Safety Aspects - Staggered Riding System - Second Man Drop Off

These guidelines have been adopted by most bike clubs for the benefit of members who want to safely take part in organised club ride outs and events .

GROUP RIDER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

To observe the objectives and guidelines in order to assure the safety and the welfare of every individual within the group, and any surrounding motorists or pedestrians.

To follow the instructions of the Road Captains in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation.

To maintain their motorcycle and other equipment in a safe riding condition.

To ride with headlights on.

To ride with a "safety first" attitude. The safety of all individuals, whether or not they are a part of the group, is of paramount importance.

MEETING PLACE AND DEPARTURE TIME

Meeting place and departure times will be published on our Web Site calendar.

Rider briefing will be held just prior to departure, to establish a schedule for Petrol and rest stops, inform the group of the intended route, provide other pertinent information and review the group riding guidelines including formations and procedures. All riders are asked to arrive with a full tank of Petrol.

SPEED, INTERVALS, AND DISTANCES

The Lead Road Captain will attempt to establish and maintain a uniform speed; consistent with the ability of the least experienced rider, surrounding conditions, and safe riding practices.

All riders will make an effort to maintain the same speed to minimize the effect of irregular speeds on riders at the rear of the group.

All riders will maintain a safe distance and lane positions between themselves and the rider directly ahead; to be consistent with existing road, traffic, and weather conditions.

MINIMUM SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCES

Within the group, a safe distance is defined as a MINIMUM TWO SECOND DELAY

between the rider, and the next rider directly ahead ref. NOTE below. This means that there is a MINIMUM of a ONE SECOND DELAY between Staggered  riders. Whenever a single file

formation is employed,

a safe distance  remains defined as a MINIMUM of a TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider, and the rider directly ahead.

With respect to vehicles ahead of the group, a safe distance is defined as a MINIMUM of a THREE SECOND DELAY between the Lead Road  Captain, and any vehicle directly ahead of the group (ref. NOTE below).

NOTE: It's important to keep in mind that a two second interval is a MINIMUM

safe requirement in order to react in the event of a potentially hazardous condition,

NOT TO STOP.

Staggered Riding System

A pack of Motorcycles in an organised group looks professional and reflects upon the

reputation of the club.

The staggered riding system is a proven system adopted for club events.

The system itself is easy and there are some things that should not be done i.e. having bikes in all three lanes of a motorway or both lanes of a dual carriageway for no reason whatsoever.

The lead Road Captain will at all times need to overtake on dual carriageways / motorways and just because he/she pulls out into the outside lane to overtake it does not mean that the rest of the pack has to pull out into the outside lane at the same time. This causes traffic

congestion and can be dangerous as frustrated car / lorry drivers will then attempt to use the inside lane as a means to overtake. You should wait in the nearside lane until you personally encounter the obstruction, then overtake and join the rest of the pack in the nearside lane.

Diagram of the Staggered Riding System

The Lead Road Captain will be in the centre of the carriage way wearing a High Visibility Vest. No rider should overtake the lead Road Captain. The 'Second Man' will be behind the Lead Road Captain. It matters not if the 'Second Man' is to the left or the right behind the Road Captain and once the 'Second Man' has been dropped off at a junction there is no need for the new 'Second Man' to move position over to the left. All you have to remember is that you will be positioned behind the rider in front and either to their left or right. You can then maintain this position for the duration of the ride-out.

THERE IS NO NEED TO MOVE OVER TO THE LEFT BEHIND THE LEAD ROAD CAPTAIN.

The 'Sweeper' will be at the back of the pack wearing a High Visibility Vest and will indicate to the dropped off person when they should rejoin the pack.

When the 'Second Man' has been dropped off at a junction the person who was behind him/her will maintain their

position but now be behind the Lead Road Captain. The rest of the pack will remain in their respective positions.

Second Man Drop Off

Second Man Drop Off' is a means of indicating the route that the ride out is following. Consider it to be like a directional arrow on a road sign with the sign being replaced by a rider and machine.

The sequence is very simple. The rider behind the Lead Road Captain will be dropped off as indicated on the 'Staggered Riding' diagram.

The Lead Road Captain will half raise their arm to give warning that a drop off is about to take place. The Road Captain will then point to the exact spot that they want the 'Second Man' to stop. You should not carry on past this point as you may become out of view to the rest of the pack following behind. The only time that you should move on further than the indicated spot is when an element of danger arises and you need to distance yourself from it for personal safety reasons. If you should have to do this then remember that you still have to be seen by the rest of the riders coming from behind or the system will not be

effective.

You will remain at the appointed spot until the 'Sweeper' indicates to you that you may re-join the main group (usually a 'thumbs up' sign). The 'Sweeper' will then slow slightly and move to the inside of the carriageway enabling you to overtake and slot in at the rear of the group. Below are some examples of drop off points at junctions and roundabouts.

SAFE STOPPING DISTANCES

At 30 MPH it 23m, 50 MPH = 53m and 70 MPH = 96m

In group riding, a one-second interval between STAGGERED riders is a policy consistent with the recommendations of most traffic and safety agencies including the Police.

STAGGERED motorcycles are considered to be in a "virtual" lane of their own, which means that there is a two-second interval between motorcycles in a direct line. This group riding technique requires all participants to constantly ANTICIPATE an EMERGENCY.

A safe lane position is defined as riding immediately to the right or left of lane centre. This will keep the riders just off the centre oil stain, while maintaining the staggered formation, distance between riders and other

obstacles, and providing necessary lane.

TRAFFIC LANES

The Lead Road Captain will attempt to lead the group in a single lane when: the traffic flow appears to be most consistent with the speed of the group (using lane changes only when necessary to pass slower traffic or to avoid a hazardous condition); and to avoid blocking faster surrounding traffic.

