"RIDE LEADER GUIDE"

This guide has been compiled using information from the Internet and experiences of group ride leaders.

Remember this is a GUIDE, not a RULE BOOK                                                    April 7th. 2005

Page: 1 of 12                     WELCOME!

The intent of this guide is to give everyone information required to ride together safely. Please keep in mind that these guidelines are not intended to restrict your freedom, but instead, to help ensure that we all return home safely.

These guidelines cannot encompass every possible set of circumstances, and they are intended to serve as a basic guide for most situations. Each person is therefore expected to read, understand, and apply these guidelines, 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 machines.

 2. ALL GROUP RIDER'S RESPONSIBILITIES:

a.      a.      Will observe the objectives and guidelines in order to assure the safety and the welfare of every individual within the group, and any surrounding motorists or pedestrians.

b.      b.      Will follow the instructions of the Ride Leader in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation.

c.      c.      Will maintain their motorcycle and other equipment in a safe riding condition.

d.      d.      Will ride with headlights on.

e.      e.      Will ride with a "safety first" attitude. The safety of all individuals, whether or not they are a part of the group, is of paramount importance.

f.        f.        Will not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that may impair their riding ability. Use good judgment.

3.  MEETING PLACE AND DEPARTURE TIME:

  1. Meeting place and departure times will be posted to the membership either by Group publication, verbally at meeting, e-mail or phone preceding the scheduled event.
  2. Rider briefing should be held just prior to departure, to establish a schedule for gas and rest stops, inform the group of the intended route, provide other pertinent information and review the group riding guidelines including formations and procedures.
  3. A contactable person and phone number should be noted for each ride participant, to be used in the case of emergency.
  4. Individuals should make every effort to arrive promptly at the scheduled meeting time and be completely prepared for the scheduled departure time. This includes a full tank of gas.

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4. RIDING FORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS:

  1. a. The standard formation, under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, will be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane. The interval will be no less than one second between staggered riders, which will automatically make a 2 second interval between you and the bike directly in front of you.

  1. The Ride Leader will be at the head of the group, and typically will ride just to the left of lane centre. The Rear Guard will ride at the rear of the formation.
  2. New members, guests, and any riders with little experience in group riding will be positioned at the rear of the group, just in front of the Rear Guard.
  3. Each rider should maintain his or her starting line up position in the group until arrival at the destination. This allows each rider to become more familiar with the riding style and habits of those nearest him or her in the group, and is particularly important for the new or inexperienced riders.
  4. Under certain conditions the Ride Leader will signal the group to form a single file formation. The signal is the left arm held overhead with one finger extended. Drop back to a safe following distance from the rider in front of you and move into a single file.
  5. It may be necessary to form smaller groups for safety due to surrounding conditions or local ordinances. There should be a temporary Ride Leader to lead and a Rear Guard to control the second part of the group.
  6. It is recommended that trikes and bikes with sidecars be to the rear of the formation and ride single file at all times ahead of the Rear Guard.

5. SPEED, INTERVALS, AND DISTANCES:

  1. The Ride Leader will attempt to establish and maintain a uniform speed; consistent with the ability of the least experienced rider, surrounding conditions, the posted speed limit, the bikes at the ride, and safe riding practices. They should establish before the ride the abilities of the people and the bikes themselves prior to departure, especially concentrating on new riders, new members and visitors to the ride.
  2. The Ride Leader should continually check his mirrors to insure the formation is in good shape.

 

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  1. The Ride Leaders may choose to separate the group of inexperienced riders into a group of their own, consistent with expected or actual conditions. Making sure that there is an acting, experienced Ride Leader and Rear Guard to guide them.
  2. All riders will make an effort to maintain the same speed to minimize the effect of irregular speeds on riders at the rear of the group.
  3. All riders will maintain a safe distance and lane positions between themselves and the rider directly ahead; to be consistent with existing road, traffic, and weather conditions.

