Ride Out Guide Lines
Primary Considerations
The primary consideration in conducting and participating in a VRA group ride is that of safety. That is your personal safety, the safety of the other riders, and the safety of other road users and 3rd parties.
The Road Traffic Law should be obeyed at all times. In doing this we can be real ambassadors to the VRA and to motorcycling in general.
It is important to remember that each rider participating in a group ride is responsible for their own actions and their consequences.
It is the individual’s responsibility both to themselves, to the other group members, and to the law to ensure their motorcycle is in a safe, legal, and INSURED state before joining the ride.
Advantages of following these guidelines
By following these guidelines a standard approach to group riding can be achieved where every rider has an understanding of what to expect.
It has to be accepted that at times the group of riders will become separated, particularly in built up areas. By following these guidelines all participants of the ride should reach the destination and keeping all the riders together ceases to be a primary consideration.
Basic Principles
The basis of the system is that the Leader (usually the ride organiser) stays in front of the group and the Tail Rider at the rear.
Whenever there is a deviation from the obvious straight ahead route, the rider travelling behind the leader (2nd man) pulls over in a visible and safe position to point all the bikes in the correct direction. Then when the Tail Rider comes along the 2nd man rejoins the route in front of the Tail Rider. As the journey continues each rider will in turn become the 2nd man behind the Leader.
By following this basic system each rider can ride their own ride, without the risk of getting lost. There is no need to stay in convoy or to play ‘catch up’.
Putting it into Practice
1. Make sure that everyone is familiar with the Lead and Tail system.
2. All riders should be made aware who the lead and tail riders are and how they can be identified.
3. Ensure that every rider is aware of the location of rest stops and the final destination.
4. Do not overtake others in the group
5. When overtaking a slower road user, particularly on a dual carriageway or motorway accelerate far enough ahead to allow the rest of the group enough room to follow and slot in behind you safely.
6. When on the open road, ride in staggered formation when in close proximity to other group riders.
7. Allow other road users to overtake the group if they wish. Make a space for them to do so if necessary and is safe to do so.
Leaders Role
1. Brief all riders before the off.
2. Ride smoothly and at a steady pace.
3. Do not make sudden lane changes or manoeuvres.
4. When overtaking a slower road user, particularly on a dual carriageway or motorway accelerate far enough ahead to allow the rest of the group enough room to follow and slot in behind you safely.
5. On leaving a dual carriageway or motorway ensure you are in Lane One at least a mile before the junction to allow the rest of the group to position themselves safely to follow you.
6. If it becomes apparent that the Group has come to a halt because a rider has had problems, retrace the route until you discover the cause of the hold-up and take appropriate action.
2nd Man’s Role
1. Be prepared to stop and act as the marker. However if you are the second bike behind the leader (3rd Man) and you realise that the bike in front has not marked a change in direction then mark it yourself.
2. Never compromise your personal safety or the safety of others by stopping in a dangerous location. It is your decision where to stop, but remember to be an effective marker you need to be visible to the following bikes.
3. Do not block roads or junctions.
4. Do not move until the Tail Rider appears.
Tail Riders Role
As you approach the marker bike slow down to enable the rider to pull out.
Watch out for any bikes that have pulled over for any reason and stop and find out what the problem is.
If you get lost
The most common cause of getting lost is failure to see the marker or someone leaving the group while on the road and the bike behind follows. Both causes are avoidable if everyone follows this guide. If you do get lost and after 10 minutes no one has found you, proceed to the destination point.
Finally
COMMON SENSE MUST ALWAYS PREVAIL, guidelines cannot possibly apply to every situation.
Rules written and edited by SHAFT May 2008
