Riding Formation, Rules & Signals
(As understood and interpreted by Rollin'Budda)

Formation  |  Lane Changes  |  Emergencies  |  Hand Signals
Blocking  |  Correcting a Broken Formation  |  Additional Instructions
References  |  Member Space  |  FAQ

Formation

Bikes form two columns, riding in the tracks of a lane of traffic. Group riding requires the full attention of all the participants.
Riding in the group does not relieve any of the participants of their responsibility to exercise good judgement and does not place the responsibility for personal safety on the Road Captain.
Every participant is responsible for their own safety!
Riders will watch for signals from the Road Captain and other riders and pass the signals along to the end of the group.
The ride leader is the Road Captain, at the head of the left column. The Road Captain should be able to view all bikes in the formation in his/her rearview mirrors, and be able to see around vehicles the group approaches.
The Road Captain 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 must make sure that he leaves enough time/space for the formation to get into the appropriate lanes before exits, etc.
All directions come from the Road Captain who makes all decisions regarding lane changes, stopping for breaks and fuel, closing of gaps, turning off at exits, any concerns of what lies ahead, accepting/rejecting radioed messages from other individuals, and so on. No individual will assert himself independently without direction from the Road Captain to do so.
The second bike will head the right column, and will ride approximately 1 second behind the leader. The tracks are safer than other parts of a lane because of tire groves; the centre can have oil on it or other debris, and the painted lines can be slippery, especially when wet.
Other riders will position themselves 2 seconds behind the bike directly in front of them, which puts them 1 second behind the diagonal bike. This formation allows each rider sufficient safety space, and discourages other vehicles from cutting into the line. There should not be any side-by-side riding since the entire width of the lane belongs to each rider. Allow room to swerve in case of an emergency or road obstruction.
Riders new to group riding should be positioned as close to the front as possible while more experience riders should ride at the rear of the group. Experienced riders are more capable of handling any "ripple" or "rubber band" effects. Less experienced group riders should ride near the front of the group where the Road Captain may assess their progress and adjust the ride parameters to compensate if needed. Less experienced group riders should also ride closest to the center line of the road as that riding position requires less skill or experience. Really inexperienced riders should first ride with their friends and learn the basics of group riding before joining a formation for an extended ride.
The last rider is the Tail Gunner who may ride on whichever side of the lane he prefers, changing sides during the ride to best accommodate the situation at the time. The Tail Gunner (sometimes called the Sweeper) serves as the eyes of the Road Captain, watching the formation, and informing the Road Captain of any potential problems within the group.
The Tail Gunner watches other vehicles, and informs the Ride Leader (and anyone else with radios) of hazardous conditions approaching from the rear, such as vehicles trying to cut into the formation and trucks passing with potentially dangerous wind blasts. 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. At the request of the Road Captain, the Tail Gunner changes lanes before the rest of the formation to secure the lane so the formation can move into it.

Lane Changes

All lane changing starts with a radio request from the Ride Leader to the Tail Gunner. The Tail Gunner will (when it is safe to do so) move into the requested lane and will inform the Ride Leader when the lane is clear. At this point, the Ride Leader has three options:

  1. Simple Lane Change: This is an ordinary lane change, and can be used in most situations. After the Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the Ride Leader will put on his directional signal as an indication that he is about to order a lane change. As each rider sees the directional signal, he also turns his on, so the riders following him get the signal. The leader then initiates the change. All other riders change lanes too. The important concept is that NO ONE moves until the bike in front of him has started moving.

  1. Block Lane Change: This can be used interchangeably with the Simple Lane Change. It requires a little more work, but it is well worth the effort. Its quite impressive to watch, and gives the riders a tremendous feeling of "togetherness". This sounds a little complicated, but is actually very simple to do. After the Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the Ride Leader will put on his directional signal as an indication that he is about to order a lane change. As each rider sees the directional signal, he also turns his on, so the riders following him get the signal. The leader then raises his left arm straight up. Each rider repeats this signal. Then, as the leader lowers his arm to point to the lane into which he is moving, he actually initiates the change. All other riders lower their arms at the same time and change lanes too. This allows the entire formation to move from one lane to another as a single block.

  1. Rear Fill-in: This is sometimes necessary if a long enough gap cannot be maintained in the new lane, for example when trying to move from the right lane to the center and vehicles from the left lane keep cutting into the opening. After the Tail Gunner has secured the new lane, the leader (usually at the suggestion of the Tail Gunner) will call for the group to fill in the space from the rear. He signals this by raising his hand to shoulder height and "pushing" it towards the new lane. All riders repeat the signal, and the last bikes move into the space in the new lane ahead of the Tail Gunner, then the next-to-last bikes move in ahead of those, and so on until the Ride Leader finally moves into the space ahead of the entire formation.

Emergencies

In the unlikely event of an emergency condition, the Road Captain will make every attempt to move the formation to the shoulder in an orderly manner. If a bike breaks down, let the rider move to the right. DO NOT STOP. The Tail Gunner will stop to help any rider who has to drop out of the group. The Road Captain will lead the group to a safe stopping place.

