GREY-BRUCE MOTORCYCLE TOURING CLUB
Group Safety.
Safety is always the first and foremost consideration! Road rash or worse really takes the enjoyment out of any ride. Additionally, riding in an unsafe manner just about guarantees much lower turnouts for future events. Most riders are very quick to recognize when they are in an unsafe situation and will normally avoid them in the future.
Most of the "rules" that are discussed here are really aimed at keeping everyone (you too) as safe as possible. You really have to think about safety both in the planning and during the ride itself. Make sure you understand this before the start of the ride. Some examples of this are carry a First Aid Kit on the ride (if you have room to do so) and let everyone know who has it in case of need. Also, be aware of who has had any type of emergency training such as First Aid, CPR, etc.. You hope you never need this but then again, you never know.
Another point to consider is the possible physical limitations of the participants. Inform the group leader of any concerns you may have. There are riders that have night vision and/or other physical limitations that need to be considered. And no, I'm not referring to the ever popular T.B. (tiny bladder) problem that always seems to crop up 20 minutes after a breakfast or pit stop. However, even that needs to be considered. A rider that is uncomfortable or is seriously distracted by any physical condition is not going to enjoy themselves and will most probably not be as safe a rider. T.B. may seem a funny situation but not when they crash or run into the back of your high buck paint job because they were badly distracted.
ALL traffic and speed laws must be observed at all times. This needs to be repeatedly stressed. You would be surprised at how many riders think it is OK or even required to blast through a Red Light or exceed the speed limit just to stay up with the group. It is much better to get temporarily separated from the group than it is to end up as a Buick hood ornament. Methods that will allow temporarily separated riders to rejoin the group will be discussed. However, you need to realize that separated and even lost is much better than plaster of Paris, stainless steel bone pins, or skin grafts. Everyone on a group ride should remember that it is always better to drop out and go your own way if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe for any reason. You and you alone must be the only authority on whether you feel safe and you should act accordingly.
*REMEMBER! Too much following distance can be just as bad as, and frequently is WORSE than too little following distance. If the formation lacks uniformity in what we appear to be doing, then we don't "look" like we are "together" as a group. We become regarded as random individual vehicles in the traffic pattern, and not like a group or unit trying to function as one vehicle. Too much following distance INVITES cars into the formation, splitting it up in traffic. And if we don't control our lane space the cars WILL take it away from us. Be prepared! Non-motorcycling car drivers really do not understand what we do when we ride as a group or why. So, if a car starts to blindly move into or through the group - LET THEM IN. We can always re-form the group a little later down the road.
BE SAFE - Live To Ride and Ride To Live
#2 Group Riding Rules
Group Riding Information Following MSF guidelines, we ride in a "Staggered Formation." The following distance we use within the formation is based on the "2 Second Rule" of thumb. That is you should be two seconds back from the bike directly ahead of you and one second back from the bike diagonally ahead of you within the lane. When the bike ahead of you passes a given spot on the road, counting ‘ one one thousand, two one thousand’ should put your bike in the same spot.
FYI - the following distance in the MTO hand book for a school bus is 4 seconds.
This following distance is to provide a space cushion around each rider that gives each one in the formation enough time and distance to brake and/or swerve in case of a sudden, unexpected hazard that requires evasive action by any part or all of the group.
If you have ever had a vehicle pass, and cut in front of you on a club ride, then you have invited him into the formation by following too far back from the bike ahead of you.
If you have ever been surprised by a vehicle passing you, then you are not checking your mirrors often enough. It takes a vehicle approximately 3 seconds from the time he starts to accelerate to pass, until he comes abreast of the Sweep (the last rider in the group).
If you have ever had to brake hard to avoid running into the bike ahead of you, you are not scanning ahead. It is the responsibility of each rider to scan and not just follow the bike in front of him.
Footnote: If you are new to group riding or are uncomfortable riding in a group, please let Group Leader and /or Sweep rider(s) know. Excessive following distance defeats the purpose of maintaining an equally spaced staggered formation. It is much better for your safety and the safety of the group, that you ride individually 1/4 mile behind the group or travel on your own and meet at the destination. We want to encourage you to be comfortable about making that choice.
RIDE SAFE
#3 Group Riding Rules
Pre-ride
Always arrive one half hour before the departure time. Think about this, someone has planned a route, the stops, everything, and here you are late, and the parking lot is empty. The ride meeting is over, you know nothing about where they were going, or what route. If you want to be included, then get there on time. Arrive with a full tank, empty bladder and a bike with all safety features working. We suggest that you always wear protective clothing and helmet.
