Safety Officers and Road Captains
Riding in a group is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying aspects of belonging to the chapter. You will find yourself in a number of group situations, ranging from a simple ride with mates to a fully organised, police marshalled event.
To facilitate a safe and enjoyable riding experience we adhere to the following set of rules, designed to help you to ride confidently in a group regardless of the number of bikes or the riding environment.
The group rides in a staggered formation with at least one bikes length for every 10 mph of speed. This provides each rider with a safety zone for sudden manoeuvres or avoiding action. A good rule of thumb is ride so that you can see the face of the rider diagonally in front of you in their mirror; you won't be in their blind spot this way!
The group is led by a Road Captain or lead rider . A Designated Trail Bike must also be appointed.
The Trail Bike (Last rider) acts as a rear marker, thereby allowing the Road Captain or lead rider to monitor the whole group. Accordingly only the lead rider and Trail Rider should ride with spots or passing lights on.
IMPORTANT - once the group has formed try to maintain your position, if the rider in front of you drops out,use your mirrors and look over your shoulder and take up their position. If you turn off the main road or alter course, and there is no one in your mirrors, because they have fallen behind due to traffic lights or other road users etc, this person should wait to show the rest of the followers where the group is going.This practice should stop the group from getting fragmented.
The group will always proceed at the speed of the slowest rider; the reasons for this are obvious. Less experienced riders will be approached by the Road Captain and a suitable speed agreed upon. Allowance will also be made for petrol tank size, let the Road Captain know if you have a limited range! However it is incumbent on every rider to ensure they arrive with a FULL TANK OF PETROL.
When riding make sure you signal clearly, don't assume because the bike ahead of you is turning that everyone else is aware! Equally, point out any hazards such as potholes, animals (alive or dead), cyclists etc, riding in a group can mask or hide things that would normally be obvious. Also be aware that cars, or other less attractive plastic motorcycles, will attempt to overtake the group. Use your mirrors and make good use of 'The Lifesaver', that last look over your shoulder could indeed save your life!
It is sometimes necessary for the group to form single file. The lead rider will signal this by raising a hand and pointing a finger straight up. Follow the rider ahead of you until the hazard or restriction is cleared.
The blocking of roads ,so all the bikes can get through,by members of the group is not allowed,unless we have a police escorted ride.
Parking
Another ’art form’ is group parking, an orderly ride can be ruined by a chaotic arrival! Firstly the lead rider must select an appropriate, accommodating parking area—ideally with good, firm ground. The group then approaches in single file with the lead rider aiming for the farthest point in the selected area. The lead rider then turns into to the chosen parking spot and, when straight, backs the bike back into the kerb. He will also ensure that he is slightly angled towards the departure direction. The other riders all follow suit, with each allowing the other enough time and space to park correctly. With a little practice it becomes second nature, and the eventual departure is just as orderly, with the first in being the first to leave.
Final Word - The Law!
Do not speed or jump red lights to catch up! In these days of speed guns, it is just not worth it. If the group becomes fragmented the Road Captain will slow or pull over to allow everyone to catch up. Never assume a junction is safe to negotiate simply because the bike ahead of you has moved out, as we all know the dreaded 'man in flat cap' is simply waiting to take you out...!
Finally, the highway code applies to all riders and common sense,please if you have any questions about group riding, or anything to do with road craft in general please contact the Road Captains or Safety Officers...they will only be too pleased to help and advise.
