Etiquette

Apparently not too many bikers with web pages are interested in etiquette.  Since I had a lot of questions when I started riding, I thought I post some of the things I'd learned along the way.  Keep in mind some groups have their own traditions, and that customs vary by region.  That said, you can't sue me if someone beats the crap out of you because you did something on this page.  Please send ideas, suggestions, or links to me at etiquette@bikergoddess.com.

BASIC RIDING ETIQUETTE

• Wave at other riders, regardless of whether you like their bike or not.

• If your wave involves only one finger, make sure it's your forefinger.

• Fair or not, other people may judge all bikers from their interaction with a single motorcyclist.  Try to give everyone a good impression.

• While high beams make you more visible, you might temporarily blind someone at night.  The goal is to be seen, and you can see how this might be counterproductive.

• Be conscious of those around you.  Keep disturbances to a minimum.

 GROUP RIDING ETIQUETTE

• Have someone provide a briefing to others about the whole trip at the start. Then provide more detailed updates along each leg of the journey.

• Tell everyone about any known hazards along the way and the locations of service stations for fuel stops if required. It may also help to draw a small map, with all the essential details and contact numbers.

• Plan and agree on places and times that can easily be made by all group members for breaks and regrouping.

• Exchange cell phone numbers with everyone who has them. Mobile phones are okay to use if you've lost a member of the group, but don't use them while riding. Many groups use Rider's Edge handsignals to communicate. Please refer to the Rider's Edge(SM)/MSF Guide to Group Riding for a comprehensive list of handsignals.

• If you intend to have a running order, ensure that everyone knows which position they will ride in and who is in front and behind of them.

• If you have new members or inexperienced riders, put them somewhere in the middle until they get a feel for the group ride experience.

• Ride with dipped beams even in daylight.

• The basic formation is staggered; the leader usually is on the left, but some groups ride with the leader on the right.

              L

                         1

              2

                         3

              4

• You should ride 1 second behind the next rider and 2 seconds behind the rider directly in front of you.  For example, 2 would be two seconds behind L and one second behind 1.  Tighten up for heavy traffic, but remember "Protect your lane, but don't defend it."  If someone wants in that badly, let them have it.  It's easier than having a wreck.

• When entering turns, fall into single file and give yourself enough room to stop or take evasive action, if needed.

• The leader should indicate road obstacles with his foot, as if pointing to it.  Each rider should pass the signal.

• Every person has a responsibility to know the route and destination.

• Never leave a group without informing someone.

• You are responsible for not hitting the person in front of you.  The person behind you is responsible for not hitting you.  Try not to make that a difficult job for them.

• Inform the leader of your range, especially if it is considerably shorter than everyone else's.

• Ride your own ride.  If trying to keep up with the group pushes you outside your limits, don't try to keep up.  You are the one who will get hurt.  Trust me, stories about being slow are funnier than stories about accidents.

• It's usually best if you don't try to join a group already in progress.  They will have agreed to ride rules you aren't aware of before the ride.  Wave and continue on the way you were before.

• Leaders have the responsibility of getting the group where it is going.  He (or she) should start at a reasonable pace until all bikes are moving, then gradually increase to touring speed.  Be aware that changes in speed are amplified in a large group.

• All riders should follow the leader, even if he makes a wrong turn.

• Inexperienced riders should be placed at the back of the group.  One of the more experienced riders should ride last.

• The last rider should watch new riders to make sure they fit the group and ride within their limits.

• In the event of an accident, the last rider should stay with the downed rider and call for help.  He should also call the leader or someone else still with the group to inform them.  It's best if everyone who stopped for the accident stays put, rather than try to catch up with the others.

GROUP RIDING METHODS

1. Follow the leader: One rider leads and sets the pace; each successive rider behind keeps the rider directly in front of him in view and so on, down to the rider at the back. This is often the default approach, but it can result in a closely bunched group. It can also cause the riders at the back to ride much faster than the leaders just to keep up. This can cause a chain reaction of increased speed and potentially dangerous riding the further down the group you go.

2. Each member navigates: This is a simple but rarely practical method. Basically every rider in the group is required to know exactly where you are going and where and when all the break stops are. While this works well in normal circumstances, if one member has a break down, the group could find themselves backtracking a long way to find the stranded rider. It is also easy to get separated and doesn't work for larger groups.

3. Watching the rider behind you: A far better riding method than the previous two is the method in which each rider is responsible for the rider behind, ensuring that he or she is always visible in their rear view mirror. In this case, it is therefore the last rider who ultimately sets the pace. If the group gets separated, the pace will slow to an eventual stop. This method works well, but doesn't allow for overtakes and can go wrong if another bike not in the group comes into view and gets mistaken as part of the group. However, with an agreed running order and careful rear observation, this method works fine.

4. Marker system: This is popular with groups going on long rides and allows overtaking within the group without upsetting anyone. Here's how the system works. One leader is responsible for navigating the route, at every junction, and the rider immediately behind marks the junction. All other riders then pass except the marker who than re-joins the group as the last. This approach rotates the entire group from second in front to last, except the leader. It also allows riders to overtake other riders without confusing the group. This method works providing that everyone makes clear, safe markings and doesn't forget they are in the No. 2 position when it is their turn to mark.
   If you are going to assign a leader or marker role, be sure they are easily recognizable. Have them wear a high visibility vest or jacket. Most fast bike riders will agree that the challenge of motorcycling is taking a corner well. So ask the faster riders to keep to the speed limits on the straights, but allow corners to be fair game. You'll set a pace that should be within the grasp of most riders in your group.