Skip to main content

Motorcyclists

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars, which makes riding riskier. Riders and passengers must use proper protective equipment and ride with care to reduce danger.


  • You must wear an approved safety helmet when riding. Passengers must also wear helmets. [1]
  • You must not carry more than one passenger. [2]
  • You must keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling. [2]
  • You must obey traffic lights, signals, and road signs just like other drivers.

Good Practice

These are steps riders should follow:

  • Protective clothing: Wear sturdy boots, gloves, and bright or reflective clothing to improve visibility.
  • Lane position: Keep a safe, visible position in your lane. Avoid riding in drivers’ blind spots. See Lane Discipline.
  • Distance: Maintain a safe following distance — motorcycles stop more quickly than cars, but are less stable in wet or rough conditions. See Speed.
  • Awareness: Watch for hazards like potholes, oil spills, and wet road markings, which are especially dangerous on two wheels.
  • Signalling: Give clear, early signals before turning or changing lanes.

Special Considerations

  • Riders should take extra care in rain or at night when visibility is reduced. See Low Visibility.
  • Motorcycles are harder for other drivers to see — assume you are not visible until you make yourself obvious.
  • Carrying children is dangerous — if unavoidable, ensure they are properly seated with helmet and secure footrests.

Exam Pointers

  • You must know that helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger. [1]
  • You must remember: only one passenger allowed, and both hands must stay on handlebars (except to signal). [2]
  • Expect questions like: “What protective gear should a motorcyclist wear?” → helmet, boots, gloves, bright/reflective clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both the rider and passenger have to wear helmets?
Yes. The law requires every rider and passenger on a motorcycle to wear an approved helmet. [1]
How many passengers can a motorcyclist carry?
Only one passenger is allowed, and they must wear a helmet and sit properly. [2]
Can I ride with one hand on the handlebars?
No. You must keep both hands on the handlebars except when giving a hand signal. [2]
What protective gear should motorcyclists wear besides helmets?
Strong boots, gloves, and bright or reflective clothing. This improves protection and visibility. See Vulnerable Users.
Why is lane discipline important for motorcyclists?
Motorcycles are less visible. Keeping a safe position in your lane makes you easier to see. See Lane Discipline.

Footnotes

  1. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 77 — Every rider and passenger on a motorcycle must wear a protective helmet.
  2. Bahamas Highway Code, Section 12 — Riders must not carry more than one passenger and must keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling.
What do you want to do?
Which problem did you find? (tick all that apply)