Safety 

Safe Group Riding III Rivers UK Chapter

This brief guide is intended to help you get started and hopefully clear up some of the mystery. It is by no means a definitive handbook on the subject.

Many riders are somewhat intimidated and reluctant to participate in a group because they are not really sure how it is actually done. Having participated they become aware that there is a lot more going on than readily meets the eye.

Participating on a group ride is not the same as going for a ride with your normal riding buddies. The people you normally ride with are almost always compatible. After all, that is one of the main reasons you ride together. The objective of a group ride is for everyone to have fun, however the safety of the group is paramount and riders must be prepared to ride at the pace of the group.

Check the ride out notes in advance and decide if you wish to participate, you may not want a 200 mile round trip, or a 50 mile potter.

If you are unhappy during a ride out, speak to either a Road Captain or The Safety Officer at a scheduled stop.

In any event, it is hoped that the following guide will be of some benefit, making our ride outs more enjoyable, and safer, believe us when we tell you that these are only the basics.

Absolutely no warranty or liability is implied as to the contents of this document.

Copies must NOT be sold for profit, as the intent of this document is to help promote safety rather than profit!!

Disclaimer

Road Captains are all volunteers that have reached a certain high riding standards and are trained in First Aid. They are not mechanics, doctors, wet nurses or superhuman. It is your responsibility to ensure;

a)     The roadworthiness of your bike.

b)     You are competent to ride a bike.

c)      You know the current road legislation.

Absolutely no warranty or liability is implied as to the contents of this document

 

Rules of the Road

Roles and Responsibilities

Lead Road Captain - The Lead Road Captain (LRC) is responsible for setting an example for the group.

The LRC must exercise total control over their own riding preferences and follow the ride plan while simultaneously providing clear direction to the group, constantly monitoring the group for trouble, or any situation which could result in an unsafe condition. In short, the Road Captain must act in the most disciplined and safest manner possible.

The LRC always rides at the right front position so that they have the best view of the route of travel. Unless the road width reduces where they will use all of the road available and following riders will be in two rows riding in staggered formation.

The LRC sets the pace according to the ride plan, which should indicate a comfortable speed within the posted limit. Keep in mind that;

a)     A slow initial pace is needed after any stop so as to not create gaps in the group, and to avoid an ‘accordion’ effect.

b)     Riders at the end of the group may have to ride a little faster to ‘catch up’ if gaps develop in the main group.

c)      It is dangerous for the LRC to set too slow a pace, which impedes traffic causing frustration to other road users.

The LRC determines both the direction and lane of travel on a dual carriageway or motorway. The LRC is responsible for clearly and in a timely manner signaling all changes in lane use, direction, and hazards.

The LRC and Back Rider carry some basic “emergency” type equipment such as a first aid kit. Other items such as; flash light, canteen (water), mobile ‘phone, maps of the general area, basic tools, and whatever else is appropriate for the particular ride.

The next rider in line replaces the LRC in the event that they do have to drop out, until relieved by another road Captain. There must always be a competent person ‘in charge’ of the ride.

The LRC may deviate from the ride plan as covered at the pre-ride meeting if safety considerations so indicate.

 The LRCs primary objective is to ensure that the safety of the group. Any rider that rides in a manner deemed unsafe by any Road Captain will be asked to leave the group.

 

Back Rider – The Back Rider brings up the rear of the ride group.

The Back Rider always rides at the right rear position so that they have the best view of the group and route of travel.

The Back Rider maintains the pace according to the ride plan and the pace established by the LRC.

The Back Rider is responsible for determining when the group is ready to leave the start location, and any intermediate stops. They signal to the LRC to proceed and watch out for traffic until the entire group is underway.

The Back Rider is responsible for, and details assistance to, any rider that encounters problems and has to either slow down or drop out of the ride, the Back Rider will ask another Road Captain to stay with any rider who for any reason is forced to stop. No more than 1 rider should stop to help by providing assistance, as it is generally not safe for a larger group to park along the side of the road. If at all possible, the Back Rider will have a mobile ‘phone and the appropriate emergency ‘phone numbers to be used in the event of a breakdown or mishap (AA, RAC, HOG Assist etc.)

