Some
members have approached me, since I was the Head Road
Captain with the Hog Chapter to state the Rules of
the Road while riding in a group. With a mix of new
riders it appears we all need to know the safety aspects
when riding in a group. With the NEW YEAR here, and
plenty of group rides on the horizon, the following
is refresher explanation of the “Rules of the
Road”. The lead Road Captain takes the responsibility
of getting everyone to the destination safely, although
each rider is responsible for their own riding ability
and actions. The rear Road Captain, known as the tail
gunner, also has directions to the destination. Should
the group get separated to the point the lead bike
in the trailing group can not get caught up, the tail
R.C. will then take the lead to the destination. The
rear R.C. will usually be in the middle of the lane
which will enable him to see the lead R.C.’s
signals. The rear R.C. also has their eyes on your
tail light, brake light, and turn signals to make
sure they are in working order. They will also watch
for any lose items that may fall off your bike, especially
your wallet. Should someone in the group become disabled
with a mechanical problem or illness, the tail R.C
will stop to render assistance. At that time the lead
R.C. and remaining riders will find a safe place to
pull over and wait for a reply from the tail R.C.
to describe the problem. We will never leave a rider
that has a problem. Should the rider elect to stay
behind, the remaining bikes that stopped to help will
rejoin the lead group. Cell phone numbers should be
exchanged by the lead and tail R.C.’s prior
to the start of any ride. Prior to the start of any
ride the R.C.’s should do a bike count and break
down the group to 8, 10 or 12 per group. Riding in
a group of 20 plus bikes looks cool but not safe.
Always gas up prior to a ride.
LANE
CHANGES: are most critical when riding in
a group. These take place when passing a vehicle,
or getting ready to make a turn on a multi-lane highway.
When passing on a four lane roadway or Interstate,
the lead R.C. will alert the group by using their
hand signal, and turn signals when it’s safe
to pass. These signals are to be passed on through
the entire group. The tail R.C. will then move to
the passing lane (known as blocking the lane). The
lead R.C.will acknowledge their move and bring the
group to the passing lane. No one is expected to pass
until the lead R.C. signals and makes their move and
feels it’s safe to do so. The head R.C. will
try to make this maneuver with the entire group intact,
but that is not always possible when traffic is heavy
in the passing lane. The same procedure applies to
return to the inside lane. The lead R.C. should return
to the right lane when the rear R.C. clears the passing
vehicle. These procedures do not apply to a two lane
highway. On a two lane highway which we travel most
of time, the oncoming vehicle would have to be on
the distant horizon for a safe pass. Keep in mind
the Lead R.C. initiates the move, but that does not
mean it’s safe for everyone to pass. You must
use your own judgment when in a group. Just because
the bike in front of you elects to pass does not mean
that the coast is clear for you. The lead R.C. before
passing on a two lane highway will check all traffic
ahead and to the rear before they commit the group
to the oncoming lane for the pass. The lead R.C. will
quickly pass the signals back and initiate the move.
All riders should do a head check to the rear, and
of course the judgment call weather it’s safe
to pass. Lane’s changes can safely be done by
following these simple instructions.
STAGGERED
RIDING FORMATION is very important. Here's
how it works. The lead R.C. should be in the left
1/3 of the lane, and the second bike should be in
the right 1/3 of the lane with the trailing bikes
following the same left-right formation behind the
lead. Each rider should leave enough room for the
bike in front of them to make a maneuver right or
left without them having to worry about hitting the
front of the bike staggered to the rear of them. EXAMPLE:
Should a rider have to swerve suddenly to avoid a
hazard, they can move over to the opposite part of
the lane next to them knowing no other rider is in
that spot. Sometimes we tend to sneak up on the rider
in front of us without realizing it. Should you need
to inform the rider of a problem, be sure to make
your presence know when approaching. Keep in mind
the distance rule behind the bike in front of you
is 2 seconds under 50 mph, and increases to 3 seconds
over 50 mph. Always stay in line with the bike in
front of you, and do not switch between the left and
right side of the lane while in formation unless someone
drops out. At that time cross over to maintain the
proper formation. Staggered formation does not apply
when approaching a signal light, or stop sign. At
that time the group should keep tight. The lead R.C.
