Group rides are a fantastic perk for the biker community. They are thrilling and fun, but in order for them to be safe, you need to know certain group riding rules and general moto etiquette.
Group motorcycle riding rules
Choosing the leader
The first rule of a safe and fun group ride is choosing a ride leader. Usually, it is the most experienced biker from the group. Then, a second most experienced biker is chosen for the role of “the sweep” or secondary captain who shall bring up the rear. Once they are set, you can jump to the following rules.
Communicating main points before the ride
Communication before and during the ride is crucial for both fun and safety. Discussing the route, stops, and any details of the trip is preferable before the ride. In such a way, all participants will be able to focus on the road rather than guessing where they need to turn or slow down.
Communication during a group ride
Naturally, during the ride, you won’t be able to communicate verbally. For convenient communication, bikers use hand symbols. You can create your own, but it’s better to stick to the traditional bicycling hand signals. The signals comprise everything a leader of the group needs to communicate to the members:
- Speed up
- Slow down
- Follow me
- You lead
- Hazard in road
- Single file
- Double file
- Comfort stop
- Refreshment stop
- Pull off
- Cops ahead
- Fuel up
Learn formation etiquette
For the group’s safety, everyone must know the basic formation etiquette that implies that the leader rides in front to the left side of the lane. The second member rides one second behind the leader on the right side of the lane. The third member of the group rides directly behind the leader, with a distance of about two seconds. It is a great formation that enables everyone in the group to maneuver freely, even laterally.
If your group has less experienced riders or those who have slower reaction time, give them more space for maneuvering, i.e., take a bigger distance. Also, remember that a group ride is not a race. So, do not speed up and try to keep a common pace. Just enjoy the company and surroundings – you will have time to speed up in other circumstances.
Discuss actions in variations or unexpected situations
Some riders may want to leave the ride earlier, and the group needs to know that in advance. The details should be discussed at the pre-ride meeting, where you will also talk through the actions of the group in any unexpected event.
For instance, if someone leaves the formation, others should tighten up, and the following biker needs to take the place of the one who left without overtaking anyone. If someone lags behind, a group slows down to let them catch up. Communicating these details is crucial before the ride.
Pack for the trip
Check the weather forecast before the ride so you can take the necessary gear with you. For example, if there is a high risk of rain, you should definitely pack a waterproof rain suit. Besides, you should certainly have a first aid kit or find out whether someone from the group has prepared the kit for everyone. Motorcycle accidents can become very serious very quickly, according to the Insurance Information Institute. So it’s better to be fully prepared. And, of course, everyone should have their cell phones at hand and fully charged so they can call for help if anything happens, find the nearest service center, connect with other bikers or get the information you need – all this can be done with the best application for motorcyclists and bikers CryptoMoto.