Problems of a pillion rider in two wheeler

Problems of a pillion rider in two wheeler

Coutsey: https://josephraffills.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/rider.jpg

Have you had the experience sitting in the back as a pillion rider in a two wheeler when some friend offers to take you? I avail such courteous help from many friends, on several occasions, especially when I am returning home after meetings in evening hours. In fact I look for such opportunities and ensure that some friend or the other is available to give me a lift. I would like to list out problems of a back seat rider.

1. If you have long legs you have to adjust your legs to a comfortable position, otherwise you will feel cramped and the ride will be painful. Long distance rides are no fun in an awkward position.

2. If the rider takes a sharp or close U turn, be mindful of your right leg lest it hits the divider or protrusions at the junction / turning point.

3. If the rider is driving too close to left side of the road, say along a wall etc be careful of sharp tree branches, especially those with thorns at eye-level.

4. In the middle of the roads there could be potholes which the driver may try to avoid or prefer to go right through. In the former your spine will be twisted, in the latter you will experience a bump and your mobile from your shirt pocket might jump out.

5. If he is a slow, steady and cautious rider he might wait and wait till whole traffic clears out and you will be tensed on getting home late – your bladder may be full.

6. If he is a rash & reckless, jolly go lucky, “won’t- mind- anything” type of a rider, then hold your life in your hand and become prayerful for a safe journey.

7. If your friend prefers to go in wrong side of the road or doesn’t wear helmet where it is a must etc then he may be cornered by traffic police and given a challan.  You have to wait patiently till he comes clear of the problem after bribing or paying fine.

8. If you are wearing slippers and vehicle is moving fast in heavy traffic, be careful – one of the slippers may slip away. It is awkward to walk with one slipper only.

9.  At times you may have to shield him from rain or hold the mobile when he is talking or pretend to be listening to what he is saying. Most of his speech will be washed away due to surrounding noise or strong winds before it reaches my ears.

10. Some kind-hearted friends would keep asking “Are you comfortable” and you should manage to be polite and keep saying “I am perfectly OK”  

May I end this article with a prayer that this does not reach any of my past or future benefactors till I write another article on the advantages and pleasures of a free ride?