Group Riding Outline

• Organizing
• Map, with directions and leader’s phone number
• Consider rider’s abilities
• 8 per group maximum, if more split into sub groups
• Sets meeting times, rallying points and pre-rides the route if possible

• Preparation
• TCLOCK’s
• Tires & wheels
• Controls
• Lights & switches
• Oil & FUEL
• Chains & Chassis
• Kickstand/sidestand
• Sweeper to have tool kit/first aid kit if possible

• Rider Meeting
• 30 mins prior
• Hand out maps and exchange cell numbers
• Assign groups
• Leader, inexperienced riders, then sweeper

• Hand signals
• Stop
• Slow down
• Speed up
• Turn signal still on
• You lead/pass me
• Single file
• Side by side
• Staggered
• Hazard L & R

• Formation
• Single/ 2 up or side by side/ Staggered, rider on left ahead and leading
• Do not fixate on the rider in front of you
• Look as far up the road as possible while scanning in front of you
• Keep a steady throttle, avoid Yo-Yo or Rubber band effect
• Staggered formation most used
• Keeps group close while still having adequate space cushion
• One second following distance to diagonal rider ahead, and two seconds to rider directly ahead in optimum riding conditions
• Keep it tight to prevent lane encroachment & group separation, & takes up less space on the highway
• Single file
• Construction areas
• Curves and technical riding so riders can choose their own lines
• Toll booths, roundabouts, bad roads, & other areas where more space cushion is needed

• Intersections – highest risk for a crash
• No all group start and stopping, still must yield proper right of way and check for oncoming traffic
• Can stop side by side and take off together with left rider going slightly first and then re-establishing staggered formation while traversing intersection
• Lead rider keeps a slow pace after traversing intersection to help re-establish group formation then slowly resumes speed limit
• Lead rider may pull off group if group is separated.
• Last rider of the moving group that is not separated needs to sound horn to notify Leader of the separation, (traffic light change)

• Merging
• Still must yield proper right of way and check for traffic
• Maintain space cushion and following distance
• Consider moving group over a lane at interstate on/off ramps to maintain formation

• Passing
• Leader will try and pick a spot where all can pass safely
• Pass one at a time and do it safely
• Check your own blind spot & check for your own gap with oncoming traffic
• Parking
• Single file
• 45 degree along curb
• At least 2 backed into 1 parking space in a parking lot

• Separated from group
• Sweeper stays with
• Follow pre planned procedure
• Meet at rally point

Cell phone leader