Group Motorcycle Riding Tips

Some motorcyclists enjoy riding in groups, especially on the highways and open roads. However, it is not as easy as it looks, especially for beginners: there are specific formations and group-divisions, as well as a range of rules to ensure that everyone rides safely and smoothly and risks of accidents are minimized. Here are some important rules and tips for group motorcycle riding:

Always maintain a safe and comfortable speed. Generally, groups tend to move at the speeds of their slower riders to avoid losing them, but if you must catch up, do not go beyond your own driving capacity.
Stay in consistent positions. Caution and discipline are required of each member in a motorcycle group in order to maintain a formation in which everyone has sufficient space and no other drivers on the road are impeded. Abruptly changing your position may surprise fellow drivers and motorcyclists alike and increase the risk of an accident.

“Follow the leader.” Motorcycle groups also tend to designate at least one rider as the “leader” to whom any questions about the ride may be referred. Leaders often have briefing sessions before rides in which they clarify details about routes and speeds. They may also accommodate for particular riders with less experience or less-developed abilities than the others.
Always be alert and attentive. This is always important when riding a motorcycle – which generally requires more direct attention and concentration than a car – and especially important when riding in groups. Once acquainted to the ride, motorcyclists can appear as one smooth unit made of multiple parts; again, however, each individual must always stay focused to maintain a formation.

Each member of the group takes responsibility for the rider behind him/her. This is particularly common in large groups (though large groups are often divided into smaller ones) in order to improve emergency assistance, if necessary. Decide on formations. This is often done during the briefing session before the ride. Formations range from lines and trails to “staggers” and many factors may affect which formation/s may be chosen, including weather and road/traffic conditions.

Maintain appropriate speeds and lanes. After you have decided on formations, speeds, and lanes, be sure to stick to them unless directed to do otherwise. More experienced riders may have systems of signals to inform one another of changes in routes or formations, but beginners need not worry unless they are informed ahead of time of such signals.

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