HOG Safety - Group Riding
The Four Pillars of Group Riding
1. Input. We will seek input from all members in regard to increasing group riding safety.
2. Communication. Information regarding safety issues will be communicated to the membership through email, web site, and through attendance in chapter group riding training sessions.
3. Assessment. All recommended riding practices will go through the scrutiny of our "Safety Brigade" and our Head Road Captain. Practices will be put into effect when we have a consensus regarding techniques.
4. Common Sense. While group riding, it is imperative that you follow the bike in front of you. However, always use common sense and survey your entire surroundings while riding.
Annually We will conduct a "Group Riding Training" session for all members. It will recommended that all attend this meeting which will consist of Lecture, Demos, Group Practice, and Personal and one-on-one coaching.
Riding Hand Signals
Staggered Riding
The lead motorcycle will be in the left 1/3 of the lane, the second motorcycle will be in the right 1/3 of the lane. The third motorcycle will be one bike length behind the lead bike in the left 1/3 of the lane ... and so on.
Each motorcycle should leave enough room for the motorcycle in front to make a maneuver (right or left) without having to worry about hitting the rear motorcycle.
Always stay in line with the bike in front of you, and never switch between the left and right side of the lane.
This formation allows buffer room next to, in front of, and behind each rider, yet keeps the group together.
When stopping, for instance at a light, don't ride up next to the bike in front of you in, line up with your front tire to his/her back tire to maintain the stagger.
Road Captains
To find out who our Road Captains are, or find out more about being a Road Captain, contact us.
The Rider's Edge* Group Riding Handbook
The Rider's Edge Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Guide to Group Riding is the book that will take you through the information you need to know to put safety first whenever participating in a group ride.
Click this link for more information.
* Rider's Edge is a sales mark of Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Important: reading this page is *NOT* a substitute for attending our new member and group riding orientation (occurs on the Saturday following the General Meeting at the Ft. Lauderdale dealership. In all circumstances, you ride at your own risk. If you are not comfortable riding in the group and following the rules of group riding, ride behind the group. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask, we welcome all questions when it comes to riding safely -- our members' riding skill range from beginner to expert.