GROUP Riding

by Joe Ligori

Riding in a Group can be a lot of fun if we all follow some guidelines for Safety. Riding in a group IS DANGEROUS, and requires that we ALL pay attention to our riding while in the group formation. I'll outline some of the more important 'Rules of the Road' so that everyone can understand what's expected. If we all understand and follow the same guidelines then we can continue to have enjoyable SAFE rides together.

What I present here is MY perspective on what should be done to create a safe ride and how the riding should proceed to enable everyone to have fun while still riding in a safe and sane manner. I am NOT the definitive authority on Group Riding, but neither do I know of anyone who is. Most of my perspective comes from my personal experiences over the past 6 years of being involved with group riding. In my dealings with different ‘clubs’ and groups I found GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Assn.) to be the most intent on safety and training. Their concept of using communications via CB radio and limiting group sizes to no more than six (6) bikes was unique when compared to all the other clubs and groups I have ridden with. Although I subscribe to that methodology as being well founded and having many advantages, I do not see other groups adopting these practices. Most ‘Cruiser’ groups do not have CB radio nor do they want to break off into small groups. For that reason, I have tailored my guidelines below to be aware of how a ‘Cruiser’ group would ride. Personally I do not like CB communication, but I do feel that communication when riding in a group has a very positive influence on the ride. I also feel that breaking into groups of 5 or 6 bikes makes a lot of sense. Here are a few reasons why I like that idea.

1. Its easy to get 5 or 6 bike through a stoplight or left turn.
2. Each group may ride at their own pace giving faster riders and slower riders a more enjoyable ride when they group together,
3. You’ll find that you’ll rarely be waiting at the side of the road for a few bikes that didn’t make the light or a turn.
4. Gas stops are much quicker and you can get back on the road quickly or lay back and relax some depending on what your small group wants to do.

Although those are all advantages and also feel there are many more, there is the disadvantage that you need more people capable of becoming Road Captains and Tail Gunners (although I feel its easier to do either job for only 5 bike rather than 12 bikes).

Again, my guidelines below do not assume these smaller groups, but more so assume the larger group rides.

Remember, I am only presenting this as MY VIEW of how things should work. I welcome any comments, additions and even disagreements and I realize that everyone has their OWN opinion of what IS safe.

The Road Captain

The Road Captain is the person leading the group. You should always follow his/her lead UNLESS you feel it would create an unsafe condition. Do not attempt to pass or interact with the Road Captain during the ride UNLESS there is an emergency situation that he/she should know about. Be aware that the Road Captain can ONLY SEE BACK ABOUT 4 or 5 BIKES. Therefore, YOUR help is needed by the Road Captain to keep the entire group organized and safe. Please read all of the information below SO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO when riding in a group. If EVERYONE follows the same guideline the group ride will become a safe ride, HOWEVER, if even one person shirks his/her responsibilities then the entire group could be in jeopardy.

Riding Staggered

Riding in Staggered formation is the normal mode of riding. Staggered formation means that a Single lane is divided into 3 sections. The three sections are the 'Left Track', 'Center or Middle Track' and the 'Right Track'. You could think of these as the 'tracks' that an automobile would create in the lane, with its driver side wheels in the left track, passenger side wheels in the right track and center track directly underneath the car. (See the Diagram Below)

Staggered formation has the Lead rider (The Road Captain) in the Left Track, the second bike in the Right Track and the third bike in the left track, and so on down the row of bikes in the group. In this formation you should be 2 SECONDS behind the bike directly in front of you. If you are the Third bike, for example, you should be 2 SECONDS behind the Road Captain (both of you in the Left track of the lane). You should also be 1 SECOND behind the bike 'Staggered' in front of you. Again, if you are the Third bike you should be 1 SECOND behind the Second bike in the group. YOUR SPACE is all of YOUR TRACK and into the 'Center Track'. You should not encroach beyond that, however should you need to (FOR SAFETY REASONS) you may use the entire lane to position MAKING SURE the bikes in front and behind are staggered correctly and you will not interfere with their travel. When using the lane outside of YOUR track, be sure there is good reason to do so and do so for ONLY the time it takes to put you in a safe position. When it is 'clear' immediately return to your track.

You should be INTIMATELY AWARE of the TWO bikes in front of you (both the bike DIRECTLY in front of you, and the bike staggered in front of you), AND THE BIKE BEHIND YOU. You do not need to concern yourself with other bikes in the group, only these three bikes. Pay attention to your distance and maintain the 1 Second and 2 Second interval as described above. ALSO PAY ATTENTION TO THE BIKE BEHIND YOU. This is the bike 'Staggered' behind you, which should be easily viewed in one of your rear view mirrors. IF THE BIKE BEHIND YOU IS GONE ..... Something is WRONG!!! IF THE BIKE BEHIND YOU IS FALLING WAY BEHIND you ..... Something may be WRONG!!! In either case, slow down until the bike behind catches up or you see that bike stop. If the bike behind you is GONE or it STOPS to the side of the road, PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP *** BUT ONLY WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO ****. This should cause a chain reaction so that ultimately the Road Captain will see the problem.

