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Motorcycle (Group) Ride Rules/Observances
Group motorcycle riding is a great experience when
common sense, respect for other riders, and
safety
prevail. Please review
these riding rules and tips for your personal and group riding
safety.
Do not
mix alcohol and motorcycle
riding at anytime, especially when riding in a group.
No
attitudes
while with the group. A
diversity of people ride. Motorcyclists are very diverse. We just
share the love of riding.
Top-off your gas tank before
you begin a ride. Bikes
with small gas tanks have to stop more often. Decide
before
you begin when and where
you will stop. Inform everyone of designated stops.
Do a personal and bike
safety check
before beginning a ride.
Bikes should be in good running condition before riding (anytime).
Riders should wear
eye protection,
and a DOT/Snell certified
helmet.
This is law in many states.
Group Riding
Riders who choose to ride in a group must do just
that, ride with
the group. If a
navigational mistake is made (e.g., missed turn or exit), continue
with the group until the error can be
safely
corrected. It is
recommended to have Ride Captain(s) travel the route prior to a run,
thus, avoiding navigation mistakes.
As in the military,
formation
is mandatory. Two up is the
typical ride arrangement (riding staggered). The more experienced
rider should ride on the left…not the person with the biggest ego.
(Loud pipes on the right!) Motorcycles with a passenger should
ride on the right when possible. All
passengers
should know their riding
assignment prior to the ride. Alternate bikes for passengers should
also be chosen. New riders should never have a passenger.
Maintain approximately
two bike lengths
between bikes; weather and
road conditions permitting. If a vehicle wants to break through the
group on a multi-lane road, give them space to safely do so. Close
formation once the vehicle exits the lane. If the vehicle does not
move, cautiously and carefully pass to reform. Bikers do not own the
road. Be considerate of other vehicles. Give them space.
Novice and inexperienced riders
should ride in the middle
of the group until they are comfortable riding in a group. The Ride
Captain(s) or those who have ridden the route should ride up
front…again, not riders with big egos. Experienced riders should
also be the rear of the group…this is done to maintain order.
Know
hand signals,
and pay attention to them.
Signals
are passed back by every
rider so that everyone is informed. Be certain it is a real signal,
and not a wave
to a passing
motorcycle. Maintain a
steady pace
with as few (dramatic)
speed changes or sudden moves as possible. Changing lanes on a
freeway should be done from the rear then moving forward to the
clear lane.
Turns and Turning.
When turning left, the
right lead bike should safely block oncoming traffic. The group
should continue through a red light only if Road Guards have the
intersection secured. If Road Guards are not used, be sure the
riders behind you know that you intend to stop. When a single file
signal is given, the bike on the left proceeds (in front of) the
bike on the right.
Road Guards.
Blocking intersections is
risky
and very often, an unsafe
practice. However, an exception is an escorted ride. If you block,
review these:Road Guards should wear a brightly colored safety vest
to be more visible. Turn headlights toward oncoming traffic when
blocking, and use 4-way flashers. Urge riders to tighten up and move
as quickly as possible through blocked intersections. Have a
procedure for getting Road Guards to the front from the rear. Road
Guards should always be chosen from more experienced riders in a
group.
Rear Ride Captains should pull out and block the
lane before a group lane change occurs. When a lane change is
signaled, do not move until the rider in front of you moves.
The group should know who is blocking.
Do not follow Road
Guards! Caravan
vehicles should never block unless asked by the Ride Captain.
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