5A. Minimum Safe Following Distances:

  1. Within the group, a safe distance is defined as a MINIMUM TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider, and the next rider directly ahead (ref. NOTE below). This means that there is a MINIMUM of a ONE SECOND DELAY between staggered riders. Whenever a single file formation is employed, a safe distance remains defined as a MINIMUM of a TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider, and the rider directly ahead. The riders should also realize that by creating a large gap in the formation, that cars will try to move in & split the formation, causing a dangerous situation. It also causes problems for the Ride Leader when there are large gaps in the formation.
  2. Too many people get hung up with," there must be only 2 seconds between bikes". This is a guideline for average highway riding. The gap should be determined by the speed and road conditions. The gap should be established before the ride for the sections of road to be travelled. The faster the speed, the more gaps there should be. With that said... we also do not want huge gaping gaps in the formation where other vehicles will attempt to break into the formation. The gap should be consistent throughout the formation.
  3. With respect to vehicles ahead of the group, a safe distance is defined as an ABSOLUTE MINIMUM of a THREE SECOND DELAY between the Ride Leader, and any vehicle directly ahead of the group (ref. NOTE below). If a car pulls in front of the formation, make adjustments to keep a good distance.

NOTE: It's important to keep in mind that a two second interval is a MINIMUM safe requirement in order to react in the event of a potentially hazardous condition, NOT TO STOP.

In group riding, a one-second interval between STAGGERED riders is a policy consistent with the recommendations of most traffic and safety agencies.

STAGGERED motorcycles are considered to be in a "virtual" lane of their own, that is that there is a two-second interval between motorcycles in a direct line. This group riding technique requires all participants to constantly ANTICIPATE an EMERGENCY.

5B.      A safe lane position is defined as riding immediately to the right or left of lane centre. This will keep the riders just off the centre oil stain, while maintaining the staggered formation, distance between riders and other obstacles, and providing necessary lane position.

 

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6.         TRAFFIC LANES:

  1. The Ride Leader  will attempt to lead the group in a single lane when:
    1. The traffic flow appears to be most consistent with the speed of the group (using lane changes only when necessary to pass slower traffic or to avoid a hazardous condition); and to avoid blocking faster surrounding traffic.
    2. On highways with two lanes each direction, the group will normally travel in the number one lane, also known as the "SLOW" lane, (ref.        Note below) allowing faster traffic to pass on the right; passing slower traffic on the left.
    3. On highways with three or more lanes in each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane (See Picture) & (ref. Note below), keeping the left lane open for other vehicles entering and exiting the highway, and the right lane(s) for traffic to pass.

NOTE: Lanes are counted from left to right. The left lane is often referred to as the “SLOW” lane, and is counted as lane number one. Remaining traffic lanes are then counted up until the right most, or "PASSING" lane is counted.

7.         LANE CHANGES AND PASSING:

  1. On a multi-lane highway, the double row staggered formation will normally be maintained.
  2. The Ride Leader will hold his or her position and signal for a lane change.
  3. All riders will hold their positions and pass the signal to the rear.
  4. The Rear Guard will change lanes at the first safe opportunity, protecting the lane for the group, and allowing the Ride Leader to see that the lane is clear and protected. The Ride Leader should be aware of when the Rear Guard has changed lanes by using his mirrors. Make a head check to insure no cars are beside the formation.
  5. The formation will change lanes using the "follow the leader" approach. The Ride Leader will make a definite hand signal, indicating to the formation he is moving into the other lane & change lanes first followed by all other riders moving from the front to the rear of the group.

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NOTE: NOBODY, except the Rear Guard, is to change lanes before the Ride Leader. ALWAYS make a HEAD CHECK before you begin the lane change, and maintain safe distances. There are also times when there will be minimal traffic the Ride Leader may signal a lane change and move over (after checking to make sure it’s clear – see section e above).

  1. There are times it will not be possible for the entire group to change lanes as above. When this situation arises, the Ride Leader will signal for a turn, and signal the group with one finger extended into the air. This indicates that changing lanes as a group is not possible. The Ride Leader will then change lanes when safe to do so. Everyone signals, head checks, and changes lanes front to back, as individuals, when safe to do so. Should the group become separated, regroup when it is safe to do so. Please use known good safety practices, INCLUDING HEAD CHECKS.
  2. 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 Ride Leader should also maintain a steady speed after the slow moving vehicle has been passed allowing the individual riders room to move back into formation ahead of the passed vehicle.
  3. If for any reason the group becomes separated, merge safely back into the formation, returning to your original position, using known good safety practices. Don't feel it's necessary to break the world land speed record in trying to catch up.    The Ride Leader will be aware and adjust accordingly once they are clear of the passed vehicle.

NOTE: Be certain the road is clear, and always CHECK immediately prior to initiating any manoeuvre which may cause you to cross the path of other road users.                                                                                                         Use your eyes, good judgment and common sense!

Please remember that YOU, and ONLY YOU, are RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY. Also, when dealing with our four wheeled friends, you will never win a contest against them. It won't do any good to be "Dead Right".

