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.
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.