Group Riding Tips

There are a number of factors that come into play when planning or participating in a
group ride. Here are some suggestions for making your rides safe and successful.

Planning the Ride

• It’s always a good idea to prepare a map of the route with all the
  stops indicated. If some bikes become separated from the group,
  they can “catch up” at the next stop

• If you’re not out for a scenic ride, plan the most direct route to an
  event or activity. Interstate highways offer the following advantages:

  • All traffic is moving in one direction

  • No cross-traffic or traffic lights to split up your group

• When there are three lanes, it is wise to travel in the middle lane.
  This allows faster traffic to pass and will also allow vehicles to enter/
  exit the highway more easily

• If you’re out for a scenic ride, be sure traffic conditions will allow it.
  For example, is there a county fair or car show in the area that day to
  complicate the ride?

• Plan stops to avoid gravel lots and left-hand turns. No one likes
  gravel, and in a group, it’s even less fun. Right-hand turns in and out
  of stops will help the group stay together

• Plan gas stops at least every 90 miles, so folks with smaller tanks can
  fill up and stay with the group

• If you have a large group stopping at a restaurant, call the restaurant
  far enough in advance to allow them to prepare for a large group

• If you expect a particularly large group and it’s possible to get a police
  escort or traffic control at the start/end of a ride or along the route,
  great! Otherwise, it is a good idea to at least inform the police
  department of your plans and perhaps drop off a map. Never block
  traffic yourself; it may be against the law!

Leading the Ride

• Choose and maintain a comfortable pace within the speed limit. Keep in mind
  that people at the end of the group may have to drive a little faster to keep up
  if there are gaps in the group. Remember, it also may cause a problem to
  drive too slowly. Drivers in vehicles behind the group may become impatient
  and try to get around the group
  
• Know the route well enough so that you can give the group plenty of notice
  that you are approaching a turn. Always signal your intention to turn or
  change lanes. If you find yourself at an intersection too quickly for the entire
  group to make the turn safely, continue until you locate a place where the
  entire group can execute the turn safely
  

Participating in a Ride

• Drinking and driving never mix. This is especially true when participating in a
  group ride

• Always ride in staggered formation; it gives you an extra margin for safety

• Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. For example, a bad tire
  could cause an accident on a group ride

• Being too hot or too cold can also affect how alert you are as a driver. Be sure
  to pack appropriate protective clothing, such as a long-sleeve cotton shirt (for
  protection from the sun), helmet, eye protection, leather jacket, gloves, etc.

• Always ride with your headlight on; it’s a law in most states. Cars have enough
  trouble “noticing” motorcycles; riders should do everything possible to help
  them out

• A group of motorcycles is not considered a single vehicle. Be courteous and
  allow cars to enter and exit the highway and change lanes. Generally
  speaking, a car will not want to ride in the middle of a group of motorcycles
  and will get out of the group as quickly as possible

• Familiarize yourself with the route and scheduled stops

• Arrive to participate in a group ride with a full tank of gas

Emergency Stopping

• Ride with a partner. In the event someone needs to pull over for an
  unscheduled stop, the partner should also stop in case assistance is needed

• It’s unsafe for a large group to stop on the side of the road. If someone needs
  to pull over, the remainder of the group should continue to the next stop. At
  that time, the group can decide to wait for the missing members or to send
  two riders back to assist. If the group has a standing policy to wait for a
  specified period of time, say half an hour, the members left behind will be
  aware that they can catch up. Again, all riders should have a map of the route
  so they can reach their destination on their own if need be

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 back. 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.