When the Tail Gunner stops to help someone, the last rider in the group temporarily becomes the Tail Gunner and will inform the Road Captain at the next stop that riders have been left behind.

Blocking

Blockers will only be used when the Police are riding with the group - otherwise the practice of blocking is discontinued.

The Police will first block the intersection, then a rider will relieve the Police so the Police may move ahead to the next intersection. A rider assigned blocking duty must remain alert and watch for the end of the group ride so they may rejoin at the rear of the group without holding up traffic. Blockers waiting for the group to pass should not remove their helmets or get off their motorcycles.

Correcting a broken formation

If for whatever reason, a spot in the formation becomes vacant, there are two possible ways to correct this break: move ahead, or criss-cross to switch tracks in the lane.

Only the criss-cross method should be used. If a riding position becomes vacant, the rider closest to the vacant position will signal and head check, and then move into that vacant position. This will trigger a chain reaction all the way down the formation to the tail gunner.

The criss-cross method is considered to be safer because the action all happens in front of you and it is never necessary to pass a rider in some possibly unexpected way which may startle the rider being passed.

Hand Signals

Each rider (and passenger) should duplicate all hand signals given by the rider in front of them, so that the signals get passed all the way to the back of the formation.

Standard

LEFT TURN signaled by the Road Captain, and passed on through the group, by extending the left arm horizontally.
RIGHT TURN signaled by the Road Captain, and passed on through the group, by extending the left upper arm horizontal with the forearm bent 90 degrees vertically upward.
SLOW DOWN signaled by the Road Captain, and passed on through the group, by extending an arm horizontally and making an up and down movement of the arm with the palm down, parallel to the ground.
STOP signaled by the Road Captain, and passed through the group, by extending an arm towards the ground with the palm facing backward with the fingers spread.
U-turn signaled by the Road Captain, and passed quizically through the group, by motioning rapidly in a horizontal circle with the left hand and with a single finger extended.

Frequently Used Hand Signals

Block Lane Change The leader (after having the Tail Gunner secure the lane) raises his left arm straight up. Each rider repeats this signal. Then, as the leader lowers his arm to point to the lane into which he is moving, he actually initiates the change. All other riders lower their arms at the same time and change lanes too.
Fill in from rear After having the Tail Gunner secure the lane and putting on his directional signal (which is repeated by each rider), the Ride Leader raises his left hand to his shoulder and "pushes" his open hand toward the lane into which he wants to move. This signal is repeated by all riders, and each rider in turn, rearmost first, moves into the space ahead of the riders behind them.
Single up When conditions warrant single file (narrow road, anticipated wind-blast from trucks, obstruction, pedestrians, etc.) the Ride Leader will raise his left hand straight up, holding up just his index finger. All other riders will repeat this, and the two columns will merge into one. will be signaled by the Road Captain, and passed on through the group, by raising the left hand over the head and pointing up with the index finger. When single file is signaled the riders should begin increasing their distance to 2 or 3 seconds between motorcycles.
Resume Staggered Formation After singling up, when single file is no longer necessary, the Ride Leader will raise his left hand with thumb and pinky out, other fingers closed, rotating his wrist back and forth (indicating left, right, left, right). All other riders will repeat this and resume staggered formation.
Tighten Formation When the Ride Leader feels that the formation should be tighter (bikes closer together) (usually after being informed by the Tail Gunner), he raises his left hand with fingers spread wide and repeatedly closes them into a fist. All other riders repeat this and close up all unnecessary space in the formation.
Road Hazard This is a signal that can be initiated by ANYONE seeing a hazardous condition on the road surface (road kill, oil, gravel, significant pot hole, etc.) - point the left or right hand downward at a 45° angle at it. All following riders will repeat this, and all riders will avoid the hazard. A hazard can also be indicated by extending the left leg for a hazard on the left or extending the right leg for a hazard on the right.

Other hand signals also in use

START YOUR ENGINE signaled by the Road Captain rotating, in a circle, his/her vertically extended arm over their head, and saying "lock and load"
ENGINE STARTED AND READY TO GO signaled by the rider placing their hand on the top of their windshield or by holding their hand over their head.
STOP YOUR ENGINE signaled by the Road Captain making a horizontal movement with their hand under their chin.
SPEED UP signaled by the Road Captain, and passed on through the group, by extending an arm horizontally and making an up and down movement of the arm with the palm up, parallel to the ground.
SIGNAL LIGHT ON signaled with the left upper arm horizontal with the forearm vertically upward, with the fingers toward the helmet, and making a "C" with the thumb and forefinger, opening and closing the fingers several times.
COMFORT STOP signaled by any rider by extending the left arm upwards and tapping the palm on top of the helmet several times. The signal should be passed ahead by the other riders to the Road Captain.
NEED GASOLINE signaled by any rider by patting or pointing to their gas tank. The signal should be passed ahead by the other riders to the Road Captain.
NEED FOOD

signaled by any rider pointing to their mouth. The signal should be passed ahead to the Road Captain.

