GROUP RIDING GUIDELINES

Please remember that you have the ultimate responsibility for your safety. Always ride within your own capabilities.  

These guidelines cannot encompass every possible set of circumstances. They are intended to serve as a basic guide for most situations. Every person is expected to read, understand, and apply these guidelines using their best judgment.

ARRIVAL

All riders will meet at the designated location 15 minutes prior to the scheduled ride with a full tank of gas.  No alcohol or drugs should be consumed before or during a planned group ride. If you consume alcohol or drugs during a group ride, you will be asked to leave.

RIDING FORMATION AND POSITIONS

1. The Road Captain will ride in front on the left hand (left tire track) side of the lane.  The Road Captain will give instructions to all riders prior to the start of a ride. This will include, if known, the name, address, and phone number of the destination.

2. The President may ride alongside or just behind the Road Captain on the right side (right tire track) of the lane.  The Road Captain and President will alert all subsequent riders to road hazards and obstacles in the road utilizing the standard hand signals.  (See Section on Hand Signals)

3. Following the President will be members wearing full colors, followed by prospective  members, then non-members.  Bringing up the rear will be the “Sweep”  - a full member in colors responsible for ensuring the last riders do not get lost or lag too far behind the lead, and that everyone is riding safely.  Once you are in position keep that position for the remainder of the ride.

4. All riders will maintain the standard staggered formation behind the president and will pass all hand signals on to the riders behind them.

Note: The standard staggered formation requires a two second delay/interval between your bike and the bike directly in front of you (same tire track) and a one second delay/interval between your bike and the rider in the tire track next to you. 

5. All group rides will be at posted speed limits, conditions permitting.

6. Freeway riding – Very few of our rides take place on the freeway.  However, should there be a ride that includes time on the freeway, the following rules for lane changes will be in effect.

• The Road Captain will hold her position and signal for a lane change.
• All riders will hold their position and pass the signal for lane change to the rear. (The hand signal should be held only briefly so as to be less confusing to other motorists.) The Sweep will change lanes protecting the lane for the group and allowing the Road Captain to see that the lane is clear and protected. The Road Captain will then signal the lane change and the group will change lanes.   Note – No-one, except the Sweep, is to change lanes before the Road Captain. ALWAYS make a head check before you begin any lane change.

7. Non-freeway passing – Two lane roads with two way traffic (one lane each way) means that  there will be times when it will not be possible for the entire group to change lanes as above.  When there is a need to pass on a two lane road, the Road Captain will signal for single file  formation.  She will then signal to begin the passing maneuver when it is safe to do so. Everyone is to take a turn maneuvering behind the vehicle to be passed and to do so only when it is determined safe for passing. The Road Captain will set a pace that allows all to  pass safely prior to increasing speed. 

If the group is split, be patient ---- until everyone can safely regroup.

8. Should your bike become disabled or if for any other reason you need to stop, signal and pull off the road as safely as possible. The remainder of the group behind the disabled rider will pull over as well. The Road Captain will pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and await a report from the Sweep.

SOME DON’TS

Don’t crowd the rider in front of you. If she has to swerve or stop suddenly there needs to be enough room for her to make those maneuvers safely.

Don’t lag too far behind the rider in front of you.  Each rider needs to pay attention, not only to what is in front of you but those riders following you. If you are falling behind too far, you will create a ripple effect delaying the whole group.

Don’t pass other riders of the group while riding in group formation.

Again, these guidelines are intended to serve as basic guidelines for most situations.  Each rider is expected to read, understand, and apply these guidelines using their best judgment.