While riding the Stagger MAY CHANGE. If you find that you are no longer in staggered position, PUT YOURSELF INTO CORRECT STAGGERED POSITION by moving to the proper Track of the lane when it is safe to do so. Everyone behind you should then be shifting also. Again, remember that you ONLY need to view the two bikes ahead of you to determine your Staggered position.

Some groups may 'Lead from the Rear'. This means that the Tail Gunner may initiate a lane change that works from rear to front. In this case YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE BIKE BEHIND YOU. If you see the bike behind you lane change along with the group behind you, then CAREFULLY indicate your lane change and follow suit when it is CLEAR and SAFE to do so.

STAGGERED HAND SIGNAL

RIDING SINGLE FILE

Single file is used when the group rides on narrower, two lane roads especially where curves are present. This gives each rider the full lane for maneuvering the difficult road. A TWO (2) second interval should be maintained between bikes. Single file may also be called when riding in difficult or dangerous situations such as construction zones.

SINGLE FILE HAND SIGNAL

Riding at Your OWN Pace

You should ALWAYS ride at a pace/speed that is safe for you and does NOT exceed your abilities. If you know you are a slower rider you should position yourself towards the back of the group. You should not, however ride so slow as to slow the entire group down. If the group is riding too fast for you to safely ‘keep up’ you should think about ‘OUTRIDING’ (see below), or make it a point to improve your riding skills. If the group continually rides above your comfort level you should think about finding another group to ride with.

Although many feel that ‘the group’ should only ride to the speed and ability of the ‘slowest’ rider, in my opinion that is not always a good practice. A group riding TOO slow can be just as dangerous as a group riding too fast. If a group continually slows its pace for the less experienced riders it will also tend to loose the more experienced riders who will not enjoy the slower pace. Trying to find a happy medium is desired, but not always possible. This is also a reason that I advocate small groups of 5 or 6 riders to enable each group to go at its own desired pace. This would allow faster riders to group together and slower riders to group together.

In all cases – if you find the pace uncomfortable for you BRING IT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE ROAD CAPTAIN as soon as possible.

Passing Within the Group

In general, passing another rider within the group is not allowed. However, there may be times when it makes sense to do so. You may allow the rider behind you to ‘move up’ to the position ahead of you by ‘Waving the rider up’. This is done by using the left hand in a sweeping back to front motion indicating to the rider that it is safe for him/her to pass on your left side. If using this maneuver, move to the right so the rider may pass on your left side. If you are a rider moving up, be sure to move up on the rider’s left side ONLY when you are waved ahead. BOTH riders must make sure that conditions are SAFE to do so. A rider, who finds himself/herself lagging behind the rider in front, may use this method to allow faster riders to move up, thereby moving themselves further back into the group. Do not attempt to wave the tail gunner up, UNLESS you really want to become an OUTRIDER (see OUTRIDING below).

BLOCKERS

Although I do not advocate ‘Blockers’, we many times have blockers on our rides. Blockers are one or more bikes that will attempt to ‘Block’ traffic on behalf of the group. An example would be when we are leaving through a driveway onto a busy street (such as leaving Mission Yamaha). The Blocker will place his bike in the lane(s) of traffic attempting to stop traffic so the group can proceed all together and not get separated. This may also be done at intersections and turns.

Personally, I feel that this is NOT a safe practice, AND it is not legal. Be sure that when a ‘Blocker’ is out that you STILL OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS. DO NOT run through stop signs or red signals. BE SURE your path is clear. Even if a blocker is out, many motorists will IGNORE the blocker and try to get around the blocker.

REMEMBER that a blocker does NOT give you any special privileges, you must still conduct yourself lawfully and SAFELY.

There ARE times when BLOCKERS are legal. When the group is involved in a ‘parade’ or police sanctioned and escorted ride you may have ‘LEGAL’ blockers. Most times these will be uniformed police officers. In these cases they ARE legal, BUT you must still be concerned for your safety. You may now go through posted stop signs or red signals, however you should watch out for your own SAFETY.

OUTRIDING

Outriding is a case where you want to ride where the group is going, BUT DO NOT WANT TO RIDE IN THE GROUP FORMATION. This is perfectly OK and allows everyone to 'Ride their own ride' if they choose to do so. Just inform the Road Captain that you will be riding OUTSIDE the group and be sure the Tail Gunner knows also. You are then free to ride BEHIND the Tail Gunner (Give about 2 car lengths distance) and are NOT subject to any of the group rules. You are ALSO on your own and should be ready to take care of any mishap or breakdown on your own. IF THE ROAD CAPTAIN feels that someone is unsafe for the Group or cannot follow proper group riding technique, then the Road Captain may ask that person to OUTRIDE. Please respect the Road Captain's decisions. He/She is responsible for the entire group. As an alternative you may also ride ahead of the group should you wish to travel at a pace faster than the group is going to travel. Again, you will be on your own, outside the group and can meet at the next pre-determined stop.

