Carrying child pillions

[phlegmatical]

Whats everyone's thoughts on carrying child pillions? what sort of age did you first take your children on the back? My son is nearly 6 (but very tall for his age) and can reach the pegs so as i understand it he can legally ride but i wouldn't feel comfortable taking him further than up and down the cul-de-sac as I often do after cleaning the bike etc

[Brizzlerob]

I think that all comes down to a risk assessment doesn't it? Taking into factors such as maturity of the child, ability to support themselves on the bike, your riding style and capability, the roads and traffic on which you would be carrying them, the type of bike you have, weather conditions etc. I'm sure 6 years old on a bike been ridden carefully by a caring parent in good conditions on a nice bit of road wouldn't be unreasonable.

[Lonewolf]

I'm not sure if there is an age restriction on child pillions but personally I believe 6 yrs is far too young. How can a child of that age comprehend the dangers of letting go.....it doesn't bear thinking of.

[Nitty Gritty]

Hi Brizzlerob,
For me it would depend on the circumstances.
Where you're riding. Pottering around the garden I had one of my youngster on the tank of my Suzuki GSX many many summers ago. Other countries - the whole family on one small bike with the weekly shop. Around the UK probably not something I would consider until they'd reached the teen years. The main issue I would consider is - if they were struggling to stay on, for whatever reason, could they make you aware of their plight.
The law I believe, requires the pillion to be able to reach the foot pegs. Have a correctly fitting crash helmet and the parents permission, there is I beleive no minimum age limit.
Others on here will know the law far better than me, so any errors in my previous sentence feel free to correct me.
Nothing is risk free, especially motorcycling, expect the unexpected etc...
I can see the appeal of a motorcyle trip with a child, something for them to remember forever. To do a trip, you need to start somewhere, which might be a potter down your local street.

[Nitty Gritty]

Sorry Brizzlerob I just realised that phlegmatical started this post and I've incorrectly addressed my comments to you. OOPS!

[phlegmatical]

Just to clarify... I'm not going to take my 6 year old out on the bike for a while yet! I just wanted to know others opinions and experiences with children being carried and what age theirs first went on a proper ride. My son is very happy just going up and down the cul de sac as I mentioned.

If I'm honest I think after 5 minutes or so he would get quite bored just staring at my back. I am looking forward to taking him on a trip eventually though (whether he wants to go or not!)

As for the law I did ask when I took my test about 5 years ago and I was told that as long as their feet comfortably reach the pegs they can ride! I guess as you can't really see a rough age with a helmet on there's not much point in putting an age restriction?

[GTRpilot]

Took my son on my Blackbird to the 1st WW battlefield's of northern France when he was about 12. he was starting history lesson's about the period. He absolutely loved it. Also went to various WSB and BSB event's with him as pillion as well. Took my daughter from Cheshire to Devon to stay with relatives when she was about 14, again on the Blackbird. She wasn't impressed, especially the rain bit.