The purpose of riding in an organized group instead of an undisciplined pack is the additional safety that a well-organized group inherently generates. This comes from within the group and from the outside. When a group rides in an orderly fashion, people don't get in each other's way, and the organization of the formation itself discourages cars from attempting to cut in.
I have even seen trucks move to the far side of their lane to minimize wind blast when they see a well-ordered formation. Once riding rules have been adopted by the chapter, EVERYONE riding with the chapter is expected to follow them. Anyone violating the rules, and compromising everyone else's safety, will be warned, and if their actions continue, will no longer be welcome to the ride with the chapter.
The following rules are compiled from a number of sources. Most chapters that ride in orderly formations follow similar rules. Details may vary from one club to another, sometimes because of the style of riding they do, or sometimes because there are a number of reasonable options, so they chose the one that they prefer.
1. Formation
Riding will be in a standard staggered formation unless the leader calls for single file. In staggered formation, the bikes form two columns, with the leader at the head of either the right or left column. as he chooses. The second bike will head the opposite, and will ride in view of the leader's rear view mirror (and in the opposite side of the lane). The other riders will position their bikes two seconds behind the bike directly in front of them, which puts them one second behind the diagonal bike. This allows ample time for any quick maneuvers or hard breaking should such occur. This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space, and discourages other vehicles from cutting into the line.
2. Ride Leader
The Ride leader is responsible for the safety of the entire formation. He must be aware of the length of the columns, and must gauge the passing of merges, highway entrances and exits, etc., to allow for maximum safety and keeping the group together. He must make sure that he leaves enough time/space for the formation to get into the appropriate lanes before exits, etc.
3. Tail Gunner
The Tail Gunner serves as the eyes of the Ride Leader. He watches the formation, and informs the Ride Leader of any potential problems within the group. He watches other vehicles, and informs the Ride Leader (and anyone else with radios) of hazardous conditions approaching from the rear, such as vehicles trying to cut into the formation and trucks passing with potentially dangerous wind blasts. He will watch for merging lanes, and will move into a merging lane (or stay in a merging lane just vacated by the group) in order to "close the door" on other vehicles that may otherwise find themselves trying to merge into the formation. At the Ride Leader's request, the Tail Gunner changes lanes before the formation, to secure the lane so the formation can move into it.
4. New Riders
The position of new (inexperienced with GROUP riding) riders within the group is significant. New riders should be positioned as close to the back as possible - close to the tailgunner and shepard.
5. Lane Changes
All lane changes start with a radio request from the Ride Leader to the Tail Gunner. The Tail Gunner will (when it is safe to do so) move into the requested lane and will inform the Ride Leader when the lane is clear.
6. Emergencies
In the unlikely event of an emergency situation, the Ride Leader will make every attempt to move the formation to the shoulder in an orderly manner. If a bike breaks down, let the rider move to the right. DO NOT STOP. The Tail Gunner will stop with the problem bike. The Ride Leader will lead the group to a safe place.
7. Tolls
The Ride Leader should be aware of tolls and collect money from all riders in advance. When the formation arrives at the booth, the Ride Leader pays for all bikes to proceed through the toll. Many toll booths have counters that count the number of vehicles coming through. To accommodate these, ride through the toll booth one at a time.
8. Hand Signals
Each rider (and passenger) should duplicate all hand signals given by the rider in front of him, so that the signals get passed all the way to the back of the formation. The following signals are used in addition to the standard (right turn, left turn, slow/stop) hand signal.
Block Lane Change
The Ride Leader (after having the Tail Gunner secure the lane) raises his left arm straight up. Each rider repeats this signal. Then, as the leader lowers his arm to point to the lane into which he's moving, he actually initiates the change. All other riders lower their arms at the same time and change lanes too.Fill in from rear
After having the Tail Gunner secure the lane and putting on his directional signal (which is repeated by each rider), the Ride Leader raises his left hand to his shoulder and "pushes" his open hand toward the lane into which he wants to move. This signal is repeated by all riders, and each rider in turn, rearmost first, moves into the space ahead of the riders behind them.Single up
When conditions warrant single file (narrow road, anticipated wind blast from trucks, obstruction, pedestrians, etc.) the Ride Leader will raise his left hand straight up, holding up just his index finger. All other riders will repeat this, and the two columns will merge into one.Staggered Formation
After singling up, when single file is no longer necessary, the Ride Leader will raise his left hand with the thumb and pinky out, other fingers closed, rotating his wrist back and forth (indicating left, right, left, right). All other riders will repeat this and resume staggered formation.Tighten Formation
When the Ride Leader thinks that the formation should be tighter (bikes closer together) (usually after being informed by the Tail Gunner), he raises his left hand with fingers spread wide and repeatedly close them into a fist. All other riders repeat this and close up all unnecessary space in the formation.Road Hazards
This is the one signal that can be initiated by ANYONE. Anyone seeing a hazardous condition on the road surface (roadkill, oil, gravel, significant pothole, etc,) will point at it. All following riders will repeat this, and all riders will point at the hazard.
Starting the ride
About five minutes before departing, all riders mount their bikes and prepare for the ride. Riders of each group must know where the group will stop for a rest and how long the ride will be. It is always a good idea to go over hand signals with all those participating in a group ride and make sure that everyone understands them. All Riders must have completed a Chapter 315 Ride Waiver on file with the Chapter.
