Group riding for motorcyclists

Briefing

When briefing your group, remember:

• Appoint someone to keep an eye on inexperienced riders.
• No rider should pass the group leader.
• At each stop, announce and, if necessary, explain the next stop.
• Anyone experiencing a problem should pull over and await the arrival of the tail rider, whose job it is to help.

You should also: 

• Try to have at least one rider who is first aid trained and/or is carrying a first aid kit. Identify these people to the other participants.
• Distribute and explain your map. If you don’t have a map, describe the stops verbally. Brief riders carefully about the behaviour you expect on the ride (see ‘conduct’).
• Agree on a set of hand signals (see below).
• Explain the corner marking system (see below) and brief the group on the signals to expect.
• Reinforce the safety messages listed under ‘Conduct’.
• Explain the emergency procedures (see below).
• Remind everyone that their fuel tanks should be full and that they should refuel when everyone else does.

Corner Marking System

The group leader and tail rider should stay in position during the ride, with others taking turns marking.

At an intersection where the ride turns, the leader signals for the rider immediately behind them to mark the corner. That rider stays on the corner, in a clearly visible and safe position, and points out the turn to following riders.

When the tail rider arrives, they signal the corner marker, who then pulls in front of the tail rider and continues. It is vital that markers don’t try to work their way up through the group to get to the front again. This is how crashes can occur.

Stop, regroup, refresh

There are many rest areas along NSW roads. These are signposted and make excellent places to stop and regroup or refresh. During holiday times and on long weekends, Driver Reviver stops may offer a great opportunity to stop safely and have a free snack and drink.

Emergencies

In emergencies in the country, mobile coverage may be limited, but always try dialing 000 even if there seems to be no signal or try moving to another location where the signal could be better.

• If you come upon a crash, position your bike in a visible position on the road.
• Make the crash scene safe, i.e. put out any fire, turn off the engine fuel etc.
• Administer first aid or wait until someone who is trained arrives.
• Call for help by mobile. If there is no coverage, send another rider in each direction to get help.
• Send others to the nearest corners to warn on-coming traffic.
• Any riders and bikes not required at the scene should congregate somewhere safe, away from the scene.

Individual preparation

1. Test your tired self before you go.
2. Make sure your motorcycle is in good condition.
3. Pack your tool kit and a tyre repair outfit.
4. Check your tyres for wear and tear.
5. Fill your fuel tank.
6. Avoid large, fatty meals to stay as alert as possible.
7. Stay properly hydrated; stay away from coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol.
8. Make sure that you (and your pillion) are dressed for the conditions.
9. Learn the hand signals and the corner marking system and ensure you can identify the lead and tail riders.

Hazards

There are different types of hazards that can pose a real danger to motorcyclists, especially those riding in groups:

• Wildlife can be a problem on country roads.
• Keep an eye out for slow (or even stopped) vehicles.
• In the mountains and inland, watch out for snow and ice.
• The weather can change quickly. Dress for the conditions.
• Never allow your head to stray into the path of an on-coming vehicle.
• Never travel so fast you can’t stop in the distance you can see.
• Rugged terrain, fires, mud, rock slides etc can be dangerous.

Remember

The most important thing to remember is that what you can’t see will almost certainly hurt you. Slow down so you can cope with unexpected hazards.