Ride
Rules
The purpose of riding in an organized group
instead of an undisciplined pack is the additional safety that a
well-organized group inherently generates. This comes from
within the group and from the outside. When a group rides in an
orderly fashion, people don't get in each other's way, and the
organization of the formation itself discourages cars from
attempting to cut in.
I have even seen trucks move to the far
side of their lane to minimize wind blast when they see a
well-ordered formation. Once riding rules have been adopted by
the chapter, EVERYONE riding with the chapter is expected to
follow them. Anyone violating the rules, and compromising
everyone else's safety, will be warned, and if their actions
continue, will no longer be welcome to the ride with the
chapter.
The following rules are compiled from a
number of sources. Most chapters that ride in orderly formations
follow similar rules. Details may vary from one club to another,
sometimes because of the style of riding they do, or sometimes
because there are a number of reasonable options, so they chose
the one that they prefer.
1.
Formation:
Riding will be in a standard staggered formation unless the
leader calls for single file. In staggered formation, the bikes
form two columns, with the leader at the head of either the
right or left column. as he chooses. The second bike will head
the opposite, and will ride in view of the leader's rear view
mirror (and in the opposite side of the lane). The other riders
will position their bikes two seconds behind the bike directly
in front of them, which puts them one second behind the diagonal
bike. This allows ample time for any quick maneuvers or hard
breaking should such occur. This formation allows each rider
sufficient safety space, and discourages other vehicles from
cutting into the line.
2. Ride
Leader:
The Ride leader is responsible for the safety of the entire
formation. He must be aware of the length of the columns, and
must gauge the passing of merges, highway entrances and exits,
etc., to allow for maximum safety and keeping the group
together. He must make sure that he leaves enough time/space for
the formation to get into the appropriate lanes before exits,
etc.
All direction comes from the Ride Leader.
The Ride Leader makes all decisions regarding lane changes,
stopping for breaks and fuel, closing of gaps, turning off at
exits, any concerns of what lies ahead, accepting/rejecting
radioed messages from other individuals, and so on. NO
individual will assert himself independently without direction
from the Ride Leader to do so.
3. Tail
Gunner:
The Tail Gunner serves as the eyes of the Ride Leader. He
watches the formation, and informs the Ride Leader of any
potential problems within the group. He watches other vehicles,
and informs the Ride Leader (and anyone else with radios) of
hazardous conditions approaching from the rear, such as vehicles
trying to cut into the formation and trucks passing with
potentially dangerous wind blasts. He will watch for merging
lanes, and will move into a merging lane (or stay in a merging
lane just vacated by the group) in order to "close the door" on
other vehicles that may otherwise find themselves trying to
merge into the formation. At the Ride Leader's request, the Tail
Gunner changes lanes before the formation, to secure the lane so
the formation can move into it.
4. New
Riders:
The position of new (inexperienced with GROUP riding) riders
within the group is significant. New riders should be positioned
as close to the back as possible - close to the tailgunner and
shepard.
5. Lane
Changes:
All lane changes start with a radio request from the Ride Leader
to the Tail Gunner. The Tail Gunner will (when it is safe to do
so) move into the requested lane and will inform the Ride Leader
when the lane is clear.
6.
Emergencies:
In the unlikely event of an emergency situation, the Ride Leader
will make every attempt to move the formation to the shoulder in
an orderly manner. If a bike breaks down, let the rider move to
the right. DO NOT STOP. The Tail Gunner will stop with the
problem bike. The Ride Leader will lead the group to a safe
place.
7. Hand
Signals:
Each rider (and passenger) should duplicate all hand signals
given by the rider in front of him, so that the signals get
passed all the way to the back of the formation. The following
signals are used in addition to the standard (right turn, left
turn, slow/stop) hand signal.
Block Lane Change
The Ride Leader (after having the Tail Gunner secure the lane)
raises his left arm straight up. Each rider repeats this signal.
Then, as the leader lowers his arm to point to the lane into
which he's moving, he actually initiates the change. All other
riders lower their arms at the same time and change lanes too.
Fill in from rear
After having the Tail Gunner secure the lane and putting on his
directional signal (which is repeated by each rider), the Ride
Leader raises his left hand to his shoulder and "pushes" his
open hand toward the lane into which he wants to move. This
signal is repeated by all riders, and each rider in turn,
rearmost first, moves into the space ahead of the riders behind
them.
Single up
When conditions warrant single file (narrow road, anticipated
wind blast from trucks, obstruction, pedestrians, etc.) the Ride
Leader will raise his left hand straight up, holding up just his
index finger. All other riders will repeat this, and the two
columns will merge into one.
Staggered Formation
After singling up, when single file is no longer necessary, the
Ride Leader will raise his left hand with the thumb and pinky
out, other fingers closed, rotating his wrist back and forth
(indicating left, right, left, right). All other riders will
repeat this and resume staggered formation.
Tighten Formation
When the Ride Leader thinks that the formation should be tighter
(bikes closer together) (usually after being informed by the
Tail Gunner), he raises his left hand with fingers spread wide
and repeatedly close them into a fist. All other riders repeat
this and close up all unnecessary space in the formation.
Road Hazards
This is the one signal that can be initiated by ANYONE. Anyone
seeing a hazardous condition on the road surface (roadkill, oil,
gravel, significant pothole, etc,) will point at it. All
following riders will repeat this, and all riders will point at
the hazard.
Starting the ride
About five minutes before departing, all riders mount their
bikes and prepare for the ride. Riders of each group must know
where the group will stop for a rest and how long the ride will
be. It is always a good idea to go over hand signals with all
those participating in a group ride and make sure that everyone
understands them. All Riders must have completed a Chapter 302
Ride Waiver on file with the Chapter.
Officer Roles & Responsibilities
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