ALT-1 Tips on how to Ride Safely in a Group of Motorcycles
Riding a motorcycle as a member of a group is different from riding a motorcycle on your own. Here are a few simple tips for how to ride safely in a group of motorcycles.
1. Basic hand signals
The group needs a way to communicate among itself. A bike problem may require an unexpected stop. Warnings need to be passed from the front riders who can see road problems ahead to the back riders who can't. About a dozen hand signals can cover most contingencies.
2. Planning
The entire group should know the destination and the route ahead of time. For longer trips, rest stops should also be planned ahead of time, not only for resting but also as a place to meet up in case the group gets separated. This also makes it easier on the less experienced members of the group.
3. Riding in staggered formation
To ride in staggered formation, pretend the lane is divided into two halves. The leader of the group is in front and on the left. The next rider is roughly one second behind him, on the right. The next rider is roughly one second behind the second rider, to the left, and so on.
This gives two seconds of space between you and the rider directly in front of you, creating a distinct cushion of space around you. It reduces the amount of road space the group takes up. It also discourages car drivers from trying to merge between the members of the group.
The only time that staggered formation should be broken is when turning a corner, including on/off ramps, or passing a slower vehicle by entering the oncoming lane. Construction zones and narrowed streets may also require the group to shift to single file.
4. The group leader
Traffic lights, intersections, mechanical problems, and trying to pass a slower vehicle will divide groups of riders. The leader of the group is responsible for remembering that the rest of the group is trying to follow him. Whenever he takes an action, he should allow enough space for the others to follow. If the group is forced to split up anyway, he should pull over or slow down at the first opportunity, so the others can catch up.
This means not speeding up to catch a stale green light, since it will be amber or red for those behind. When passing, he should ensure either that there is plenty of room for the entire group to pass, or that no member of the group is pressured into trying to force an unsafe pass. Under no circumstances should the group leader make last-minute split second decisions that the group has to try to follow.
5. The chase rider
This is just as important a position as the group leader. The chase rider is always the last rider in the group. The leader is keeping an eye on the road ahead, and can't know everything that is happening behind him. It is the responsibility of the chase rider to keep an eye on the other riders in the group, in case something unexpected happens.
6. Cooperation
Riding in a group is not about competing with other members of that group. The only way a group can ride well as a group is if they work together as a group.