Group riding is disciplined riding and if following the rules of the group is not for you, then don't get in the group and meet everyone later at the destination. For those who do enjoy group riding, one slack rider, who does not keep the proper distance, either too close, or too far, can spoil their day
. Remember the two second rule. Two seconds behind the rider in front of you: one second behind the rider diagonal to you.
The size of the groups will differ due to various conditions and will be determined during the Pre-Ride meeting. The reasoning behind smaller groups is to allow a opening in larger groups for vehicles to pass The ideal group size for most rides will be from four (4) bikes to six (6) bikes in the lead group. Even numbers puts the second group leader in the left tire lane. As long as there are no vehicles wanting to pass we can ride as one group.
Positioning: The Ride Organizer will have all Group Leaders pull to an area where their groups will be able to form-up behind them. Riders without C.B.s will be placed directly in front of the Sweep giving them more opportunity to notice the hand signals of the bikes in front of them. If you have a "preferred riding location", like being on the inside or outside of the lanes, let the Group Leader know, during the pre-ride discussions. It's best to keep the groups an even number. The Group Leader is always in the left tire track and this would put the Sweep bike in the right tire track. The Sweep now has a better view of the Group Leader’s signals. In the case of more than one group the staggered position is maintained.
If your gas tank is smaller than the other bikes in your group, let the Group Leader know how many miles you can go before needing to gas up.
Road Captain- Group Leaders-Sweeps and Riders should all know their responsibilities . The safety of the group depends on them knowing and following the rules of group riding. Please read up on the responsibilities before a ride in case you are asked to be a Group Leader or Sweep. Do not volunteer for any of the above if you are not familiar with the rules as you are putting the safety of the group at risk
. #4 Group Riding Rules
BE AWARE! A group of motorcycles is a dynamic unit. It constantly changes from second to second as speeds, weather, traffic, and road conditions change, and as rider fatigue increases. When riding in a group you become a part of that unit, and your actions affect more than just yourself, they affect all those riding around you. Be aware of what's going on around you at all times. Stay alert and keep an eye on the Road Captain and those in front of you at all times. Be sure your bike is in good running condition BEFORE the run.
FORMATION Everyone must maintain a constant speed and distance from everyone else, without falling back and speeding up, to avoid the notorious "Slinky" effect.
Sweeps ride last in the column of bikes, followed only by the chase truck(s).
The Road Captain sets the pace. All traffic laws will be obeyed.
DIFFICULTIES If a bike drops out of formation the rest of the group will continue to follow the Leader. ONLY the Sweep stops and/or the chase truck. Anyone dropping out of formation should let the Sweep know if they DO NOT need help if possible. If you signal the Sweep not to stop, you are on your own until you rejoin the column. If your buddy drops out of formation, don't drop out with him. The Sweep and chase trucks will take care of the situation.
If the group gets separated due to traffic lights etc, the last person of the first group stops and waits at each turn or Y in the road until the separated riders catch up. This procedure continues at each turn until the group is reunited. Be aware of who’s riding behind you. If they are not behind you at a corner or Y you must wait till they catch up & see where we have turned..
SIGNALS Hand signals should be used by all riders, and should be passed along. This is far more visible than turn singles or break lights on the bikes ahead of you. It also informs the cars ahead & behind us of the groups intentions.
CHANGING LANES When the column is moving on a multiple lane highway and needs to change lanes into a faster moving lane to the left the column will do so starting with the hand signal The mechanics of such a change are as follows:
1 The Road Captain signals a lane change by raising his left arm indicating the left lane change.
2 When any passing traffic has gone by the Sweep, the Sweep will change lanes first, in order to “CLOSE THE DOOR” by moving into and securing the lane from following traffic.
3 When ALL passing traffic has gone by, the remainder of the column will change lanes from the REAR to the FRONT. Use your mirrors and check your rear quarter BEFORE changing lanes! Change lanes smoothly and give other riders plenty of space. This is not a race to see who can go sideways the fastest.
# 5 Group Riding Rules
When the column is moving on a multiple lane highway and needs to change lanes into a slower moving lane the column will do so starting with the hand signal.*Note, please, that this assumes that there is sufficient opening ahead of the car being passed.
1 The Road Captain signals a lane change by raising his left arm indicating the right lane change.
2 The Road Captain moves over 1st and maintains speed to increase distance between him & car being passed.
3 Column moves into new lane from FRONT to BACK with Sweep being last bike into new lane.
THE COLLAPSING LANE As just one more example of how an experienced Sweep bike can add considerably to the safety of a group ride, take the case of our Group riding along in the right lane and seeing a sign that shows that the right lane is about to be lost. Normally, the lead bike will position the Group so that they are in the remaining lane well before the other lane collapses. The danger, of course, comes when some vehicle tries to sneak ahead of the Group by racing along that collapsing lane and runs out of road. He has no alternative then but to jam his way into the middle of the Group.
