Volunteer Road Riders
January
17, 2003
Table
of Contents
New
Riders or Riders New to group Riding
Riders
in a group ride fall into one of four positions. Their responsibilities and
duties are as follows.
Road
Captain:
The RC is in the ultimate position of authority for that particular group
ride! The RC is responsible for
designating riders to serve as TG, and, when required, RG's. The RC must
assess, as best he/she can, the riding skills of those in the group,
and then make appropriate adjustments to ensure that the ride is conducted
in a safe manner for all involved.
The
success of most rides depends a great deal on the expectations of the attendant
riders. The RC should provide as
much useful information as possible including who he/she has designated as the
ride leaders (TG, RG), and give an overall picture of how he/she expects to lead
the ride (pace, frequency of stops, anticipated food breaks).
The RC should review the Road Rules (hand signals, formations, etc.) and
other pertinent items, such as setting an understanding for conduct and timing
at stops, for example: non-fuel
related stops will be brief unless otherwise indicated, probably no longer than
10 minutes (or whatever time is planned).
The
RC 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/She must make sure that he/she leaves enough
time/space for the formation to get into the appropriate lanes before exits,
etc. All directions come from the RC. The RC makes all decisions regarding lane
changes, stopping for breaks and fuel, closing of gaps, turning off at exits,
any concerns of what lies ahead, and
so on. No individual will assert himself independently without direction from
the RC to do so.
Tail
Gunner: The TG is in the 2nd highest
position of authority. The TG is
the last rider in the formation. No
rider will fall behind the TG. The
TG attempts to ride in such a way as to make himself/herself visible to the RC
as much as possible. The TG rides with the high beams on (and having triple
lights is preferable). The TG has
many responsibilities for shepherding the group, many of which involve
anticipating what the RC will do next, most of which are initiated by events
taking place in front of him/her; but not all.
The
TG serves as the eyes of the Ride Leader. 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. The TG will
normally change lanes before the formation, to secure the lane so the
formation can move into it.
The
TG will also serve as a blocker at intersections, or when entering the highway.
The direction/lane to be blocked will normally be coordinated in advance with
the RC.
In
the event a bike has to fall out of formation, the rider should move to the
right. All other riders are to stay with the group. The TG will stop with
the problem bike. The RC will slow down the speed (to allow time for the problem
bike and TG to catch up), or will lead the group to a safe stopping
place.
Note:
Lane integrity should be maintained at all times...do not
cross-over from one column to the other in order to fill a vacated spot.
The next rider in that column is to move forward to fill the vacated space
(make sure that the diagonal bike in front of you knows that you're moving
forward before you do so). After the vacated spot is filled, the next rider
in that column repeats the previous steps. This continues until all riders in
the affected column have moved forward. After all riders have moved
forward, it may be necessary for a single rider at the end of the group to
cross-over.
Road
Guards: On occasion there may be need for the RC
to designate riders as Road Guards (RG) to the assist the TG. RG's serve as
blockers at intersections, or when entering a highway and the group has to cross
two lanes of traffic. The direction/lane to be blocked will
normally be coordinated in advance with the RC. When RG's are know to be needed
before the ride starts, the RG's will normally be placed at the front of the
group, so that they can peel off and perform their assignments. After the
blocking is completed, the RG's will fall back into the group at the rear, but
in front of the TG.
Formation members: If you’re not one of the ride leaders, then you’re a formation rider. How you conduct yourself in the formation has significant impact on all riders in the formation. Do your best not to stand out from the other riders. Being noticed typically means you're doing something wrong, usually it means you’re not holding your line, or your spacing is inconsistent. This gives the riders around you cause for pause. They will have to pay more attention to you than might otherwise be necessary, thus taking their focus and attention off other aspects of the ride that they might otherwise engage themselves, such as anticipating formation movements, reading their “tells”, or keeping their own spacing. The primary role of a formation rider is to be attentive, ride safely, observe all riding rules, be courteous of others in the group, and have a good time.
Single
Column:
In this formation there is a single column, with each rider maintaining a two
second spacing behind the bike in front of him/her. The group should follow
the same position in the lane as the RC. This is because the RC may have noticed
a problem up ahead (accident, pedestrian, pothole, narrow bridge or lane, etc.) and
is attempting to avoid same. It is important that each rider pay attention and
follow the example set by the RC. Failure to do so could result in the riders
behind you getting the wrong message and they may suffer harm due to your
actions (or lack there-of).
There is usually a significant effort required by a ride
planner to get a large group of riders together, in a common place, at a given
time, so that you can enjoy a group ride. Until
you’ve tried to do this you won’t know how frustrating it can be just to
listen to everyone’s ideas about the ride.