8.         GAS, FOOD, REST STOPS, AND TOLLS:

  1. If necessary, due to the length of the trip, gas, food, and rest stops should be discussed and scheduled prior to departure. These scheduled stops should be adhered to as much as possible, depending on varying conditions as the trip progresses.
  2. Deviation from the scheduled stops may be required due to varying weather, traffic, and bladder conditions (availability of gas, rider fatigue, and other unforeseen circumstances).
  3. Gas and rest stops should be limited to no more than ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the size of the group. Remember the last rider in the group waits the longest, therefore has the shortest rest period.
  4. If toll stops are included, money should be ready in advance. As the group exits the tollbooth area, the Ride Leader will assume the lead as soon as it is safe to do so.                                                              
  5. NOTE: Avoid the centre of the lane when nearing or passing through a tollbooth, they are usually extremely slick.

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9. UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY STOPS:

  1. Unscheduled stops for gas, rest room, or rider fatigue can lead to confusion in the group, and confusion can lead to accidents. The Ride Leader 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 should inform either the Ride Leader or Rear Guide as quickly, and as safely as possible.
  3. When the Ride Leader is informed, he or she will stop the group at the earliest possible moment, when and where, it is safe.
  4. If the rider must pull over immediately, ONLY the Read Guard will pull to a stop with the rider. If there is an assigned mechanic, they should be at the rear of the formation. The Ride Leader should be informed if he or she is not aware of this situation. Once the Ride Leader is informed, he or she will pull the group over as soon as it is safe to do so.
  5. Any rider observing a problem with another rider's equipment should inform that rider as quickly and safely as possible. If it appears that a stop is necessary, the Ride Leader should also be notified.
  6. The Ride Leader should use good judgment and common sense when choosing a spot to pull over. Try to avoid an area with hazards to motorcycles, such as broken glass, trash, loose sand, gravel, and fresh asphalt.
  1. ACCIDENTS:
  1. In the event the group comes upon the scene of an accident or if someone in the group is involved in an accident, the Ride Leader will stop the group at the earliest possible moment (keeping with known good safety practices). It may be necessary for the group to disperse and park separately to avoid creating additional hazardous conditions.
  2. Members of the group will provide assistance in any practical way possible, including, but not limited to:
    1. Slow, divert, or stop traffic in a safe manner.
    2. Aid and comfort those involved.
    3. Call 000 to notify the Police, Ambulance, and or Fire service as the situation demands.
    4. If possible maintain overall control of the situation until relieved by the proper authorities.

11. HAND SIGNALS:

  1. At all times, standard hand signals will be used for: changing the formation to a single row and back to double staggered, all turns, lane changes, slowing, and stopping. Turn signal lights will also be used at all times.
  2. All signals will be relayed to the rear of the group to allow all riders to take appropriate precautionary measures, and be aware of changes in speed and direction. Once the hand signal is given and the person sees in their mirror that it is being passed on, they may return to gripping their handlebars with both hands. The only one that needs to "hold" the hand signal is the Rear Guard until he / she reaches the spot of the manoeuvre, based on following traffic.

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  1. Hand signals will be used at all times, to advise  following riders of road hazards by pointing.

 

  1. Left arm held high, one finger extended over head indicates single file, and extended following distance.

 

  1. Left arm held high, one finger extended over head, followed by the Ride Leader  signalling and changing lanes indicates:

 

    1. The Ride Leader will move as an individual, to whatever manoeuvre or position is required.
    2. The group will follow as individuals, in a "follow the leader" approach, signalling and following the Ride Leader as appropriate and safe.

 

  1. Left arm held high with two fingers extended over head indicates the standard staggered formation.

 

  1. Left arm held low & to the side - palm facing backwards, indicates slow and or stop.

 

  1. Other signals may be used as required.

Here is an example of a few....

These signals may be used as shown or modified to fit the needs of your chapter as long as you insure everyone is familiar with the meaning of the signals you are using.

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12. SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

  1. As mentioned previously, it is assumed that all riders will come to the ride with a well-maintained motorcycle.
  2. All riders should show up with appropriate riding apparel for the weather conditions.
  3. All group riders are encouraged to bring a well-stocked tool kit to all club rides.
  4. All group riders are encouraged to bring a well-maintained first aid kit to all club rides.
  5. The Ride leader must make sure that the following listed items are available on the ride:
    1. First aid kit.
    2. Route maps.
    3. Run information.
    4. Cell phone. If a Ride Leader does not have a cell phone, he or she will locate another group rider who does and designate that rider as the 000 caller.