The next rider in line replaces the Back Rider if they have to drop out for any reason. There must always be a competent person in the Back Rider position. Consideration should be given to who is placed in position to replace the Back Rider.

Road Captain – A very large group may make it advisable to divide the riders into logical groups of motorcycles and assign one or more Road Captains. They function under the direction of the LRC, as leaders of their assigned group.

A Road Captain always rides at the right front position of their group so that they have the best view of the LRC, the riders ahead, and the route to travel.

A Road Captain in essence takes over as LRC for their group should the main group become divided due to traffic conditions, stop lights, stop signs, etc. They function as the LRC for their group and all other groups following them until they are able to rejoin the main group. All rules that apply to the LRC apply to the Road Captain while they function in that capacity.

Road Captains have responsibility for the following;

ü      Creating the opportunity and the road space required for other motorists to safely pass through the group in order to exit or enter the route of travel.

ü      Ensure that the traffic laws and safe riding techniques are being observed.

ü      Help break up, and re-form the group as a result of traffic lights, stops signs, traffic conditions etc. They should take over temporary leadership of any stray riders resulting from one of these conditions as soon as safety allows.

ü      Help pass all signals from the LRC to the following group of riders.

Participating in the Ride

All riders are responsible for their own safety at all times and will be required to ride in a safe manner or leave the ride.

Dress or pack according to the weather you may find on the ride or on the way home. Being uncomfortable from the weather will make you a less safe rider.

All riders are expected to insure that their bike is in a safe operating condition, full tank of fuel, and generally ready to go. It is no fun to crash because of a bad tyre on your bike or someone else’s machine. It is also very embarrassing to be asked to leave the ride because you are riding a rolling disaster and constitute a danger to everyone else. Additionally, the Back Rider will help you if you encounter problems during the ride (they don’t carry spare fuel, and are not fully trained mechanics). They may not be so inclined if you started out knowing that you had a problem.

All riders are responsible for knowing as much as possible about the route, times, stops, etc. They should arrive at the departure point in time to hear everything discussed at the pre ride meeting and to familiarize themselves with any maps or written instructions that may be provided. This contributes to a safer ride and adds to the enjoyment.

The normal riding formation will be the ‘staggered’, as it is sometimes known. This formation provides the best safety margin of reaction time and space as each rider only uses 1/3 (either left or right side depending on the stagger position) of the lane. Heavy, very slow traffic may require that you ride in a side-by-side column of 2’s for a very short distance. A staggered formation complete with a safe interval should be immediately adopted as soon as conditions allow.

Everyone should obey speed and traffic laws at all times. Additionally, remember that like it, or not, you are representing everyone on 2 wheels during a group ride. Be a courteous rider and give cars and trucks every consideration.

Riders should not speed up suddenly should a gap develop between them and the bike in front. Rather, they should accelerate slowly until they catch the bike up in front, and are back in position. This will help prevent the riders at the back from over reacting and possibly running into the group.

All riders must clearly signal the Back Rider if they decide to leave the ride for any reason. Don’t make the Back Rider wonder if you are having trouble and follow you to see if they can help.

Riders should signal a Road Captain when they have to pull over for an emergency. Remember; that it is normally the Back Riders responsibility to stop and offer assistance and that no more than 1 other rider should stop, as it is generally not safe for a larger group to park along the side of the road. The LRC will signal the group when it is safe to pull off the road, should it be necessary. Riders should not overtake the LRC without prior arrangement.

Formation Riding

General Guide

Staggered Riding – The lead motorcycle (LRC) should be in the right front 1/3 lane, the second motorcycle in the left 1/3 lane, and so on. Each rider should leave enough room for the motorcycle in front of them to make a left or right maneuver without danger of hitting the next motorcycle in line. Typically, you should leave a minimum of about a motorcycle and a half length between you and the next motorcycle in your (1/3) lane whenever possible. Another way of stating this is that you should have at least a 3 second interval between you and the next bike directly in front of you, and at least an 11/2 second interval between you and the bike to your left or right front. This time or distance interval is of course adjusted for speed and wet conditions.

