QUICK TIPS:  MSF’s Guide to Group Riding

Motorcycling is primarily a solo activity, but for many, riding as a group -- whether with friends on a Sunday morning ride or with an organized motorcycle rally -- is the epitome of the motorcycling experience.  Here are some tips to help ensure a fun and safe group ride: 

Arrive prepared.  Arrive on time with a full gas tank.

Hold a riders’ meeting.  Discuss things like the route, rest and fuel stops, and hand signals (see diagrams on next page).  Assign a lead and sweep (tail) rider.  Both should be experienced riders who are well-versed in group riding procedures.  The leader should assess everyone’s riding skills and the group’s riding style.

Keep the group to a manageable size, ideally five to seven riders.  If necessary, break the group into smaller sub-groups, each with a lead and sweep rider.  (Ride Captains will determine group size dependent upon amount of bikes)

Ride prepared.  At least one rider in each group should pack a cell phone, first-aid kit, and full tool kit, so the group is prepared for any problem that they might encounter. 

Ride in formation.  The staggered riding formation (see diagram below) allows a proper space cushion between motorcycles so that each rider has enough time and space to maneuver and to react to hazards.  The leader rides in the left third of the lane, while the next rider stays at least one second behind in the right third of the lane; the rest of the group follows the same pattern.  A single-file formation is preferred on a curvy road, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways, or other situations where an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is needed.

Avoid side-by-side formations, as they reduce the space cushion.  If you suddenly needed to swerve to avoid a hazard, you would not have room to do so.  You don’t want handlebars to get entangled. 

Periodically check the riders following in your rear view mirror.  If you see a rider falling behind, slow down so they may catch up.  If all the riders in the group use this technique, the group should be able to maintain a fairly steady speed without pressure to ride too fast to catch up.

If you’re separated from the group, don’t panic.  Your group should have a pre-planned procedure in place to regroup.  Don’t break the law or ride beyond your skills to catch up.

For mechanical or medical problems, use a cell phone to call for assistance as the situation warrants.

 

 

 

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.

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.

Always be gassed up before the ride begins.  Bikes with smaller gas tanks require more stops.  The Road Captain must take this into consideration when planning the route.  Inform riders of the designated stops to avoid any anxiety.

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 upfront…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. Ride as if your motorcycle were as long as the entire group.

If two groups merge, let the lead group lead.

Motorcycles with sidecars, trailers (and trikes) ride at the rear of the group

When riding in a group we must do it in a way that does not endanger anyone or interfere with the flow of traffic. The following are some general common sense rules followed by motorcyclist touring in a group. These rules are not hard and fast and each rider must understand that he is responsible for the rider and the passenger. Riders are responsible for the safe operation of their bike so they do not to endanger themselves, their passengers, or other vehicles on the road. All your driving maneuvers should be thought out, planned in advance, and communicated to the other members in the group. Never take a spontaneous action unless necessary to avoid injury.

Every Group Ride will have a Ride Captain, Ride Leaders (if necessary), and a Tail Gunner. The Ride Captain plans the ride and is always at the head of the group giving instructions and telling the riders the ride plans. The Ride Leaders, similar to Ride Captains, maintain lead of the smaller groups as needed.  The Tail Gunner is the last rider in the group and he tells the Ride Captain and Ride Leaders the status of the group and stops to assist any member who must pull over. Although not mandatory, the Ride Captain, Ride Leaders, and Tail Gunner should have CB radios to communicate with each other and the rest of the Group. Always check with the Ride Captain to find out which channel will be used for that ride.

  1. When traveling on a 2 lane highway with a group, motorcycles should split into groups of no more than 10 to enable cars to pass safely and give them a spot to pull in if necessary. (Ride Captain will determine group sizes dependent upon total riders)

 

  1. When crossing controlled intersections, motorcycles should pair up to reduce the length of time crossing and keep the motorcycles together. This should avoid anyone trying to play "catch up." Each rider is responsible to insure he can make a safe crossing before entering the intersection.

 

  1. The Ride Leaders should have a CB radio. This will enable the Leader to inform others of road conditions and keep in touch with the motorcycles in the middle and at the end of the group in case of problems. If the Rider Leader does not have a CB then the second bike should have one. Use of the CB should be kept at a minimum because it is the primary means of communication between the Ride Leader and the Tail Gunner.  CB radios are not mandatory to control a group but without one the Ride Captain, Ride Leaders, and Tail Gunner must be cohesive in their management procedures and hand signals completely understood.

 

  1. Those without a CB should be in the middle with a CB behind them and so they can pull off in case of trouble. This applies to inexperienced riders as well. If you do not have a CB you should learn, and use, the commonly recognized hand signals; i.e. speed up; follow me; single file; double file; hazard in road; pull off; headlight; fuel; food, coffee stop; comfort stop; you lead; come alongside.

 

  1. Each rider should observe, and constantly be aware of, the motorcycle in front and behind to be on the alert for any trouble.

 

  1. The Captain should inform the Group of the destination of the ride. This will avoid anyone stuck behind not knowing where to go.

 

  1. Never pair up during a ride, except at controlled intersections, and always ride in a staggered position using the 2 second rule. This keeps the group close and keeps each rider a safe distance from others ahead, behind and to the sides. Riding groups will leave more room for other motor vehicles to pull in.

 

  1. There will be no use of alcohol until after all motorcycle riding for the day has been concluded.

 

  1. Each rider and passenger should wear an approved helmet during Chapter and Club rides

 

  1. When passing vehicles, the Ride Leader should maintain passing speed until he has opened up room for the rest of the riders.

 

  1. Passing other members of the group is prohibited unless necessary.  If you do not like the position you are riding in then change it only at a rest stop.  If the staggered group has a position empty, the riders should pull up into those spots while maintaining their position in the lanes.  Switching lanes to fill the position can be dangerous and should be avoided.

 

  1. Always maintain a safe speed and keep a safe distance between motorcycles. If you feel uncomfortable in keeping the pace of the group (rain, wind, winding roads, steep grades, etc) mention it to the Ride Leader, call for a stop or let the group know you are going to pull over to the side and let the group pass by and then drop to the rear behind the Tail Gunner.

 

  1. If, and when, it becomes necessary for one motorcycle to stop, all other motorcycles are to proceed on until they reach the first available safe place to pull over. The Tail Gunner has the responsibility to pull over and assist the stopped motorcycle.

 

  1. If riding in a group and you need to stop for a rest or stretch your legs; or if you need coffee, food, or fuel; or if you need to make a comfort stop, let the group know your needs. Group riding is not an endurance test.

 

  1. If you have a medical condition which may affect your riding, require more frequent stops, or require you to take medicines (diabetes, seizure disorders, tired, etc.) please advise the Ride Leader.

 

  1. In the event of an accident, pull over with the group. Do not panic stop or rush to the scene. This may cause more problems.  Do not move an injured person or remove their helmet. Do not allow a tow truck to take the downed bike. Locate a safe place to leave the motorcycle until a motorcycle hauler can pick it up.

 

There is safety in numbers and group riding can be fun if we all obey the rules of the road. Common courtesy on sharing the road is important. Remember, you are responsible for the safe operation of your bike. No one else can accept that responsibility. These rules are not, and cannot be, intended to be all-encompassing and cover all aspects of group riding. These rules are intended to be suggestive in nature and have generally been found to work well. There is always room for common sense to fit any particular situation.