Although it may seem like a group ride is little more than a game of follow the leader, nothing could be further from the truth. Riding safely in a group, whether it be 3 or 4 bikes, or 30 or 40 requires that each rider to pay attention to his or her own safety, and the safety of others.
Pre-ride: Before mounting up, make sure you know both the planned route, and the destination. Pay attention to the instructions given by the ride leader, and familiarize yourself with the ride captains. As with every ride, make sure your bike is in good repair. At a minimum check your tire condition and pressure and lights, and make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Departures: Large groups should break into smaller groups of 6-8 bikes. The first bikes to leave should not speed away, forcing the riders in back to have to race to catch up. When entering traffic never assume it’s safe. Each rider should take the time to check traffic as he or she enters the roadway. Don’t rush – it’s better to be 5 minutes late than to buy a ride to the hospital.
Formation: On wide streets, highways and straight roads a staggered formation is best. To oncoming traffic two lines of bikes has the appearance on an oncoming car, and provides a sense of distance and closing speed. On narrow, winding roads, a single file formation is preferred to reduce the risk of clipping a bike in the other line. A side by side formation may look cool – but there is no margin for error, and at speeds greater than a crawl, it’s foolhardy.
Following distance: Always follow the two second rule. Three is even better. It provides reaction time and space. If a dangerous situation appears, a two to three second space gives you time to assess, decide and execute whatever move is needed to save your own skin, and that of the riders around you.
Turning: Riding through corners in a group has its own problems. Watch for the rider in front of you to slow down, possibly by gearing down, rather than braking. Maintain good clearance between the inside and outside line or bikes, and stay in formation.
Traffic controls: If they change they change. Never run a red light because you’re afraid to lose the group. You should know where you?re going, and a well-planned ride has road captains spaced throughout – and bringing up the rear. Relax and enjoy the ride.
Passing and being passed: It’s a bad idea for bikes within the group to weave in and out of the group, or traffic in general. If passing a slower vehicle is necessary, each bike should pass separately. The lead bikes should make sure they make room for the ones following. Don’t pass, and then slow down. When being passed, keep an eye out for oncoming traffic. If a passing car or bike needs to move over to avoid a collision, make room.
Braking: Be ready to brake at any time. It’s a good idea to cover your front brake – but be aware of how close you are to the rider in front and behind you. Make sure if you have to brake, you’re not inviting a rear end collision. If the bike behind you is tailgating, increase your own following distance to give you room to stop slowly – and the tailgater time to react. Motorcycles tend to engine brake more than cars. Remember your brake controls not only operate the brakes, they operate the brake lights. When slowing down, always at least feather the front brake to warn the riders behind that you’re slowing down.
Arriving: When you get to your destination, make sure you get off the street and parked as quickly and efficiently as possible. Lingering at the entrance to a parking lot leaves the riders behind you out in traffic and in danger. Get parked and get out of the way.
Ride your own ride: Know your limitations, and don’t try to exceed them. If you feel uncomfortable, not only are you not having fun, your probably courting an accident. Stay within your comfort zone. If you find yourself with a group makes you uncomfortable, make your excuses and leave. If you fall behind, never speed recklessly to catch up.
Ride smart – Ride Safe Don Oldaker – Safety Officer