should try to time the lights, if possible, by slowing
down if it’s apparent the light is due to go
red. At a stop sign the R.C. should try to be patient
with the traffic and try to get the entire group through
the intersection. What takes place some of the time
is the coast is clear for him and maybe a few others,
meanwhile the rest of the group is left sitting there
waiting for the traffic to clear. Now they have to
haul ass to get caught up with the lead R.C. No, the
lead R.C. can not always take the entire group through
the intersection, but patientence can help.
NIGHT
TIME GROUP RIDING: When riding in a group,
one of the rules to remember is to use only your low
beam headlights, since high-beams can be blinding
when looking in your rear view mirror. Only the lead
rider, if need be should use the high beams. When
riding in a group your concentration should be on
the tail-lights and turn signals on the bikes in front
of you. At times it is hard to see the riders hand
signals, therefore it won’t hurt to exaggerate
your signals. Passing is a problem at night, and should
be done only if it is absolutely necessary. It is
hard to judge vehicles to the rear only by their headlights
and to determine their speed. Drivers can not deal
with all those bikes passing other vehicles, especially
in town. We are an accident soon to happen if we try
to control the traffic flow. Needless to say we will
continue to change lanes on a muti-lane roadway to
make a left turn or position ourselves in a safe lane.
Riders in the 1/3 left portion of the lane on a two
lane roadway should be very conscious of the oncoming
vehicles since they may tend to cross the center lane
slightly. You might consider staying to the right
about a foot off your normal position. Inside bikes
beware. Wear clothing that can be seen at night like
white Tee’s, reflective jacket. DOT LED rear
lighting for braking, and Blue Hintensity halogen
headlight bulb can be very effective. Riding at night
can be a challenge to some, but these simple tips
can help make it fun, and safe.
SIGNALS:
These signals may not cover every communication need.
The following include the most important. They are
usually implemented by the lead R.C. Follow me: Arm
extended straight up from the shoulder. Left turn:
Arm extended straight out. Right turn: Left arm extended
and horizontal at the elbow. Stop (slow down): Arm
extended straight down, palm back. Single file: Arm
and index finger extended straight up. Double file:
Arm extended straight up with Ram Horn sign. Hazard
in road: On the left side of the bike point to the
object with the left arm. On the right side of the
bike point to the object with your right foot since
this keeps your hand on the throttle. Pull off road:
Left arm as on position for right turn, but continually
bending at the elbow to the shoulder. Turn signals:
When accidentally left on, open and close fingers
and thumb with left arm extended upward. Fuel: Point
to tank. Stop, food, etc.: Thumb in mouth, he he….Road
captain is lost: Both arms straight up!
With
new members with little riding experience joining
our group rides they need the support not only of
the R.C.’s but all riders. Make them welcome
and pass along any helpful tips to make them comfortable
on our rides. They should be placed at the front of
the group behind the lead R.C. and the sponsor of
the ride. I am hoping these Rules of the Road guide
lines do not intimidate any old or especially new
members from riding with the group, but encourage
you to join our club rides. In closing I am hoping
you don’t think I made these rules up. They
are an interpretation of the way they are. Your additional
input is welcome. Group riding is simple, and fun
if everyone concentrates on their responsibility of
the Rules of Road. Nothing could be worse than to
have a club ride, and have bikes go down due to an
error by a rider. We all feel we are good riders,
but it doesn’t hurt to review the rules once
in awhile. What is most important is to think safety
every time we sit on the saddle. Best wishes to all,
have fun, ride safe, and be grateful you found the
best Bike Club in Central Florida The DAYTONA 200
M/C
Racer
Rich...........Feb. 2005
