The camaraderie, scenic routes, and shared passion of a group motorcycle ride can excite any rider looking for a change of pace. However, safety always comes first—if you want to participate in a group ride, let our Montgomery County motorcycle accident lawyers at Bikers Have Rights give you the safety tips you need.
How Should You Prepare Before the Ride?
Organize a pre-ride meeting to review the route, set expectations for speed and driving habits, and go over any specific hand signals or nonverbal communication cues. Ensure that all riders know their group positions, with the less experienced riders toward the front. With this arrangement, the more seasoned riders can watch them and provide support as needed.
Make sure that each rider inspects their bikes, checks their tire pressure, tops off their fluid levels, and tests their brakes and lights. In group rides, one mechanical malfunction can endanger both the bike’s rider and the surrounding group members.
What Are the Best Riding Formations?
It is recommended to have a staggered formation for your group ride; this provides a safe distance between motorcycles, grants each rider ample space to maneuver, and maximizes their visibility down the road.
In tighter spaces, however, you may need to take up a single-file formation to navigate sharp turns or avoid obstacles. Make sure your group members maintain a safe distance from each other.
How Can You Communicate Effectively While Riding?
Since your group members cannot communicate verbally during the ride, you need to rely on hand signals and motorcycle lights to convey messages. Make sure that all riders know the signals for turning, stopping, or pointing out road hazards.
In the case of a larger group ride, consider breaking your company into smaller sub-groups with its own respective leaders. Smaller groups facilitate more effective communication and reduce the risks of accidents.
To maximize safety, consider giving the leader and the sweeper (the rider positioned at the back) connected Bluetooth devices so they can talk to each other in real-time.
What Should You Do If the Group Gets Separated?
Even the best planning cannot account for poorly timed traffic lights, the sudden onset of heavy traffic, or other events that separate your group. If some of your group members separate from the rest, designate a meeting point ahead of time to regroup. If leading the ride, regularly check your mirrors to account for your members and adjust your pace when necessary.
Turn to the Montgomery County Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Bikers Have Rights for All Your Legal Needs
Unfortunately, no matter how many precautions you take, accidents still happen. If you require legal help, contact our Montgomery County motorcycle accident lawyers at Bikers Have Rights. Call our Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania office at 215-525-1616 or 877-333-0300, or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.