Group Riding Is Great, If You Know The Rules
Some do it on their own, some share it with a friend, and some Florida motorcyclists have discovered a long time ago that riding with a group of buddies or fellow club members is just great.
A group is not a pack. A group is an organized way of riding together in such a way that the members are able to ride at a decent speed, stay together and ride safely. To be effective, a group needs to have detailed and strictly enforced rules to avoid serious motorcycle crashes that can be even more devastating if several bikers are involved. Most organizers of group riding follow roughly the same guidelines:
Riding Formation. Motorcyclists usually ride in a staggered formation, alternating the left side and the right side of the lane in succession. The leader always occupies the left side and is followed by a biker on the right side, and so on. In most groups the less experienced bikers and those with passengers ride on the right side. The group will switch to single-file formation on a curvy road, when entering or leaving a highway, under poor weather conditions or in other hazardous situations.
Trip Preparation. Bikers will usually receive all the instructions beforehand and hold a meeting right before the kick-start. The group must be kept to a manageable size, usually not more than fifteen; larger groups are usually split in sub-groups. During the meeting, the participants review the important points: group riding rules, motorcycle inspection, legal requirements, protective gear, fuel, luggage, maps and navigation systems, communication and signals, and more.
Signals. Motorcyclist riding in a group use a code of hand and foot signals to communicate to the ones behind them if there is a danger, if they should brake, stop, turn or pay attention to road debris or other hazards.
Changing Lanes. The Lead Road Captain will first signal the intention to change lanes and, spotting a safe opportunity, make another signal for the Rear Road Captain to change lanes first and protect the lane for the others. Then all motorcyclists will follow the Lead to change lanes following the bike in front.
There are many more rules and practices that make group motorcycle riding in Florida both exciting and safe. Responsible bikers know how to keep the fun going.
If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, call the Daytona Beach attorneys of Johnson & Gilbert PA today toll free at (800) 556-8890 and locally at (386) 673-4412 or send our lawyers an email to arrange a free consultation.