13. TIPS & Past experience...

Nothing can replace Good Judgment and Common Sense!!!!!

1.      1.      It is recommended for the Ride Leader to have scouted the route prior to conducting the ride.

2.      2.      Be aware of places you may have to stop. Watch for loose gravel or sand.

3.      3.      The arrows painted on the lanes indicating the lane traffic flow become slick when wet.

4.      4.      Watch for oil slicks around stop lights, stop signs or around areas where cars may have to sit for a period of time.

5.      5.      The use of 2-way radios between the Ride Leader and Rear Guard is Highly Recommended.

6.      6.      When pulling out from a stop sign or stop light and after making a turn, an even, steady acceleration is highly recommended. This will keep the formation together better than speeding up & having to slow back down. Do not slow to make sure the formation is following. This will cause a back up & may actually prevent the rear bikes from making it through the light. If the formation is broken by whatever reason, keep the speed limit to 5-10 klms below the posted speed limit to allow the rest of the formation to catch up. You do not need to stop, (this is a judgment call based on the road & the traffic flow).

7.      7.      If the formation is broken, and there is a turn in the route, formation does need to stop as close to the turn as possible, allowing the trailing group to see where you turned. You may also instruct (prior to the ride in the pre-ride brief) that the last person in line wait at the corner to guide the rest back up to the formation. This is the Ride Leader’s decision based on what they know of the route, the traffic, and safe riding practices.

8.      8.      Summer time & asphalt do not mix well, kick stands will sink in & the bike may fall over. Be aware of where you park.

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9.      All riders need to pay attention to the bikes and traffic around them. Nothing worse than a bike hitting another bike travelling in formation, because they were not paying attention.

10.  If you need to speed to get to your destination... you should have made better plans & started earlier. Chapter group rides are supposed to be enjoyable not racing events.

11.  If you think you need to burn a whole tank of gas before you stop for a 5 min break, you are missing half the fun of riding with a group. The BS sessions at stops are all part of the experience.

12.  If you know the trip will take 3 hours, plan on it taking 4. Something will always happen to cause a delay. The larger the group, the more time you should allow for rest stops, gas breaks, food breaks, etc.

13.  Assuming you are in the slow or second slowest lane and you approach an on-ramp, do a head check to the LEFT. Equally as important, if you are approaching an off-ramp, do a head check to the RIGHT (and catch that guy who is about to cut in front of you to make his exit).

14.  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 group. And 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.

Footnote:
If you are new to group riding or are uncomfortable riding in a group, please let the Ride Leader know. Excessive following distance defeats the purpose of maintaining an equally spaced stagger formation. It is much better for your safety and the safety of the group that you ride individually a short distance behind the group. And we want to encourage you to be comfortable about making that choice.

15.  If you need to leave the ride early, please notify the Ride Leader and the Rear Guard where you plan on leaving the group. If possible be at the rear of the formation (ahead of the Rear Guard) prior to leaving the group. Any bikes following should move up into the standard group riding positions.

16.  Blocking... Remember, the cars on the road have the right of way and blocking is considered illegal. It may take a few extra moments to wait for the traffic to clear. This will keep the formation together and Safer. If the formation does get split up ... refer to the section on rejoining the formation.

 

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17 .  CURVES.... Many roads in the mountain are switch backs, with non-stop sharp curves. You are riding along at 60 kph, come into the curve and you are down to 30. With a tight curve, riders behind you cannot see that you braked, or have little room to brake and slow, so it is easy to get bunched up. STAY IN SINGLE FILE ALWAYS, MAINTAINING GREATER SPACING BETWEEN RIDERS. PAY ATTENTION.                                         

18.  Many areas on the mountain roads are like riding on the edge of a cliff. You miss your turn and you are airborne without a parachute! It’s not the fall; it’s that sudden stop at the end that’ll get you.

19.  Also be aware that after heavy rains on these kinds of roads in the mountains, that sand and mud will be washed down onto the road & can make the curves & corners very dangerous.

There are many opinions on curves. A lot depends on how sharp the curve is.
This is one of the many reasons to ride in a good even staggered formation. This allows riders to be able to shift position in the lane to take a curve better. Several groups have established signals to spread out the gap & this works well before going into curves to allow more freedom for the individual riders to have more space to work with. If the Ride Leader sees that the curve may be a little sharp for the group, he/she can anticipate by signalling to slow down before going into the curve.

