Tiger Tales 23: The Ins and Outs of Group Riding
By The Law Tigers
America’s Injury Lawyers Who Ride
The Ins and Outs of Group Riding
Riding with a group of friends can be an enjoyable activity that enhances your motorcycling experience. Whether there’s someone with whom to socialize at stops, help you with riding routes, or help you if ever in trouble, riding with others does provide numerous benefits. On the other hand, riding with a group that is inexperienced or has not developed proper group riding guidelines is a recipe for disaster.
If you happen to be the one planning and coordinating the group ride, have a pre-ride meeting to meet the riders beforehand. Find out about each rider’s experience and expectations. Sometimes the type of bike can provide an indication of the rider’s style or preferences. Try to make sure that each rider is using their own bike and that they have a minimum amount of experience with which you feel comfortable. Don’t hesitate to question a rider that you feel might be a danger to themselves or others. It only takes one inexperienced rider to cause a major collision.
Before your group ride begins, make sure that safety and cooperation guidelines are set. The ride coordinator, or ride leader, should be an experienced rider with excellent vision, depth perception and decision-making skills. Prior to your departure, ensure that your gas tank is full and that you provide your gas/mileage range with the ride coordinator. Once everyone has given the coordinator their ranges, refill and rest stops can be planned along the ride route. Always carry a map or route sheet that includes the agreed upon stops. If for some reason you fall behind or need to make an unexpected stop, you can eventually catch up with the group.
Each rider is responsible for the safe operating condition of their motorcycle. This includes making sure that the motorcycle is in optimum running condition and has the proper riding gear, including a first aid kit. It also means having the necessary training, skills, and experience to safely ride alongside others. Make sure to ride within your limits and avoid succumbing to peer pressure or being prideful.
Proper positioning and at least two – better yet, four – seconds of spacing are critical components to safe group riding. It isn’t advisable to ride side-by-side. Doing so decreases your space cushion, and should a hazard arise, reduces possible paths of travel and escape routes. Don’t follow any rider closer than the distance that rider is following the vehicle in front. Instead, the group should ride in a staggered formation. This allows the group to maintain ample space between one another, without creating a long single file line into which other vehicles may be tempted to cut.
Always use the following hand signals:
- right turn – left hand up
- left turn – left hand out
- object in road – foot pointing to obstruction
- slow down – hand up and down motion
- police officer – hit front or top of helmet or head!!
- Single file – one finger on top of head
On narrow, curvy and mountainous roads, as well as areas with limited visibility or loose surfaces, single-file riding is recommended. Remember that at least two seconds of spacing is still necessary and that more is required at high speeds.
As long as passing is completed safely on the left side and adequate room is given to those being passed, passing cars or other riders is fine. Each rider that’s passing is responsible for making sure that there is enough room to pass. Although the lead riders may pass more aggressively to ensure that they leave room for other riders to also pass, it’s the responsibility of the following riders to make sure that they have enough room before pulling out to make the pass. If a rider behind is crowding, move to the right and slow down, wave them forward, and let fellow riders pass. Although they are not respecting your space, it’s best to take the high road. Doing so could save your life and the lives of others.
This information is simply a rough guideline for a successful group ride. When planning a ride and participating in group riding, safety must always be considered a top priority. When all riders in the group have adequate experience and are well informed about the route and guidelines, the excitement and enjoyment that results will not easily be forgotten.
