Biker tips: Safety importance of grab handles

A motorcycle is a complex, top-heavy device always trying to succumb to gravity. A passenger on a two-wheeler further raises the odds in gravity's favour. An uncomfortable, twitchy passenger ensures gravity helps you all the way to the hospital bed.

A grab rail or handle at the back of a bike helps a passenger hold on securely. Sounds obvious but why is it life threateningly important? An unsupported, uncomfortable passenger will slam into you when you brake hard or grab at your face, eyes, hair when you accelerate. Help them sit properly, have them make proper use of the grab rail. Inform your rider that they need to hold onto the grab rail. It's not just for their comfort but also for their safety.

In Bangladesh, pedestrians usually own the road or at least act like it. Buses, rickshaws, and other bikers will swerve into your path. As long as the passenger is comfortably and securely seated, you can concentrate on maneuvering.

Note: Some bikers remove the grab handle to create a sleek look. Don't! If you must, then change it to a sleeker design like the split grab handles found on new Pulsars and Yamahas.