If they are sharp curves, I would recommend single file spaced at least 3-4 seconds apart. This gives the rider the option to use as much of the road as they want and also allows for people slowing down when going into sharp corners.

It is highly recommend that the Ride Leader be aware of the riding experience of the people they are leading on a ride. A pre-ride of the route (when possible) is also recommended. It is also up to the individual rider to admit to his/her abilities.

Most important thing to remember is use good judgment & common sense.

14. CONGRATULATIONS RIDE COORDINATORS:

You have just volunteered for a most challenging and rewarding position within your branch. Once you have been appointed as Ride Coordinator you will have joined a very special team that will help plan, organize, and execute your club rides. The following guidelines have been developed to give you a basic understanding of the responsibilities and recommended qualifications expected of your Ride Leaders and Rear Guard, and the methods that should be employed to help ensure everyone's safe return home and have an enjoyable ride.

14A. OBJECTIVES:

  1. Provide for the safety and welfare of all individuals within the group, and any surrounding motorists or pedestrians.
  2. Lead the group to its destination and back in a well-organized, disciplined, and safe manner.

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  1. Avoid creating hazardous situations.
  2. Be the most knowledgeable of the state laws and safe riding guidelines.

14B. RIDE COORDINATOR RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Recommended maintaining a current First Aid/CPR certification.
  2. Recommended to have successfully completed an, Experienced Rider Course.
  3. Tact & understanding of people should be a high priority.
    Remember, you were once a new rider.
  4. Be able to deal with problems & issues as you would want to be treated, without undue delay as they arise.
  5. Make sure that Ride Leaders & Rear Guards are well aware of their responsibilities.

14C. RIDE LEADERS RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Has full charge of the group until arrival at the destination.
  2. Will lead the group in a manner consistent with the objectives and guidelines as stated herein, and will execute his or her best judgment in situations not specifically covered in these guidelines.
  3. Will brief other assigned Ride Leaders / Rear Guards as to route, responsibilities, and other details pertinent to the ride prior to departure.
  4. Will conduct a rider's briefing prior to departure.
  5. Will be responsible for the final decision with regard to ride termination due to inclement weather, hazardous conditions, or other difficult or unsafe conditions.
  6. Will make sure that no rider in the group is abandoned at the destination and left to make their own way home unless this has been pre arranged and all participating riders have been advised that this is ride plan.  
  7. Will instruct any rider to ride in a specific position within the group, or leave the group entirely, for reasons of misconduct, disorderly or unsafe riding, or faulty/unsafe equipment. Common sense and tact should be used.
  8. Will be responsible for bringing a well-maintained First Aid kit to the ride.
  9. Should the Ride Leader not possess a cell phone, designate a 000 notification caller within the group.
  10. Will establish and maintain a uniform speed consistent with the ability of the least experienced rider, and with consideration of safe road conditions, traffic, and weather conditions.
  11. Will be responsible for initiating all manoeuvres within traffic in a "safety first" manner.
  12. Will lead the standard formation of a staggered double row, in one traffic lane.
  13. Will be at the head of the group, and will ride just to the right of lane centre.
  14. Will maintain a safe following distance by using the MINIMUM 3- second rule between the group and any vehicle ahead. This distance may be increased at the discretion of the Ride Leader, but will NOT be decreased.
  15. Will command the group to a single file formation when they cannot maintain visual control of the road conditions ahead over a MINIMUM of a 4 second distance, narrow road, mountain/curvy roads, travelling directly adjacent to parked vehicles, or any other condition which may severely restrict the ability of individual group members to perform emergency avoidance manoeuvres.

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15. REAR GUARD:

  1. Will assist the Ride Leader in the performance of his or her duties.
  2. May be required to assume the duties of Ride Leader in his or her absence.
  3. Will ride at the rear of the group (except when conditions dictate otherwise) unless required to take on the responsibilities of the Ride Leader.
  4. Will be observant of any hazardous conditions or conduct, take immediate corrective action, and inform the Ride Leader at the earliest safe opportunity.

NOTE: The urgency to inform the Ride Leader is left to the discretion of the observing Rear Guard.

  1. Will normally ride where they can see the formation the best.
  2. Lane protection is the Rear Guard’s added responsibility. On the highway, as the group prepares to make a lane change, the Rear Guard will make the lane change as soon as is safe to do so, followed by the Ride Leader, then the remainder of the group. In this way, the Rear Guard protects that lane keeping it clear for the entire group to move into this lane.

16. RIDE LEADERS CHECKLIST:

To have all participants in the ride to return home safely, then they have led a good ride.