On dual Carriageways and Motorways, the group will normally travel in the “SLOW” lane, allowing faster traffic to pass to right; except when passing  slower traffic on the left.

LANE CHANGES AND PASSING

On a multi-lane highway, the double row staggered formation will normally be maintained.

The Lead Road Captain will hold his or her position and signal for a lane change.  All riders will hold their positions and pass the signal to the rear.

The Rear Road Captain will change lanes at the first safe opportunity, protecting the lane for the group, and allowing the Lead Road Captain to see that the lane is clear and protected.

We then change lanes using the “follow the leader “ approach. The Lead Road Captain will change lanes first followed by all other riders moving from the front to the rear of the group.

NOTE:

NOBODY,  except the Tail End Charlie,  is to change lanes before the Lead Road Captain. ALWAYS make a HEAD CHECK before you begin the lane change, and maintain safe distances.

There are times it will not be possible for the entire group to change lanes as above. When this situation arises, the Road Captain will signal for a turn, and signal the group with one finger extended into the air.

This indicates that changing lanes as a group is not possible. The Road Captain will then change lanes when safe to do so. Everyone signals, head checks, and changes lanes front to back, as individuals, when safe to do so. Should the group become separated, regroup when it is safe to do so.

On a two-lane road with two way traffic (one lane each way), a single file formation should be used when passing other vehicles. On occasion, the Lead Road Captain may continue in the passing lane, while safe to do so, allowing other riders to see that the way is clear for them to continue the group passing manoeuvre.

If for any reason the group becomes separated, merge safely back to the pack, returning to your original position, using known good safety practices. Don't feel it's necessary to break the world land speed record in trying to catch up. The Lead Road Captain will be aware and adjust accordingly.

NOTE:

Be certain the road is clear, and always make a LIFE SAVER immediately prior to

initiating any manoeuvre which may cause you to cross other road users.

The Road Captain, your mirror, or what you saw just a second ago are no substitutes for your own eyes and good judgment! Please remember that YOU, and ONLY YOU, are RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR  SAFETY . Also, that when dealing with our four wheeled friends, you will never win a contest against them.

It won't do any good to be  “Dead Right”

PETROL, FOOD, REST STOPS, AND TOLLS

If necessary, due to the length of the trip, petrol, food, and rest stops should be discussed and scheduled prior to departure. These scheduled stops should be adhered to as much as possible, depending on varying conditions as the trip progresses.

Deviation from the scheduled stops may be required due to varying weather, traffic, and bladder conditions (availability of petrol, rider fatigue, and other unforeseen circumstances).

Petrol and rest stops should be limited to no more than ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the size of the group. Remember the last rider in the group waits the longest; therefore has the shortest rest period.

Meal stops will vary in length with the size of the group, but should be held to a reasonable minimum. If toll stops are included, money should be collected in advance. If available, a riding couple should be positioned in the number two slot. As the group approaches the tollbooth, the Lead Road Captain will allow this bike to

assume the lead position in order to exchange the toll. The Lead Road Captain will assume the lead as soon as it is safe to do so. If a riding couple is not available, it then becomes the Lead Road Captain's responsibility to pay at the tollbooth.

NOTE:

Remember to avoid the centre of the lane when nearing or passing through a

tollbooth. They are usually extremely slick.

UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY  STOPS

Unscheduled stops for petrol, restroom, or rider fatigue can lead to confusion in the group, and confusion can lead to accidents. The Lead Road Captain should be informed that a stop is necessary in order to lead the group in an organized fashion to the next convenient and safe place to stop.

Any rider with an equipment problem should inform one of the Road Captains as quickly, and as safely as possible.

When the Lead Road Captain is informed, he or she will stop the group at the earliest possible moment, when and where, it is safe.

If the rider must pull over immediately, ONLY the Rear Road Captain will

accompany that rider to a stop. The Lead Road Captain should be informed

if he or she is not aware of this situation. Once the Lead Road Captain is informed, he or she will pull the group over as soon as it is safe to do so.

Any rider observing a problem with another rider's equipment should inform that rider as quickly and safely as possible. If it appears that a stop is necessary, a Road Captain should also be notified.

ACCIDENTS

In the event the group comes upon the scene of an accident, the Lead Road Captain will stop the group at the earliest possible moment (Keeping with known good safety practices). It may be necessary for the group to disperse and park separately to avoid creating additional

hazardous conditions.

Members of the group will provide assistance in any practical way possible, including, but not limited to: Slow, divert, or stop traffic in a safe manner.

Aid and comfort those involved.

Call 999 to notify the police, ambulance, and or fire service as the situation demands.

Maintain order and preserve the accident scene for police investigation.

If possible, take photographs

If possible, obtain license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions, including driver descriptions in the event of a hit and run violation.

Obtain names and addresses of witnesses if necessary.

If possible maintain overall control of the situation until relieved by the proper authorities.

HAND SIGNALS

At all times, standard hand signals will be used for: changing the formation to a single row and back to double staggered, all turns, lane changes, slowing, and stopping. Turn signal lights will also be used at all times.

All signals will be relayed to the rear of the group to allow all riders to take appropriate precautionary measures, and be aware of changes in speed and direction.

Hand signals will be used at all times, to point out road hazards to following riders by pointing.

Left arm held high, one finger extended over head indicates single file, and extended following

distance.

Left arm held high with two fingers extended over head indicates the standard staggered formation

Left arm held high, moving in a circle indicates a U-turn.

Left arm held high, one finger extended over head, followed by the Road Captain signalling and changing lanes indicates:

The Lead Road Captain will move as an individual, to whatever manoeuvre or position is

required.