Stay in line with the bike in front of you, and do not switch between left and right side of the lane, rather, pull past the motorcycle to your font left or right. The objective is to keep as tight a group as possible and yet have enough separation so as to allow for required safe manoeuvring room.

Passing Other Vehicles – Pre-position yourself for the pass by being far enough behind the vehicle you are going to pass to be able to see clearly down the road for an “oncoming traffic check”. Signal, mirror check, and then a head check of your blind spot, so make sure no one is passing you. Accelerate and change lanes, (remember that legally you aren’t supposed to exceed the speed limit).

When returning to your lane, make a mirror check and a head check, to be sure that there is sufficient space between you and the vehicle that you are passing, and anyone else that is also making a pass, before you move. Resume your lane riding position.

No more than one motorcycle should pass at the same time. Otherwise this could happen, the first rider overtakes, but there is not enough room for the second, hence they are left out to dry. Not a nice position to be in!

When Being Passed – Allow other vehicles to pass you safely if need be by slowing down and creating a gap so that they can pass the whole group in segments, rather than trying to make it all at one jump. Remember to keep checking your mirrors, Road Captains will often overtake to mark the route, give them room. There is not need to re-position for a Road Captain as this will result in everyone having to re-shuffle. Be aware that other bikers may overtake, give them room. If you don’t they will still pass when it may not be safe to do so. Passing or getting passed anytime can be a hazardous so use common sense and a safe approach.

Whilst riding you will see a number of hand signals used mainly by Road Captains but you are advised to learn these

Hand Signals

Hand signals should be simple, easy to learn and be kept to a bare minimum

Either the rider or passenger can relay the signal. As soon as you see a signal, you should give the same signal so the rider behind you can see it, when the phrase “1/3 of the lane” is used, it is referring to riding in the right or left track of the lane. These hand signals will not always be used by every group you ride with. The signals assembled here are offered as suggestions only.

“Start Your Engines”

To indicate that you’re ready to go, place your hand (right or left) on top of the windshield. If you don’t have a windshield, raise your hand. This tells the leader that your engine is running and you’re ready to ride.

Slow Down

Use either arm, straight down and palm toward the rear. Move your arm back and forth at the elbow.

Hazard on the Road

Point with left hand at the object. Sometimes in group riding, the road captain may wave his left arm back and forth above his head to alert the rest of the group. The Road Captain is the only person who should perform this maneuver.

Need Gas

When you need gas, point at the gas tank.

Need Food

When you need a food or a break in general, point at your mouth.

 

Formation Riding

Staggered Riding

The lead motorcycle should be in the left 1/3 of lane, the second motorcycle should be in the right 1/3 of the lane, one second behind the first rider, and so on Leave enough room between each motorcycle so that any rider can manoeuvre to the right or left without hitting anyone else. Always stay in line with the bike in front of you. Do not switch between the left and right side of the lane.

Single File Riding

All motorcycles ride in a single line, two seconds behind one another, in either the right or left third of the lane. The lead rider determines on which side of the lane the group will ride.

General:

YOU are responsible for your own safety!

Obey the traffic laws

Ride in a staggered formation wherever possible

The Lead Road Captain (LRC) will make all decisions concerning route, speed, lane of travel etc. These are not suggestions, follow the LRC, or leave the ride if you feel your safety is at risk. You don’t have to follow the LRC if you feel unsafe, but don’t attempt to overtake him.

Be attentive to, and pass back to the next rider, all signals from the LRC.

If you fall behind the back rider, they will find out your problem and help if they can

Please extend all safe courtesies to motorists sharing the route of travel.

AND MOST IMPORTANT – RIDE SAFE & HAVE FUN!!

 

Martyn Coote

III Rivers UK Chapter

Ride Safely, Be Courtious!