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Rules for Group Riding
The purpose of riding in an organized group instead of an undisciplined pack is to provide the additional
safety. When a group rides in an orderly fashion, people don't get in each others way, and the organization of the formation
itself discourages cars from attempting to cut in. Once riding rules have been adopted by a group, EVERYONE riding with
that group is expected to follow them. Anyone violating the rules and compromising everyone's safety, will be warned, and
if their actions continue , will no longer be welcome to ride with the group. The following rules are compiled from a number
of sources. Most groups that ride in orderly formations follow similar rules. Details may vary from one group to another,
sometimes because of the style of riding they do.
Universal Hand Signals
Formation:
Riding will be in a standard staggered formation unless the Road Captain calls for single file. In
staggered formation, the bikes form two columns, with the Road Captain (ride leader) at the head of the left column. The second
bike will head the opposite column, and will ride approximately 1 second behind the Road Captain (and in the opposite side
of the lane). The other riders will position their bikes 2 seconds behind the bike directly in front of them, which puts them
1 second behind the bike diagonal from them. This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space, and discourages other
vehicles from cutting into the line. The last rider, is the Tail Gunner.
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The Road Captain (ride leader) is responsible for the safety of the entire
formation. He must be aware of the length of the columns, and must gauge the passing of merges, highway entrances and exits,
ect. to allow for maximum safety and for keeping the group together. He must make sure that he leaves enough time/space for
the formation to get into the appropriate before exits or turns. All directions come from the Road Captain. The Road
Captain makes all decisions regarding lane changes, stops for breaks and fuel, closing of gaps, turning off at exits, any
concerns of what lies ahead.
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Tail Gunner:
The Tail Gunner serves as the eyes of the Road Captain. He watches the formation, and informs the
Road Captain of any potential problems within the group. He watches other vehicles, and informs the Road Captain (and anyone
else with radios) of hazardous conditions approaching from the rear, such as vehicles trying to cut into the formation and
trucks passing with potentially dangerous wind blasts. He will watch for merging lanes, and will move into a merging lane
(or stay in a merging lane just vacated by the group) in order to “close the door" on other vehicles that may otherwise
find themselves trying to merge into the formation. At the Road Captain's request, the Tail Gunner changes lanes before the
group, to secure the lane so the group can move into it.
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Shepherd & New Riders
The position of new (inexperienced with GROUP riding) riders within the group is significant. New
riders should be positioned as close to the front as possible. New riders should be teamed up with an experienced Shepherd.
It's the Shepherd's responsibility to instruct the new rider on all ride signals and rules.
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Emergencies
In the unlikely event of an emergency condition, the Road Captain will
make every attempt to move the formation to the shoulder in an orderly manner. If a bike breaks down, let the rider move to
the right. DO NOT STOP. The Tail Gunner will stop with the problem bike. The road Captain will lead the group to a safe stopping
place.
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