Riding with other people can present a number of challenges. There are some basic, universal rules to group riding that help to reduce the risks and increase the enjoyment of the ride.
- The leader should be a very experienced rider who is also very skilled. This person needs to always look ahead for unfolding changes that will need to be addressed. He or she must also signal any changes such as turns or lane changes in advance so that none of the followers are unduly hurried. The leader needs to keep a pace that will keep the group together without causing inexperienced riders to rush beyond their abilities to keep up.
- The tailender should be the one to look to for setting the pace. Slow down if he or she slows down; use your rearview mirrors to keep track of what’s going on at the back.
- Smaller groups are best; more than four bikes in a group increases the chances of the group getting split up, and increases the chances that an aggressive car driver will attempt to pass the group at an inopportune time. This size of group is more likely to get through lights together and the odds of a ‘whiplash’ effect in speeding up and slowing down are greatly reduced.
- Before the ride starts, ensure that all riders know where you are ending up, or have a map of the route so no one gets lost.
- Ride in a staggered formation to give plenty of room for stopping. Go in single file through turns and ramps. Distance between bikes should be far enough to ensure safe stopping and close enough to ensure cars don’t disrupt the group and cause dangerous situations.
- Pass vehicles one bike at a time.
Many times you see riders riding beside each other, which is dangerous if a hazard such as a ripped truck tire is encountered. Inexperienced riders need to be coached before the ride and should be neither the leader nor the tailender. Like all types of riding situations, paying attention to the basic rules will help to ensure that the ride is enjoyable and accident-free.