An effective lead-bike/sweep-bike team cures this problem before it happens. As soon as the Group Leader realizes that the lane is going to disappear he will signal his intention to change lanes. The Group passes the signal back. The Sweep bike then 'closes the door' by moving into and securing the left lane as soon as it is safe to do so. Both lanes are now secured. The Group then starts to move into the continuing lane starting from the FRONT to the REAR as soon as it is safe to do so. The bike that was the second last bike is now the last/sweep bike in the disappearing lane. This last/sweep bike continues to block the disappearing lane till there is no chance of a car trying to pass the Group on the right before resuming his original position. As soon as the collapsing lane has disappeared, the Group is once again together.
If done properly the even numbered bikes will not cross the path of the odd numbered bikes. The order of changing lanes is bike #1 in the left lane moves 1st ,then #3 ,then #2, #5, #4 etc, etc. . This procedure cannot be practised so please memorize it. The first time YOU do it will be the real thing.
Hand signals should accompany turn signals by the WHOLE GROUP when ever possible. Hand signals are much more visible and informs all other traffic that; “we are a group and this is our intentions”
SOLO RIDING When not familiar with the road, Slow Down. Speed is still the #1 cause for motorcycle collisions. When approaching a vehicle facing toward you that is attempting to turn left, assume that driver does not see you and will turn directly into your path. When approaching the crest of a hill, especially on unmarked county roads, move to the right as a precaution. Check your mirrors every 3 seconds to avoid being in a collision or startled by a passing vehicle.
# 6 Group Riding Rules
STOPS & TURNS Always maintain the staggered formation to protect your lane. This is most important when there is no turning lane. When stopping at a stop sign or traffic light, right lane bike pulls up beside left lane bike and waits side by side. Pull-away procedure - 1st bike in left lane always leaves 1st followed by #2 bike in the right lane followed by #3 bike in the left lane etc. Try to stay in your own lane if possible.
If it can be done so safely, close up the spacing in towns where there are traffic lights to increase the chances of everyone getting through the light. Procedure at stop sign or lights: Group comes to a stop changing from staggered position to a side by side position. Follow “pull-away procedure” when it is safe to do so. Accelerate quickly to give room for the following bikes to get through the intersection before the light changes or traffic causes the group to become separated.
Procedure for left turn with no turning lane & no lights: Assuming we have to stop for oncoming traffic, group comes to a stop in the middle of the intersection changing from staggered position to side by side position. When it is clear to make the turn the above “pull away” procedure is used.
Right turn at a signal controlled intersection (red light or stop sign) with no right turn arrow.- The Road Captain (1st bike) will pull up to and stop on the line protecting the left lane. The 2nd right lane bike will pull up beside the 1st bike protecting the right lane. The 3rd left lane bike pulls up behind the 1st bike protecting the left lane. The 4th right lane bike pulls up beside the 3rd bike and so on etc..
Right turn with no turning lane, stop signs or lights: Maintain the staggered position as long as possible. Stay in your own lane if possible during the turn. Protect your lane at all times.
FOOD/FUEL STOPS Gas up before the run starts, and be sure that you have enough gas to reach the next rest stop. Everyone must stay together and stop at every scheduled fuel stop. Stops will be frequent enough, so that bikes with small tanks will not have to leave the formation . If you have five-gallon tanks, you should only have to gas up at every other stop. If this is the case, try to pair up with another bike with big tanks and alternate gassing up. This will keep fueling time to a minimum at any one stop.
At each stop along the way, follow the Road Captain into the facility. He will go by the fueling area to the staging area where he has chosen to form up the group for departure. If you need to fuel up, stop at the pumps, otherwise, fall in behind him and park. If he needs gas, he will go back after showing you where to form up.
As soon as you have gassed up, move your bike to the staging area. You should try to be in the same position in the Group for each leg of the trip. That way you get used to the riders around you.
When the Road Captain signals to start up to leave each stop, raise your hand when your bike is running, and leave it up until the road captain sees that you're ready! When leaving each stop, the column will go slowly until the Sweep signals to the Road Captain that everyone is formed up properly. Only then will the column accelerate to cruising speed.
UNSCHEDULED STOPS . If stopped by police, the Road Captain and the senior club officer present will deal with them. Unless specifically asked do not interfere. Stay with your bike.