Riders who have suggestions about a ride should voice same during ride
planning, not on the day of a ride.
The basic conduct for a formation rider is simple...be
considerate. Don’t be the last
one ready when the group saddles up and prepares to take the roadway.
The basic rule here is to show up early to the meeting place and be
fueled up and ready to go before the appointed time. Try to be early so that any
unforeseen delays will not prevent you from being ready on time.
At any stop made by the group be sure to take care of your
personal business first, such as clothing changes, mechanical adjustments,
getting gas, or using the restroom before you engage in social conversation.
You should be ready and able to move your motorcycle into the formation
with-in 2 minutes of the Road Captains signal.
That includes helmet on, gloves on, jacket on, bike running, loaded up and
ready to move out. Make that your
goal. Smokers, you should attempt
to work out a strategy that doesn’t inconvenience your fellow riders.
Tells are anything in the environment around you that allow
you to gather intelligence relevant to the safety of your journey; road signs,
sounds, visual clues (dust/sand storms), or anything else that can warn you of
imminent change. Read your
“tells” and be vigilant in searching for them.
In a passing situation on a two-lane highway you may notice a vehicle
parked on the shoulder up ahead on the far side of the road.
Is there an operator behind the wheel?
Is there a possibility that the vehicle may enter the roadway?
What if it does and executes a U-turn?
If you’re in a staggered formation and notice that there
are a number of vehicles traveling closely behind the TG and also notice a road
sign indicating that you’re approaching a passing lane, you might anticipate
that the RC will issue the hand signal to tighten up the formation.
In doing so, the RC is preparing to move the formation into the slower
(right) traffic lane in the passing section and hoping to allow as many vehicles
to pass as possible before the passing lane ends.
The TG should be cognizant of this fact and move over to secure the left
lane, called “closing the door” so that the formation can remain contiguous.
Help out from the back by reading your “tells” and
anticipating the RC intentions. The
longer it takes for the back end of the formation to tighten-up on this
maneuver, the less likely it is to be successful at its completion.
1.
The Road Captain (RC) will put on his/her turn signal as an indication that
he/she is about to make a lane change.
2.
Each rider sees the turn signal and also turns his/her signal on so the
riders following get the signal. This continues all the way back to the
Tail Gunner (TG).
3. The
TG will then move to the designated lane and secure same.
4.
The RC will then check the designated lane and then initiate the lane change by
moving into the designated lane.
5.
Only after the RC has initiated the lane change will the second rider in
the group (the one located to the right of, and slightly behind, the RC)
initiate his/her lane change, after checking the designated lane. After the
second rider has initiated his/her lane change the third rider initiates
his/her lane change, after checking the designated lane. This continues until
all riders have changed lanes. The important part is that no rider
(except the TG and RC) is to initiate a lane change UNTIL the rider in
front of them initiates a lane change.
Note:
The RC will normally make a lane change only after verifying that the TG
has secured the lane and that no vehicles are in the way in the designated lane.
However, there will be occasions when the RC may not be able to determine this.
And on occasion we may have vehicles enter the designated lane from a side road
or parking lot. It is for these reasons, and others, that every
rider must visually check the designated lane themselves BEFORE making any lane
changes.
Note:
Electric turn signals will normally be supplemented with hand signals.
The following hand signals will be used during group rides. The only rider in the group that is authorized to initiate these signals is the Road Captain (RC). As each rider sees a hand signal, he/she shall repeat this signal. This process will be repeated until all riders have passed along the signal.
Left turn: Left arm
extended straight out from the shoulder.
Right turn: Left arm
extended straight out from the shoulder but with elbow bent straight
upwards.
Single column: Left arm
straight up...first (index) finger also extended straight up...all others
fingers closed.
Staggered (double column):
Left arm straight up...thumb and pinky finger out, other fingers closed,
rotating wrist back and forth.
Tighten-up: Left arm
straight up...all fingers spread out, then fingers are closed into a fist...this
is repeated several times.
Stop: Either arm is extended out
and dropped to the side of the bike...all fingers are spread out.
Slow: Either arm is extended out and
dropped to the side of the bike...the palm is parallel to the road and the hand
is pushed up and down several times.
***************************************************************************************
Road
hazard: There is only one hand signal that
can be initiated by anyone in the group other than the RC and that signal is for
a road hazard. Anyone seeing a hazardous condition on the road surface (road
kill, oil, debris, significant pothole, etc.) should point to it
(using either his/her arm or leg).
***************************************************************************************
Important
notes:
1. The use of
hand signals by everyone in the group is important to the safe riding of
the group. Therefore, it is important that each rider be attentive, repeat
all hand signals that are initiated by the RC, and implement the commands
associated with these signals.
