Riding in a Group – Motorcycle Safety Tips

1. Ride Leader: The Ride Leader (Road Captain) typically plans the route in advance, conducts the Pre-Ride meeting, sets the pace of the ride, is responsible for navigation, communication, monitoring the group ride, managing stops, adapting to conditions, leading by example; and in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation, takes charge and coordinates the group’s response.
2. Pre-Ride Meeting: The Pre-Ride briefing is typically given by the Road Captain who has pre-ridden the route beforehand. Before hitting the road, gather all riders for a pre-ride meeting to discuss the route, hand signals, and any potential hazards. Every rider should listen closely to the briefing and follow the instructions of the Road Captain, including speed, adjustments, lane changes or rest stops.
3. Second Rider: Positioned diagonally behind and the right of the lead rider. This creates a staggered formation, allowing both riders enough space to maneuver.
4. Subsequent Riders & Staggered Formation: This promotes visibility, reduces the risk of collision, and allows for quicker reactions in case of emergencies. It is crucial for all riders to be skilled, responsible, and attentive to maintain the safety of themselves and others on the road.
5. Sweep Rider: The Sweep Rider stays in the back of the group, brings up the rear of the column and ensures no one gets left behind, also to assist in case of breakdowns or emergencies. The sweeper helps maintain the integrity of the group and also ensures everyone reaches their destination safely.
6. Adjustment: Riders should adjust their position if necessary, especially during turns or lane changes, also to resume and maintain the normal staggered formation to ensure safety.
7. Communicate: Use hand signals or motorcycle intercom systems to communicate with other riders. Signals should include indicating turns, lane changes, or hazards.
8. Maintain Distance: Maintain a safe following distance from the motorcycle in front of you, especially during braking or in adverse weather conditions.
9. Visibility: Ensure your motorcycle's headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working correctly. Wear high-visibility gear to enhance visibility to other motorists.
10. Obey Traffic Laws: Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations. Avoid speeding, reckless maneuvers, and lane splitting.
11. Ride Within Your Limits: Ride at a pace that is comfortable for the least experienced rider in the group. Avoid trying to keep up with faster riders if it compromises your safety. Less experienced riders are sometimes best to ride in the first half of the column as a longer column of bikers may require more experienced riders to ride towards the back half of the column, as more adjustments may be needed towards the rear.
12. Stay Alert: Constantly scan the road for potential hazards, including debris, potholes, or animals. Keep an eye on the road conditions and anticipate changes in traffic flow.
13. Mind the Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Dress appropriately for the temperature and have rain gear on hand if necessary. Avoid riding in extreme weather conditions if possible. Best to also know exactly where your rain gear is, to access it quickly, without holding up the other members of the group.

14. Ride Sober: Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired riding greatly increases the risk of accidents. You owe this responsibility both to yourself and of course to others. Do not drink and drive.
15. Plan Breaks: Schedule regular rest stops to allow riders to stretch, hydrate, and rest. Fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making abilities. During such breaks, if it takes you longer to saddle up than others, start earlier so you do not hold up the group when it re-starts the ride. You simply do not want to be the lone duck (the last one) putting on your helmet and gloves as the entire column of bikers might be waiting on you.
16. Emergency Protocol: Establish a plan for handling emergencies, including breakdowns, accidents, or medical emergencies. Ensure all riders know how to contact emergency services and designate individuals to provide assistance if needed, typically the sweep or other Road Captains in the group, including the spouse or significant other of anyone injured.
17. Respect Other Road Users: Be courteous to other road users, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Avoid aggressive behavior and maintain a positive image of motorcyclists in the community. Aggressive or inconsistent behavior reflects poorly on the group and can escalate dangerous situations.
18. Remember You Are Riding With A Group: When pulling up at a traffic light, think about safely maneuvering into a second turn lane if there is one, so others behind you can make it through the light after it turns green. When passing a slow moving vehicle, make room for the next bike to pass and return to formation safely. When turning into a destination, keep moving forward for others behind you, so they can make the turn and leave the roadway safely, also giving them room to enter and park. When parking, park in the line with other bikes, to further assist Ride Captain(s) to keeping track of everyone.
19. Posting The Corners: This is a practice often seen in motorcycle riding groups where one rider intentionally and safely position themselves at intersections or turns along a planned route. Such rider(s) serve a guide for the rest of the group, ensuring everyone stays on course and does not miss any turns, minimizing the risk of anyone getting lost or separated.
20. Regrouping: If the group gets separated or encounters any issues, a designated regrouping point and procedure should be established beforehand.
21. You Are Responsible For Your Own Safety: Ride in a safe & responsible manner, adhering to all traffic control devices, following all the rules of the road. Remember to also focus on yourself and not being distracted by others. Every rider should be vigilant of their surroundings, including other vehicles, road conditions, and actions of fellow riders. As an example, just because the rider in front of you makes a turn at the next turn, make sure to look for yourself to ensure your own safety.
22. Emergency Procedures: Review emergency procedures, including what to do in the case of an accident, breakdowns, or getting separated from the group. Ensure all riders know how to contact emergency services if needed.
23. Review and Debrief: After the ride, conduct a debriefing session to discuss any issues encountered and ways to improve future rides. Encourage open communication and constructive feedback among group members.

By following these safety rules, motorcycle group riding can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience while minimizing the risks associated with riding in a group. Group motorcycle rides offer various benefits adding to the overall experience and enjoyment of riders. Such benefits include safety in numbers; camaraderie and socializing; shared experience; learning skills and improvement; exploration of new routes; support and assistance and increased confidence, also including charitable and community engagement.

Brad Souders, a lifetime biker, an award-winning attorney with more than 30 years’ experience – A Biker Representing Bikers!

Attorney Brad Souders has a main office in Tampa, representing injured bikers and their families throughout the state of Florida.

Free Initial Consultations, also offering home, hospital & evening or weekend appointments. Simply call Brad's cell phone at 813-220-7767.

Call The Motorcycle Attorney That Actually Rides!