MOTOCYCLE GROUP RIDING
NIPISSING RIDERS - North Bay Ontario

Motorcycling is primarily a solo activity, but for many as a group -- Whether with friends or with an organized motorcycle rally -- is the epitome of motorcycling experience. Here are some tips to help ensure a fun and safe group ride.

Arrive Prepared. Arrive with a full tank of gas.

Hold a Riders Meeting- Discuss things like the route, rest and fuel stops, and hand signals. Assign a lead and sweep (tail) rider. Both should be experienced riders who are well-versed in group riding procedures. The leader should assess everyone's riding skills and the group's riding style.

Ride Prepared - At least one rider in each group should have a cell phone, first aid kit and full tool lit, so the group is prepared for any problem that they might encounter.

Ride In Formation - The staggered riding formation allows a proper space cushion between motorcycles so that each rider has enough time and space to maneuver and to react to hazards. The leader rides in the left third of the lane, while the next rider stays at least one second behind in the right third of the lane; the rest of the group follows the same pattern. A single- file formation is preferred on a curvy road, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways, or other situations where an increased speed cushion or maneuvering room is needed.

Avoid side-by side formations, as they reduce the space cushion. If you suddenly needed to swerve to avoid a hazard, you would not have room to do so. You don't want handlebars to become entangled.

Periodically check the riders following in your rear view mirror. If you see a rider falling behind, slow down so they may catch up. If all riders in the group use this technique, the group should be able to maintain a fairly steady speed without pressure to ride to fast to catch up.

If you are separated from the group, don't panic. Your group should have a preplanned procedure in place to regroup. Don't break the law or ride beyond your skills to catch up.

For mechanical or medical problems, use a cell phone to call for assistance as the situation warrants.

Information taken from the MSF Motorcycle Safety Foundation MSF's Guide to Group Riding