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 marshaled 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 to 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 who is responsible for briefing about routes, planned stops, cruising speed etc. A Designated Bike and Trail Bike must also be appointed. It is the job of the Designated Bike to assist any rider who falls out of the group for whatever reason - WE NEVER LEAVE A RIDER STRANDED - and to this end they must be fully conversant with the route.

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. Equally these two riders must position themselves in the outside 'lane' of the riding group. Finally, experienced riders must be selected to act as 'outriders' or 'markers', who will be responsible for marking the route for others at various pre-determined positions.

IMPORTANT

Once the group has formed always maintain your position, even if the rider in front or behind you drops out, do not close up or move over. This allows the outriders or markers to safely leave and rejoin the group, which they will be doing throughout the ride. Watch your mirrors and make room for them if possible, however, if in doubt simply maintain your position and allow them to manoeuvre as required.

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. Equally if you prefer a particular position in the group, inside, outside, front, centre or rear, make this known to the Road Captain. 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.

Should the lead rider make a wrong turn, or deviate from the known route DO NOT BREAK THE FORMATION. Follow until it is safe to leave the group and ask the lead to pull over to confirm the route.

Extra Considerations For Motorway / Dual Carriageway Riding

It may be necessary to limit the group size; the Road Captain will determine this as required. The Trail Rider controls passing, meaning that passing is done from back to front. This might initially sound confusing, but the Trail Rider monitors the traffic ahead, and when the group approaches slower traffic, waits for a suitable gap before moving to overtake. Once the Trail Rider is positioned the rest of the group then moves over from rear to front. The lead rider controls moving back however, and the group must reform only when it is safe for each rider to move ahead of the overtaken traffic.

Always be aware of traffic joining and leaving the motorway, especially when the group is passing an intersection. Drivers often leave lane changes to the last possible minute, which can be potentially dangerous if the group is riding past a motorway exit!

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 suite, 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 revenue cameras (sorry 'safety' cameras') 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, 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 be only too pleased to help and advise.