Riding In A Group by Mr Angry
Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:01 pm
GOOD PRACTICE FOR RIDING IN GROUPS:
1. The standard formation, under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, will be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane.[in urban areas, not necessarily on country runs] The interval will be no less than one second between staggered riders, which will automatically make a 2 second interval between you and the bike directly in front of you. This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space, and discourages other vehicles from cutting into the group.
2. The riders should also realize that by creating a large gap in the formation, cars will try to move in and split the formation, causing a dangerous situation. It also causes problems for the Ride Leader when there are large gaps in the formation or can’t see the Sweeper (usually the 2nd person in charge of the ride who rides at the end of the group).
3. The rider following the Ride Leader should ride on the LEFT position during a staggered formation, this will allow the Leader to ride in the middle or the Right position under most circumstances.
4. The more experienced rider should ride on the right. Novice and inexperienced riders should ride in the middle of the group until they are comfortable riding in a group.
5. Rider should follow the instructions of the Ride Leader in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation. If everyone does the same thing, then strength is in numbers and so will be safety.
6. Never pull up along side of someone unless you need them to pull over, because people may suddenly swerve around a hazard without seeing you. If you can’t see their eyes in their mirror, they can’t see you.
7. No over taking when riding in a group, this will upset the formation and lead to rubber banding or elongating the formation. Not necessary on country runs. If the bloke in front of you wants to dawdle, leave him to the Sweeper, feel free to ride within your own limits & within the bounds of common sense & road rules.
8. The person riding behind you is your responsibility, don’t lose them. It is important to keep up with the group, otherwise the whole group will slow down or rubber band. [If the rider behind you is falling back, you fall back, eventually the Leader will get the message too]
9. The Leader will establish a riding speed that will ensure the group is in formation and together, so it is every rider’s responsibility to assist the leader and keep a steady pace, ride formation and look out for the rider behind you.
10. On country runs where there may be considerable distance between riders, employ the Point-man principle. If the Leader indicates to the rider immediately behind him/her at a corner (by pointing), that person pulls over on the corner, turns on the relevant indicator & indicates to ALL following riders the direction of travel. The Point man re-joins the ride immediately before the Sweeper, who will have slowed/stopped to allow him to re-join. If YOU don't want to be a Point-man, don't ride immediately behind the Leader.
Previously posted on the original MM board by Mr Angry
1. The standard formation, under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, will be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane.[in urban areas, not necessarily on country runs] The interval will be no less than one second between staggered riders, which will automatically make a 2 second interval between you and the bike directly in front of you. This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space, and discourages other vehicles from cutting into the group.
2. The riders should also realize that by creating a large gap in the formation, cars will try to move in and split the formation, causing a dangerous situation. It also causes problems for the Ride Leader when there are large gaps in the formation or can’t see the Sweeper (usually the 2nd person in charge of the ride who rides at the end of the group).
3. The rider following the Ride Leader should ride on the LEFT position during a staggered formation, this will allow the Leader to ride in the middle or the Right position under most circumstances.
4. The more experienced rider should ride on the right. Novice and inexperienced riders should ride in the middle of the group until they are comfortable riding in a group.
5. Rider should follow the instructions of the Ride Leader in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation. If everyone does the same thing, then strength is in numbers and so will be safety.
6. Never pull up along side of someone unless you need them to pull over, because people may suddenly swerve around a hazard without seeing you. If you can’t see their eyes in their mirror, they can’t see you.
7. No over taking when riding in a group, this will upset the formation and lead to rubber banding or elongating the formation. Not necessary on country runs. If the bloke in front of you wants to dawdle, leave him to the Sweeper, feel free to ride within your own limits & within the bounds of common sense & road rules.
8. The person riding behind you is your responsibility, don’t lose them. It is important to keep up with the group, otherwise the whole group will slow down or rubber band. [If the rider behind you is falling back, you fall back, eventually the Leader will get the message too]
9. The Leader will establish a riding speed that will ensure the group is in formation and together, so it is every rider’s responsibility to assist the leader and keep a steady pace, ride formation and look out for the rider behind you.
10. On country runs where there may be considerable distance between riders, employ the Point-man principle. If the Leader indicates to the rider immediately behind him/her at a corner (by pointing), that person pulls over on the corner, turns on the relevant indicator & indicates to ALL following riders the direction of travel. The Point man re-joins the ride immediately before the Sweeper, who will have slowed/stopped to allow him to re-join. If YOU don't want to be a Point-man, don't ride immediately behind the Leader.
Previously posted on the original MM board by Mr Angry