2.
Inexperienced riders may feel unsafe removing their hands from the controls of
their bike. Any such riders will not be required to repeat the hand
signals. But any such riders will be expected to identify themselves, prior
to the ride, to the RC. After reasonable experience has been realized, the
use of hand signals will be expected when group riding with the club.
3. Any
experienced rider who does not follow riding rules during a ride will be
asked by the RC to do so during the first reasonable opportunity during the
ride. Failure of a rider to comply after being warned will result in the rider
being asked to leave the group ride. In addition, the RC involved will inform
club leadership about the incident, where-in a review will be conducted to
assess the appropriateness of banning the subject rider from future group rides.
The riding formation may become segmented due to a number of
circumstances, such as a merging vehicle or a traffic control (stoplight).
Other times, segmented formations may be planned, for example, to allow
fast paced and slow paced groups to proceed along a twisty section of road
providing desirable riding conditions for a wider range of skill levels.
In other situations, such as vehicles entering the
interstate via the acceleration lane, it may be necessary to allow that vehicle
to safely merge into the formation. Doing
so requires coordination between all riders in that area of the formation.
When done properly, only one space will be created for each vehicle by
the formation and the appropriate rider will indicate to the operator of that
vehicle that he/she should place the vehicle in that space.
If a space has been created for a vehicle then all other riders should
maintain proper spacing so that the operator of the vehicle does not become
confused and attempt to merge with the formation at the wrong place.
The bottom line however, is that “might is right”.
You can’t physically stop an automobile from doing whatever the
operator decides to do. If a
vehicle makes a move in your direction, get out of the way.
As a rider in the formation, you should be prepared to make room for
another rider caught in this situation. On
highways, check the on-ramps for possible traffic and prepare early to take
appropriate action.
While proceeding in the single column formation, the RC may
choose to pass another vehicle on the highway.
There are 3 primary instances in which this might occur.
The first takes place on a two-lane highway.
The RC will lead out around the vehicle and roll on the power.
While overtaking the vehicle the RC will extend his/her left arm out to
the left and give a “thumbs up” to indicate that the next rider can safely
pass the vehicle. Each rider, in
turn, follows this pattern. When
the passing situation becomes unsafe for any reason, the sign will be changed to
a “thumbs-down” position. At
this time no other riders should attempt to pass and room should be made by
those in front, and behind the vehicle being passed to allow those riders who
are in the passing lane to safely return to the lane.
The second situation also takes place on a two-lane highway.
This time, however, there is a passing lane and the RC chooses to move
the formation into the left lane and overtake vehicle(s) in the right lane.
If you’re watching your “tells”, you may notice the road sign
indicating a passing lane approaching. At
this time the RC may use a hand signal to indicate that the formation should
tighten up (decrease the spacing interval).
The RC would do so by extending his/her left hand straight up with all
fingers extended, then closing his/her hand into a fist and repeating. With all this information you should be anticipating a
passing maneuver. Again, when the
RC leads out around the vehicle, keep the pace and be expeditious. It’s best if you don’t wave “thank you” to the
vehicles on your right as you pass, stay focused on the task at hand. The TG will take care of the public relations.
There are a few critical points of concern with respect to
the two passing maneuvers mentioned above.
When passing, do so as expeditiously as possible.
The RC will make a pass and continue to ride at an increased pace until
all riders have completed their pass. It
is critical that you stay right on the pace of the RC so that ample room is
created between the riders that have passed the vehicle and the vehicle itself.
This will allow space for those still passing to return safely and
comfortably to the lane. Remember,
if you slow down they will be approaching you at a higher rate of speed and then
be required to complete their pass by applying the brake – and that presents
safety issues.
On a two lane highway situation, the methods for passing a
vehicle while traveling in a staggered formation are the same as those given for
the single column formation except that the riders must begin to merge the
columns as they move into position behind the vehicle being passed.
It’s better not to merge too early because that lengthens the formation
and increases the possibility that not all of the riders will have an
opportunity to complete the pass. Also, upon completing the pass, riders should continue on in
a single column formation on the far right side of the lane, thus, allowing
passing riders the best opportunity to recover from unforeseen circumstances
should they occur. Once the TG has
completed his/her pass, the RC will give the hand signal to reform the formation
according to his/her desire.
When passing traffic on a multi-lane
highway by virtue of the traffic lane occupied by the formation moving at a
higher rate of speed than the adjacent lane(s), there are considerations to keep
in mind. For example, if you’re
passing a semi-truck, the RC will likely hold back at a safe distance until
enough space is created beyond the semi that the entire formation will be able
to pass by. The RC will pass by the
semi at an increased rate of speed so as to spend the minimal possible time
along its side. You should do the
same; again, keep your spacing based on the example set by the leaders. Trucks change lanes, retreads blow off, rocks are propelled
from underneath; there are many good reasons not to tarry alongside of
semi-trucks.