#7 Group Riding Rules
Organizing a ride The ride organizer does not necessarily have to be the Group Leader. The ride route should be laid out in advance with noted gas and stop points and approximate arrival and departure time at each area. If the Ride Organizer is not leading the ride the Group Leader should have prior knowledge of the route. Everyone on the ride should be made aware of the ride route and destination, preferably in the newsletter. Map of ride could be available. Reservations for lunch and lodgings should be made in advance by the ride organizer. Group Leaders and Sweeps should be designated in advance , preferably with CB radios for each.
REVIEW OF RIDE PROCEDURES Group Leaders and Sweeps should be aware of (and/or made aware of) each rider's capability and adjust their riding strategies accordingly. Example , new riders may not , or should not , want to drive on major highways of the 400 series. Some riders may also not be able to , or prefer not to , ride in the dark. Riders without CB radios should be in the middle of the group , arranged in order of preferred ride position ( curb lane or inside lane etc )
The Group Leader should pull away to a staging position away from the other motorcycles to indicate where the group will begin the ride. Other riders going on the ride should fall into position behind the Group Leader in order as shown above.
The Group Leader should not depart on the ride until all riders have indicated they are ready by raising and holding their left hand in the air for the Group Leader to see. Groups should be no larger than 6 riders maximum when possible: Group Leader should use hand signals (and CB radios) to inform the group of accelerating or stopping to avoid a train car effect. Basic hand signals should be discussed before the ride , to refresh everyone's memory or to brief those not aware of the signals.
#8 Group Riding Rules
Twisties On mountain type roadways and on curvy roads, ride single file and each rider use the "line" that is most comfortable for him/her. Allow the bike in front of you a little more room but remain as a group. Resume the staggered formation, when the road straightens out.
Again, do not try to out ride your riding skills. If the bike in front of you is dragging his foot pegs in the curves, do so only if you feel confident.
In any group of riders there will always be a varying degree of riding skills. If you are new at group riding, ask someone who has been riding behind you, just how you have been doing. Hopefully, they will give you an honest answer. Like anything else, it takes practice to watch the motorcycle in front of you, the one in front of him, the one behind you and the one behind that one. You will soon get so that you are watching every bike, from the Group Leader to the Sweep.
Approaching the Crest of a Hill The group leader may move to the right lane, especially on unmarked county roads. As soon as he sees it is safe to do so he will return to his proper position. The group will be for warned by the group leaders actions if a vehicle is approaching on the wrong side of the road.
Rain or Fog The group leader will adjust their speed according to inclement conditions. It may even be necessary to pull over until conditions improve. The group leader will make this decision and pull off the road when it is safe to do so. If you are uncomfortable with the riding conditions, for your safety & the groups safety pull out of the group when it is safe to do so. If possible let someone know of your intentions You can rejoin the group at the next stop.
Final Destination If the Group Leader or the Sweep approaches you at a stop or final destination, remember, they have the group's best interest at heart, or better yet our safety. Listen to what they have to say, you may be in their place one day, and you'll want others to listen to you. Of course, they will be the very example of tact and diplomacy, when they critique your riding skills.
# 9Group Riding Rules
RESPONSIBILITIES ROAD CAPTAIN - The Road Captain or Group Leader is the leader of the ride. As the leader, he or she is responsible for setting an example for the group. The Road Captain 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 signals being passed forward, 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. Note - nowhere in the preceding description were the terms fastest or bravest used. These are terms reserved for racing which is absolutely another event altogether.
The Road Captain always rides at the left front position so that they have the best view of the route of travel & the group. The Road Captain sets the pace according to the ride plan which should indicate a comfortable speed within the posted limit. Keep in mind that (a) riders at the end of the group may have to ride a little faster to "catch up" if gaps develop in the main group, (b) it is also dangerous to set too slow a pace and impede traffic, and (c) a slow initial pace is needed after any stop so as to not create gaps in the group and to avoid an "accordion" effect.
No one is allowed to pass the Road Captain without prior agreement and only for a specific reason. Any rider that does pass the Road Captain without prior arrangement, or who rides in a manner deemed unsafe by the Road Captain is automatically off the ride and will be asked to leave the group. Safety considerations make this an absolute must.
The Road Captain determines both the direction and lane of travel on a multiple lane road or highway. He or she is responsible for clearly and in a timely manner signaling all changes in speed, lane use, direction, and hazards such as road debris, construction, broken or slick pavement, road hazards etc. Everyone needs to understand that the Road Captain will continue on to a safe turn around location should they miss or purposely go past a turn in the interest of safety. They should not second guess the Road Captain and start making independent decisions that can put both themselves and other riders in danger. Essentially the same rule as that stated for pace applies. That is, any rider that does not follow in the lane selected by the Road Captain is off the ride. The Road Captain must have the ability to pick the safest lane in traffic and to position the group in the appropriate lane for turns, stops, avoidance of road hazards, and when multiple lanes merge down to a single lane.
