PILLION RIDING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17864, 4 June 1926, Page 9

PILLION RIDING.

To the Editor. Sir.—Pillion riding has been the subject of a certain amount of discussion of late and in support of the abolition of the by-law I w’ould like to say that there is no doubt a large number of solo motor-cyclists who would welcome the change. Certainly even now there are a great many who take a risk with the Magistrate and his staff and give a friend a lift occasionally. The danger of the practice is the main argument in support of the law, but to those who ride solo machines, it is common knowledge that the addition of a pillion passenger steadies the machine, makes the riding more pleasant and in fact, reduces the danger. Of course when “speeding” is indulged in, no matter what the vehicle or machine is, there naturally ensues a danger that is certainly evident. 55'hen a person is charged with pillion riding the Magistrate knows or is given to understand that so long as the road is straight everything is safe, but that the danger lies in turning a corner. Now with a passenger there is no difficulty in making the turn at a reasonable speed which every rider has an instinct to estimate. It certainly would be difficult to have a spill whilst keeping within the speed limits of the Christchurch City Council. In support of the argument there is much to be said—the unrestricted use of one’s own machine, the pleasure of excursions to the country with a pal, the evident safety of the practice when the driver is at all confident.

ours is an outstanding example of an upholder of a pie-historic law. The writer has himself practised pillion-riding and speaks from experience. 55'hat is more, when one has the responsibility of another's ilfe one is prone to be more careful and not to indulge in speeding, stunts, or anv other fancy touches usually attempted by the young bloods who should be prohibited from riding. If the Council must obtain monev, why not abolish the law and make such riding legal when the owner and rider of the machine has obtained a ticket of ability and paid whatever subscription would be necessary? This would make things freer and safer if it could be carried into execution. Motor-cyclists should combine and obtain what they desire, seeing that their demands are not so preposterous.—l am, etc.,