Why does parking seem to be so difficult?
It’s typically because ride discipline breaks down too early.
Stay in formation as long as possible and allow the RC to establish a
parking pattern if possible. The
more riders that veer off in their own direction the more opportunity there is
for collisions and confusion. Keep
the discipline.
Once you’re satisfied with where you’re motorcycle is
parked, put the kickstand down immediately, and get the front wheel turned over
in the appropriate fashion – usually hard over to the left.
Inspect the pavement, or other surface, to be sure that it is suitable
for sustaining the weight of your bike for the duration of your intended stay.
If it’s really hot out and you’re parked on asphalt, the kickstand
may eventually penetrate the surface and you’re scoot will be laying on its
side after awhile.
Getting the kickstand down immediately will prevent you from
forgetting to deploy it if you decide to remain in your saddle for a while and
remove your helmet and gloves. It
happens more often than you’d expect; that someone will simply get up off
their bike with the kickstand up and walk away.
Let’s be courteous as group in parking lots.
Four bikes can easily fit in a single parking stall, and usually
four will fit, unless they’re “baggers”.
It would be rude for a group of 10 bikes to use up 10 stalls.
There are many
potential risks in a parking lot such as vehicles pulling in and out, slippery
surfaces (wet concrete, oil on the asphalt), children running unattended,
pot-holes, missing manhole covers; the list goes on.
You need to
identify the risks prior to engaging in activities that involve moving your
motorcycle. Be aware of what your
fellow riders are doing as well.
The point of extremis is the condition where two vehicles
are in a situation where both are required to take evasive action in order to
prevent a collision. Don’t get
into this situation.
When entering a roadway you need to consider many things:
the speed and density of the traffic on the roadway, the skill level of
the riders in your formation, the type and condition of the riding surface, both
on the roadway, and on the entry surface.
You should have been surveying the traffic long before you
actually arrive at the entry point of the roadway. If you need to pause to take a long look for the first time
as you approach this point, you’re way behind the eight ball.
Continually glance down the road and identify the hazards as you approach
the entry point. Once you’ve committed yourself to the roadway, carefully
get your motorcycle pointed straight down the road as quickly as safely
possible, and then accelerate expeditiously and assume proper spacing.
The longer it takes to get all riders out on the roadway, the longer we
are collectively exposed to this greater risk area.
Pay attention to the riders near you.
Those on the inside of the turn may not have the proper low-speed turning
skills required to successfully negotiate a tight right-hand entry turn and may
drift wide to the left.
When exiting a roadway pay close attention to the transition
area between the roadway and the shoulder or off-roadway surface.
If it’s dirt or loose gravel you need to be sure and get down to a safe
speed before you transition onto that surface so you don’t wash out, plan to
do so in a way that doesn’t require aggressive braking or maneuvering.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, you
need to exercise good judgment based on the abundance of information available
to you when you roll into a position to enter or exit a roadway.
If you can’t safely perform the maneuver at that moment, then don’t!
You must be aware of the situation at hand, understand the skills
required to perform the maneuver, and know that you can successfully complete
the maneuver before you commit yourself to it.
New riders, or those that are inexperienced with group
riding, should inform their RC of this prior to a ride. The RC should
then suggest that these riders ride up front of the group (but not further
up than 3rd position).
If the RC does not know the skill levels of all those
in his/her group, he should make it known during the pre-ride briefing
that new riders, or inexperienced group riders, should ride up front.
Riding up front serves several purposes, but the primary one
is that it provides the RC with the best visibility of how these riders are
doing, so that he/she can make appropriate adjustments in the ride. It also
permits the other riders to adjust their ride according to how the front of
the group is doing.
In the
event a rider asks to ride in the rear of the group, the RC will decide
what is in the best interest of the group and ask that rider to ride there; if any
rider is observed to be having "difficulties" during a ride, the RC should
address same at the earliest, and safest, opportunity.
The MC is composed of five (5) members...the two co-leaders, plus three elected members-at-large. If we agree that at least 4 of these members (somebody can't make it due to being out of town, conflicting schedule, etc.) must be present to vote on an application, then how many MC members does it take to approve (or disapprove) an application?
Posted are two options. First, an application can be approved as long as not more than one MC member disapproves the application. This would mean that an application could be approved with only a 75% approval vote (3 out of 4 members vote; or, 80% if all 5 members vote). The second option would be that each application must be unanimously (100%) approved by those voting.