Again, safety considerations make this an absolute must. It is advisable for the Road Captain and Sweep Rider to individually or divided between them carry some basic "emergency" type equipment such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flash light, road flares, canteen (water), portable phone, maps of the general area, basic tools, and whatever else is appropriate for the particular ride.
The Road Captain is replaced by the next rider in line if they have to drop out for any reason. There must always be a competent person in charge of the ride. Consideration should be given to who is placed in this secondary position. The Road Captain may in fact deviate from the ride plan as covered at the pre ride meeting if safety considerations so indicate.
# 10 Group Riding Rules
SWEEP RIDER - The Sweep Rider brings up the rear of the ride group. The Sweep Rider always rides at the right position so that they have the best view of the Group Leader, group and route of travel. The Sweep Rider maintains the pace according to the ride plan and the pace established by the Road Captain.
No one is allowed to fall behind the Sweep Rider. Any rider that is not experiencing difficulties and still cannot maintain the established pace is automatically off the ride and on their own. They may follow 1/4 mile behind the group and meet at the destination.
The Sweep Rider is responsible for determining when the group is ready to leave the start location and any intermediate stops. They signal to the Road Captain to proceed and watch out for traffic until all of the group is underway. The Sweep Rider is responsible for and provides assistance to any rider that encounters problems and has to either slow down or drop out of the ride. No other rider should stop to help the Sweep Rider provide assistance as it is generally not safe for a larger group to park along the side of the road. If at all possible, the Sweep Rider should have or be supplied with a portable telephone and the appropriate emergency phone numbers to be used in the event of a breakdown or a mishap.
The Sweep Rider is replaced by the next rider in line if they have to slow down or drop out for any reason. There must always be a competent person in the sweep position. Consideration should be given to who is placed in position to replace the Sweep Rider.
GROUP LEADER(S) - A very large group may make it advisable to divide the riders into logical groups of from 4 to 6 motorcycles and name one or more Group Leaders. They function under the direction of the Road Captain as leaders of their group. A Group Leader always rides at the left front position of their group so that they have the best view of the Road Captain, the riders ahead, and the route of travel. A Group Leader in essence takes over as Road Captain for their group should the main group become divided due to traffic conditions, stop lights, stop signs, etc.. They function as the Road Captain for their group and all the other groups following them until they are able to rejoin the main group. All rules that apply to the Road Captain apply to the Group Leader while they function in that capacity. Group Leaders share with the Road Captain the responsibility for the following: Creating the opportunity and the road space required for other motorist to safely pass through the group in order to exit or enter the route of travel. Insure that all traffic laws and safe riding techniques are being observed. Help breakup and reform the group as a result of stop lights, stop signs, flag people, traffic conditions, etc. They should take over temporary leadership of any stray riders resulting from one of these conditions as soon as safety allows. Helps pass all signals from the Road Captain to the following group of riders.
#11 Group Riding Rules COMMON HAND SIGNALS Hand signals should be kept simple, easy to learn and understand, and few in number. As soon as you see a signal given, you and/or your passenger should repeat the same signal so the rider behind can see it and have the maximum amount of time to react. There really are no standard rider hand signals. The following signals will be used by the GBMTC. They are in addition to the normal DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) approved hand signals. Also note that for safety reasons all signals are given with the left hand so as to allow the right hand to have full control of the throttle and front brake. All hand signals relative to the safe movement of the group should be passed back by all riders in the group. Start Your Engine - The Sweep Rider waves his hand in a circle high over his or her head in a "wind them up motion". I'm Ready To Go - Raise your hand high enough for the Sweep Rider to be able to see and gauge when everyone is ready to depart. Slow Down - Left arm straight down and palm towards the back. Move your arm back forth at the elbow for emphasis. Speed Up - Left arm straight up. Raise and lower the arm. Hazard on The Road - Point with left hand at road vigorously but not necessarily at hazard. Hazard could be on right side etc.Turn - Use your turn signals whenever possible in addition to the DMV approved hand signals. Need Gas - Point at gas tank. Need Food/Drink - Point at you mouth. Comfort Stop - Pat the top of your head. Turn Signals are On - Left arm bent at the elbow, hand facing rear and open and close your hand rapidly. Form Single File - Left up and hold up one finger. Form Staggered Formation - Left up and hold up two fingers while waving arm from side to side.