A lap bar assembly with dual lap bar and grab bar functions. The assembly includes a locking mechanism and a lap bar pivotally mounted to the locking mechanism via a support shaft. The locking mechanism includes a ratchet wheel affixed to the support shaft. A pawl is pivotally supported within the locking mechanism on a pawl support axle parallel to and spaced apart from the lap bar support shaft. The locking mechanism includes a trip cam pivotally attached to the lap bar support shaft. The locking mechanism includes a cam follower that selectively engages the pawl. The locking mechanism is configured to automatically first lock in a first position (or ride position) with the pawl engaging teeth of the ratchet wheel and then second lock in a second position (or released position) with the pawl engaging the ratchet wheel on an uplock surface spaced apart the ratchet teeth.