Group Riding

HOG Chapter 411 Group Riding Guidelines

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Forms below must be filled out
and signed before every
HOG411 chapter ride.
Release Form (all adults 18+)
Release Form (all minors to 18yrs)
Assumption of Risk Form
(all minors age 12-17yrs.)

Pre Ride Check List
Road Captain Manual
Ride Signup Sheets
Injury Report

2012 Point Sheet.xls
2012 Point Sheet.pdf
2011 Point Sheet.xls
2011 Points Sheet.pdf
Road Warrior
Program sheet

3-wheel motorcycle
riding tips
Group Riding Guidelines
Rider Tips
Ride Level Ratings
Avoiding Hazards on the Road
Spring Tune-U
Safety Challange
How to Safely Pass Other
Vehicles on a Motorcycle

Motorcycle Safety/Dynamics
Rider's Edge
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
American Motorcyclist Association
Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center
Motorcycling in the Rain
Road Captain USA
Ride Like a Pro

Before the ride:
Fuel up prior to arriving at meeting location.
No alcohol may be consumed before or during a planned chapter ride.

Pre-ride announcement and staging:
All riders must sign a waiver release form and sign in on Ride Attendance sheets prior to the ride. The lead Road Captain should explain the route, planned stops, and ending destination of the ride, including hand signals, ride level, and other pertinent information specific to the ride.

Guidelines for Group Riding:
These guidelines are intended to serve as a basic guide for most situations. Therefore, each person is expected to read, understand and apply them, using their best judgment. Please remember that YOU have the ultimate responsibility for your safety, and ALWAYS ride within your capabilities and that of your machine.

I. RIDING FORMATION, INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS and SPEED

1. Unless specified by lead Road Captain, all rides will be conducted in staggered riding formation. The lead motorcycle will be in the left 1/3 of lane, the second motorcycle should be in the right 1/3 of the lane, one second behind the first rider, and so on. Leave enough room between each motorcycle so that any rider can maneuver to the right or left without hitting anyone else. Always stay in line with the bike in front of you. Do not switch between the left and right side of the lane.

2. The lead Road Captain will be at the head of the group. Other Road Captains may be assigned positions within the group, which will be followed by the rear Road Captains or "Sweeps.”

3. New riders, guests, and any rider with less experience in group riding may be positioned at the rear of the group, in front of the sweep, per the discretion of the Road Captain. Road Captains may choose to separate the group into two riding groups, per rider abilities.

4. The lead Road Captain will attempt to establish and maintain a uniform speed, consistent with posted speed limits and the riding ability of the least experienced rider, surrounding conditions and safe riding practices.

II. CHANGING LANES AS A GROUP

1. The lead Road Captain will hold his or her position and signal for a lane change.

2. All riders will hold their positions and pass the signal to the Rear Road Captains or "Sweeps.”

Changing Lanes into Slower-Moving Traffic
In most jurisdictions traffic laws prescribe that, on a road in which there are two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, the lane on the right will be the slower lane. If a group of motorcyclists is going to move into the slower lane from the faster one, the first bike in a group which moves is responsible for creating a gap into which all the following bikes can fit. This is accomplished by maintaining a constant speed in order to enlarge the gap after the first bike moves. Each bike moving in succession should also be aware of this dynamic. Thus, the group moves from first to last.
The maneuver is accomplished in this way: the Lead Bike signals for the lane change and announces to the group via hand and turn signals that the group is moving to the right, front to back. Then, after checking by actually turning the head to see that the new lane is cleared of traffic sufficient for one bike to safely enter it, the Lead Bike moves across the tracks of the current lane, taking up a position in the left track of the new lane where the Lead Bike usually rides. By maintaining the maximum speed which the traffic in that lane will allow, the Lead Bike creates a gap into which the next bike in the group can insert, moving into the right track there. Each succeeding bike follows this pattern: signal right, move right in your own lane, head-check, enter new lane, maintain speed to create gap, and take up regular position (left or right track) in the new lane.

Changing Lanes into Faster-Moving Traffic
The same basic lane-changing principle for entering slow-moving lanes also applies when a group is entering faster-moving traffic where at least two lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction; that is, moving from the right lane to the left. The first bike to move creates a gap for the remaining bikes. Since traffic is pulling away from the group as each member enters the lane, this maneuver is done back to front.
The maneuver is accomplished in this manner: The Lead Bike signals for a lane change and announces to the group via hand and turn signals that the group will be moving to the left, back to front. Then the Rear Road Captain or Sweep to will “secure the lane” All bikes maintain their position while this occurs, putting their own turn signals on to indicate the move to be made. The Rear Road Captain or Sweep then moves first when a space in the lane to the left opens up and secures that lane. Bikes then will follow this move from back to front.

III. INDIVIDUAL PASSING – NON FREEWAY

Passing on a two lane road
On a two-lane road with two-way traffic (one lane each way), a single file formation should be used when passing other vehicles. The Lead Bike signals that he is passing. Everyone signals, head checks, and pass front to back one at a time, as individuals, when safe to do so allowing other riders to see that the way is clear for them to continue the group passing maneuver. Should the group become separated, regroup when it is safe to do so.

IV. UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY STOPS

1. Unscheduled stops for gas, restrooms or rider fatigue can lead to confusion in the group, and confusion can lead to accidents. The Lead Road Captain should be informed that a stop is necessary in order to lead the group in an organized fashion to the next convenient and safe place to stop.

2. Any rider with an equipment problem or who sees a problem with another rider's equipment should inform one of the Road Captains as quickly and as safely as possible. When the Lead Road Captain is informed, he or she will stop the group at the earliest possible moment, when and where it is safe.

3. If the rider must pull over immediately, the Rear Road Captain will accompany that rider to a stop. The Lead Road Captain should be informed if he or she is not aware of this situation. Once the Lead Road Captain is informed, he or she will pull the group over as soon as it is safe to do so.

4. Group rides going through lots of intersections and lights, a separation of the group will happen. Should the front of the group turn and make it through the light, the leader will stop after the intersection (keeping safety in mind) and wait for the rest of the group. This may mean finding a spot to pull off the road to wait for the rest of the group.

V. GROUP RIDING HAND SIGNALS:

These signals will not cover every communication need, but they should fill in a lot of gaps. Remember these signals must be seen to be understood. When the Road Captain displays a signal it is up to everyone in the group to pass it back to the riders behind them, this can be relayed by the rider or the passenger.

	START ENGINES With your right or left arm extended, move your index finger in a circular motion.		LEFT TURN Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow fully extended.

	RIGHT TURN Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow bent 90 degrees vertically.		HAZARD LEFT Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard.

	HAZARD RIGHT A Extend your right arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard.		HAZARD RIGHT B Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your elbow bent to 90 degrees and point towards the hazard over your helmet.

	SPEED UP Raise your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward. This indicates the leader wants to speed up.		SLOW DOWN Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and move your hand up and down.

	STOP Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle with the palm of your hand facing rearward.		SINGLE FILE Position your left hand over your helmet with your fingers extended upward. This indicates the leader wants the group in a single file formation. Usually this is done for safety reasons.

	STAGGERED or SIDE-BY-SIDE FORMATION Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your index and pinkie finger extended. This indicate that it is safe to return to staggered formation.		TIGHTEN UP Raise your left arm and repeatedly move up and down in a pulling motion. This indicates the leader wants the group to close ranks.

	PISSED OFF Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your middle finger extended. (This hand signal is not appropriate)