NERIN  - North east riders independent network

How To Ride Safely In A Group

l. Arrive to the designated staging area with a full tank of gas, tires checked for proper air pressure, oil levels checked, brake pads tested, and clutch cables checked.
2. Attempts should be made to limit the groups to 10 or 14 bikes. If it becomes necessary to split the large group into smaller groups, each small group should leave in four second or more intervals. In order to avoid potential collision situations, keep enough space for a car to pass through to change lanes. Always keep the group ahead and the group behind within sight.
3. C.B. channels should be established prior to any movement. The group should not switch to a different channel until all members have been informed.
4. Each bike should ride in staggered formation within an automobile lane; the leader rides in the left tire track; the next rider, the right tire track, etc. On curves, individual riders should pick their own track, then reform the staggered formation after the curve.
5. When stopping at a traffic light or stop sign, all bikes pull up, two abreast, directly behind the bike they were following.
6. When starting, the leader moves out first, accelerating slowly enough for all bikes to move out in turn. No one should accelerate even with, or pass, another bike.
7. FORMATION SPACING:
Allow a minimum of two or three seconds stopping distance between following bikes, one or two second stopping distance between staggered bikes.

Common Hand Signals

Do not allow too much space to develop between bikes, however.
Adjust following distance according the road condition and weather. Should you be in wet driving conditions allow double the spacing requirements you would for dry conditions.
To prevent your focus from becoming locked on the bike ahead, scan the environment mentally see the route ahead.
Maintain your lane position.
Ride in the lane with the least potential conflicts and most amount of space cushioning.
8. Don't just follow. Be sure to check the traffic before lane changes or other maneuvers.
9. If someone in your group pulls to the shoulder of the road and stops, do not follow. The rear bike should stop and give assistance. The remaining bikes continue to the next rest area or designated stopping point, whichever is first. Do not have the entire group stop along the roadside. It is a traffic hazard.
10. When passing other vehicles on a two-lane highway each bike should pass in order and in turn. The leader should accelerate far enough ahead for the rest of the group to pass, and the tail bike should inform the leader when the whole group has passed and is back in formation.
11. Groups should have a leader and rear bike equipped with CB radios when possible. The lead bike leads the group, the rear bike controls the group. Expect ride suggestions from the rear bike and accept suggestions to improve the group's riding performance.
12. All riders and co-riders should wear proper riding apparel. This is not mandatory but is strongly recommended for your safety. Relax and enjoy the ride, and remember, getting there is the fun. Understand all hand signals and pass them along as the ride continues.