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SAFETY FIRST



Motorcycling is primarily a solo activity, but for many, GROUP RIDING is the epitome of the motorcycling experience. Whether with friends on a Sunday morning ride, an organized motorcycle rally or by yourself, here are some tips to help ensure a fun and safe ride everytime. Before any ride always be sure to use the T-CLOCS check list to ensure your bike is ready to roll.

Chuck and Brenda Riding the "Dragon"

QUICK TIPS: General Guidelines For Safe Motorcycling

  1. BE VISIBLE

    • Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time
    • Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night
    • Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle
    • Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have
    • Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping
    • If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn

  2. DRESS FOR SAFTEY

    • Wear a quality helmet and eye protection
    • Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet
    • Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing
    • Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves
    • Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear

  3. APPLY EFFECTIVE MENTAL STRATEGIES

    • Constantly search the road for changing conditions
    • Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions
    • Give other motorists time and space to respond to you
    • Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible
    • Watch for turning vehicles
    • Signal your next move in advance
    • Avoid weaving between lanes
    • Pretend you’re invisible, and ride extra defensively
    • Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
    • Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed limit
    • Know your bike and how to use it:
    • Get formal training and take refresher courses. Visit www.msf-usa.org to locate the Motorcycle Safety Foundation hands-on Rider Course nearest you
    • Practice. Develop your riding techniques before going into heavy traffic. Know how to handle your bike in conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces

Remember: Give yourself space. People driving cars often just don’t see motorcycles. Even when drivers do see you, chances are they’ve never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge your speed.

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QUICK TIPS: General Guidelines For Group RidingGroup at Stop Light

  1. ARRIVE PREPARED

    • Arrive on time, well before the scheduled departure time
    • Arrive with a full gas tank
    • Arrive with an empty bladder
    • At least one rider in each group should pack a cell phone, first-aid kit, and full tool kit, so the group is prepared for any problem that they might encounter

  2. HOLD A RIDERS' MEETING

    • Discuss the route and types of roads you will be riding on
    • Discuss when rests are and how far people are able comfortably travel between stops
    • Discuss when fuel stops are and how far can each bike go on a tank of gas
    • Are there any special needs or medical conditions
    • Discuss and demonstrate HAND SIGNALS
    • Assign a leader and tail gunner. 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

  3. KEEP GROUP TO MANAGEBALE SIZE

    • Ideally five to seven riders. If necessary, break the group into smaller sub-groups
    • Each group or sub group should have a leader and tail gunner

  4. RIDE IN FORMATION

    • Only use the STAGGERED RIDING FORMATION
    • Allow proper space cushion between motorcycles so that each rider has enough time and space to maneuver and to react to hazards
    • Leader rides in the left third of the lane
    • Next rider stays at least one second behind in the right third of the lane
    • Rest of the group follows the same pattern
    • Use single-file formation on curvy roads, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways, or other hazardous situations
    • Increase space cushion or maneuvering room as needed
    • Avoid side-by-side formations

  5. PERIODICALLY CHECK THE RIDERS IN YOUR MIRRORS

    • If a rider is falling behind, slow down so they may catch up
    • If you’re separated from the group, don’t panic
    • Have a pre-planned 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
Group Riding Formation

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Used with permission from MSF-USA.org