ensure a clear rear view despite the added weight.
• 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 onto your shoulders or arms (this can affect your steering). 
• Moving suddenly, which can throw off your balance.

MDPPA tip: Always do a quick “ready?” check before hitting the road to ensure your O.B.R. 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 O.B.R. signals to know:

• Pat on your side → “Slow down” or “I’m uncomfortable.” 
• Double tap on your shoulder → “I need to stop now.” 
• Thumbs up → “I’m good!” 
• Pointing ahead → “Watch out for that!”

Want an upgrade? If you and your O.B.R. ride together often, consider using Bluetooth intercoms for seamless communication!

Smooth moves! Ride with your passenger in mind

Riding solo is different from riding with an O.B.R.—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: 

• Accelerate gradually! Sudden speed changes can throw off your O.B.R.’s balance. 
• Brake gently and earlier than usual to accommodate the extra weight. 
• Take turns smoothly. Leaning too aggressively can make your O.B.R. uneasy.

First-time back rider? Take them on a short practice ride before heading on a long trip. 

Gear up, love up

Riding gear isn’t just for you—your O.B.R. 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)
• Pants and closed shoes (no shorts or slippers—safety first!) 

If you wouldn’t let your O.B.R. go out in bad weather unprepared, don’t let them ride without proper gear! 

Safety first, romance second

At the end of the day, the best way to show love 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.

About MDPPA

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) 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. Among the many goals of MDPPA is addressing the global industry gaps in road safety, regulation compliance, environmental protection, technology, and innovation through active consultation, representation, and communication with various stakeholders.