Additional Instructions for Group Riders

The group will be led by a Road Captain and the group is expected to follow the Road Captain and watch for his/her directions.

  1. All riders are expected to arrive at the group ride meeting point with a full tank of gas, a full stomach, an empty bladder, and properly clothed, ready to ride for at least two hours before the next stop.
  2. Check your riding position by checking the rider's mirror ahead of you. If you cannot see their face in their mirror you are too close.
  3. Safety is everyone's responsibility. Do not consume alcohol or use any drugs or medication that would impair your judgement or ability to ride.
  4. Any concerns about the group should be taken up with the Road Captain.
  5. Keep your position within the lane and do not cross from one side to the other side of the lane, if it can be avoided, as this may disturb other riders and cut off their vision.
  6. If at any time a rider feels they are riding at a level beyond their current skill level they should drop out of the group ride. Trying to keep up with the group may be hazardous to the rider and the group.
  7. The group must obey all traffic signals and obey all traffic laws. Do not run stop signs unless some special arrangements have been made.
  8. Maintain your position within the group and do not pass. If you need to change position wait until the next stop then change your position when the ride starts again.
  9. Maintain a constant speed within the group. Do not accelerate past another rider or brake late and pass another rider.
  10. If you are riding with a passenger, instruct your passenger on the proper riding technique and appropriate protective gear.
  11. If you must leave the group ride, exit from the side you are riding on, preferably at a location that does not disturb the other riders. Signal to another rider that you are leaving so they may inform the Road Captain at the next stop.
  12. If you get separated from the group, find your way to the next stop to rejoin the group.
  13. Ideally, large riding groups should be split into smaller groups of 5 to 6 riders with each group having a Road Captain and a Tail Gunner. Groups should maintain a reasonable distance apart to allow room for other motorists.
  14. Large groups may be a road hazard so riders must be aware of other motorists wishing to enter or exit the roadway and provide space for them to pass through the group.
  15. The Road Captain will increase his/her speed when passing any vehicle to provide room for the following motorcycles.
  16. On a two-lane highway no more than three motorcycles should enter the passing lane at any one time. When they have passed and pulled back in the next three riders may begin passing.
  17. If the group gets separated at a traffic light the last rider of the forward group becomes the temporary Tail Gunner of that group. The lead group will stop or leave a rider to wait for and direct the following group at any intersection where the group turns.
  18. As riders drop off the forward group to wait for the following group the last rider in the group will temporarily assume the Tail Gunner duties.

References

SCRC International - Club Riding Rules where it says: “standard State Patrol (staggered) formation” - the Canuk version might be called the "Dudly Doright flying staggered formation" or some such thing.

MotorCycleRideforDad has a good listing.

http://www.starofdallas.org/riderules.htm

Member Space

On an official Club ride, we should consider the space between (and including) the Road Captain and the Tail Gunner as our Member Space:

  • we use our best efforts to maintain the Member Space for both safety and enjoyment reasons - after all, our mission is recreation.
  • we require all riders in the Member Space to abide by Club riding rules, as posted or as instructed by the Road Captain.
  • we ask all other users of the road to respect our Member Space to the extent possible; we make that request public through the use of our Club identification: flags, emblems, patches, etc.
  • we yield Member Space when necessary for:
  • safety: single file for pedestrians, bicycles, etc.
  • courtesy: letting in escort bikes or blockers
  • traffic regulations: lights, merging, emergency vehicles etc.
  • everyone has responsibility for everyone else in the Member Space, without prejudice or legal recourse.

FAQ

what's an official Club ride?

any ride of 2 or more members where at least 1 Officer is present

what is this Member Space supposed to accomplish anyway?

a ride is a celebration of the joy in riding motorcycles, and the Member Space provides the comfort zone within which to celebrate

what are the patches for? is it a gang?

no, our RC (Riding Club) is not an MC (Motorcycle Club) nor is it a "gang", it is a totally recreational and non-teritorial riding club consisting of decent and responsible individuals who share in the joy of riding motorcycles ie. more of a "tribe", and the patches are a public announcement of that, and to help others see, and hopefully respect, our Member Space.

what's the right thing to do when stopped by the police?

explain what the Club is about and provide a pamphlet, if available.

what are these responsibilities?

to use the riding rules, to watch out for each other, to help any member in distress, don't give the club a bad name.

are members disciplined, and how?

yes, by constructive suggestions and instruction; everything is on a voluntary basis, but if the instruction fails, the offender will be asked by an Officer to ride behind the Tail Gunner, outside the Member Space (that's why there should be an officer on an official SCRC ride).

can non-members ride in this Member Space?

yes, as a guest invited by a Member who explains that Club riding rules are to be followed, and given the OK by an Officer on the ride.

what about "attitudes"

the only attitude encouraged by the Club is a positive attitude toward group riding - any other attitudes should be left elsewhere.