The Tail Gunner

The tail gunner has a great deal of responsibility to the group. He/she has to protect and guide the entire group from the rear AND must deal with any problems that may occur along the way. It is important that the tail gunner be highly skilled and have a good deal of experience in group riding. It is the tail gunner’s responsibility to keep an eye on each rider in the group and to monitor their riding. If he/she feels a rider is having any kind of problem the tail gunner will take action to find out what the problem might be and to take whatever action necessary to keep the group riding in a safe manner. The tail gunner may ALSO ask a rider to OUTRIDE for the safety of the group. The tail gunner and the road captain will work together as a team to insure the safety of the group. It is preferable for the road captain and tail gunner to have radio contact (See RADIO COMMUNICATIONS below), however that may not always be the case.

Should any rider fall out of the group for any reason such as equipment failure, a fall or accident, or any other problem, the tail gunner will give aid and take necessary action. If a rider is hurt, injured or needs help in any way the tail gunner will take immediate action and also make every attempt to get word to the road captain that a problem exists.

If the group becomes separated the tail gunner may lead the left behind group and may have to do so until meeting up with the original group at the next designated stop. In this case the tail gunner will become a ‘road captain’ to the smaller group and will assign a tail gunner temporarily.

The tail gunner may have to ‘Send Someone Up’ to inform the road captain of a problem he/she may be unaware of. This can happen easily when the group exceeds 5 or 6 bikes. The tail gunner should choose carefully among the available riders to ‘Send that Rider Up’ to try to relay a message to the road captain. That ‘sent’ rider should make every attempt to ‘catch up’ to the road captain, BUT MUST DO SO IN A LAWFUL AND SAFE MANNER.

Be aware that a tail gunner MAY HAVE TO escort a rider home or to a safe place while the rest of the group continues on. When this occurs the road captain will assign a new tail gunner and continue the ride (at his/her discretion).  The tail gunner is a very important role which you should be ready to fulfill if you take on that responsibility.

Radio Communications

There are many types of radios available for rider to rider communications. Each has different capabilities and properties (e.g. CB, FRS, Chatterbox). Radio communication should be used between the road captain and tail gunner if it is available. Having these two in communication with each other can greatly enhance the capabilities of guiding the group. There is a whole level of ‘etiquette’ that is beyond the scope of this document, but suffice it to say that the road captain and tail gunner should have a pre-determined method of communication that both understand.

When radio communication is used to guide the group there should be no unnecessary ‘chatter’ on the frequency / channel being used for the group leaders. Riders may listen in and may even participate, but must do so according to the etiquette prescribed by the road captain and tail gunner.

Leading A Ride – The Road Captain’s Duties

The main task in being a road captain is leading the group on a SAFE and enjoyable ride. First, and foremost, as a road captain you should be a skilled and experienced rider. Leading a group requires increased levels of concentration and awareness. You must KNOW where you are going. You should have pre-determined the route you will be taking. You should also plan stops for rest periods, food and most importantly GAS stops. Although most bikes are capable of 150+ miles per tank of gas, you must be aware that some bikes may only get about 100 miles out of a tank (or less). Plan your gas stops accordingly.

Lead the ride at a reasonable and SAFE pace. Try to be aware of all the riders in your group and try to keep everyone riding in a safe manner. Be sure to use hand signals (and turn signals) to keep your group aware. Use the ‘Staggered’ and ‘Single File’ hand signals when necessary. Pick your tail gunner WISELY. Be sure you can work with and have faith in the tail gunner you choose. He/she will be your ‘right-hand’ in managing the group.

Keep track of all riders every time you enter and leave a designated stop. If someone seems to be ‘missing’ find out why before proceeding.

Inform your riders BEFORE you begin the ride about where the ride is going and what ‘road rules’ you want them to follow.

If you have a breakfast, lunch or dinner destination in your ride you may want to call ahead for reservations or be sure there will be ample seating and availability.

DON’T try to show the group how fast you can ride. If the whole group is falling behind, you’re riding too fast. Find another group to lead.

DON’T lead your group into any situation that may possibly be UNSAFE.

DO take the time to plan your route. Rest stops (bathroom breaks), gas stops and food stops are key to having an enjoyable ride.

DO try to keep the group together, but ALWAYS in a SAFE manner.

A Few more GROUP Riding Rules:

·        We DO NOT own the road nor have any special privileges while riding in a group. (UNLESS we have official Police escorts for special events)

Things you Should Have on Every Ride

R I D E     S A F E