There was a time, not so long ago before social networking, when motorcyclists who wanted to ride in a group, get to know people, discover new places or new roads, became members of regional motorcyclists’ associations.
These associations had a code of conduct for riding on the road. This code is still in force for those associations that are still active. A sort of list of rules to follow for safe riding. And this applies both to oneself and to other motorcyclists riding in the same group. Association members had to abide by the established rules in order to take part in rides. Some associations required their members to attend a training day at the start of the season. All this to understand the subtleties of riding in a group, so as to be safe for oneself and above all for the other members of the group.
Group riding
The reason for riding in a group is mainly a question of protection. The idea is to avoid leaving space between motorcycles, to prevent cars from interfering in a way that is not always elegant. Controlling the space around you is an important part of your safety.
Ideally, for safe riding, small groups of three bikes are recommended. However, riding in groups of five is also fine. It is strongly advised to avoid riding in even-numbered groups other than 2.
Here, to simplify the explanation, let’s go with a group of five. Note here that 3 or 5, the roles are the same.
To ride in formation on a motorcycle, we use the formation commonly known as “ Checkerboard ‘ or ’ ZIGZAG ”. In this case, the checkerboard formation is made up of 5 motorcycles. Motorcycles 1, 3 and 5 ride in the left-hand third of the lane. Motorcycles 2 and 4 are in the right-hand third. Position 1 is that of the leader. He’ll be in charge of the ride, but above all he’ll be the eyes of the group. He’s also responsible for adjusting the group’s speed. He will give directions to the other members according to the type of configuration.
Position 2 is often that of the person with the least experience. That’s why it’s placed in second position, so that the leader can adjust the pace according to what he sees in the reactions of the second position. Reactions such as curves taken with more or less aplomb, or difficulty in keeping up with the leader.
Position 3 will be held by someone who can read the leader well and pass on the signals to the rest of the group. Position4is also quite often awarded to someone with less experience. Last but not least, and it’s no exaggeration to say it, is given to the most experienced. The sweeper is responsible for the safety of the group. He is in constant communication with the leader to ensure the safety of each member and of the group as a whole.
Spacing between bikes
The distance between bikes must be calculated in time. Two seconds between motorcycles 1 and 3. Two seconds between bikes 2 and 4. And finally, two seconds between bike 3 and bike 5.
Note that there are no prejudices when it comes to positions: everyone takes their own place. However, if there are riders with little or no experience, some positions are safer and less demanding than others.
Forming a line
Sometimes, the lane in which a group of motorcyclists is riding is also occupied by another road user. A cyclist, pedestrian or even a car parked on the side of the road may mean that the lane is no longer 100% free. At this point, the group leader must signal with his left hand and index finger that the group must line up to pass the obstructed section.
Once through, the leader will give the order to resume the checkerboard formation.
Curves
When approaching a curve, the leader must adjust the group’s speed. He adjusts it according to the angle of the curve, but above all according to the group’s skill level.
When the leader adjusts the speed, all the bikes move to the outside of the curve. For example, on a left-hand curve, bikes 1, 3 and 5 move to the right-hand third of the lane, forming a line. The bikes then enter the curve in a line and move towards the inside of the curve. Once the leader has seen the exit of the curve, he accelerates to the appropriate speed. The rest of the group does the same, and once out of the curve, the bikes return to their initial positions.
If the curve is entered from the right, motorcycles 2 and 4 will move to the left third of the group, so that the group is lined up on the left side to enter the curve from the outside.
Here it’s vital that the leader respects the skill and experience level of each group member. Because of the different levels of driving skills, it is likely that if the leader doesn’t respect his group, there will be an elastic effect. In other words, the group will stretch and there will be a lot of space between the bikes. This will force the bikes at the end of the group to accelerate, thus creating dangerous situations, so that they can rejoin the front of the group and get back into the formation
Overtaking
When overtaking, one absolute rule applies above all. They must be made when and only when it is safe and legal to do so. It’s also important to understand that an overtaking maneuver involves risks. The leader must therefore plan the maneuver to minimize the risks. Let’s assume that the group is driving on a two-lane country road with specific passing lanes marked with dotted lines. If the group finds itself behind a slower vehicle, the leader must plan the overtaking maneuver. Since overtaking is an individual maneuver, as an instructor I strongly advise the leader to ask the group to line up to simplify overtaking. Forming a line avoids any confusion about positioning, and also ensures that motorcycles don’t cross paths if there’s a change of third party in the formation.
Once the motorcycles are lined up, everyone must overtake safely. However, overtaking must respect the order of the group. The leader will be the first to overtake, followed by motorcycles 2, 3, 4 and 5.
A very important detail: once you’ve passed the slow-moving vehicle and are back in your lane, you must make sure to leave enough space behind you and the slow-moving vehicle for the other members of the group to fit in safely and easily.
Lane changes
For lane changes, the role of the sweeper is crucial. It’s the sweeper’s job to ensure the safety of the group.
When the leader decides to make a lane change, he must activate his blinker. If the leader and sweeper are communicating via intercom, they can plan the maneuver even further. But by activating his blinker, the leader notifies the whole group. Once the leader’s blinker is activated, the sweeper makes sure that the maneuver is feasible and, as soon as possible, changes lanes first. This secures the lane for the motorcycles ahead. Once the sweeper has made his lane change, motorcycles 1, 2, 3 and 4 activate their turn signals, check their blind spots and make the lane change. All this is done as quickly as possible and, above all, at the same time
Know-how that’s being lost
Group driving is an art. An art that is unfortunately being lost… With the advent of social networking groups, the rules for safe group riding have been somewhat lost, in favor of social convenience rather than safety.
During my first outings with the Association Motocycliste de l’Outaouais, I’ll always remember how beautiful and, above all, safe the group choreography was. The fact that each rider knew his or her role and respected it meant that everyone, experienced or not, didn’t have to worry about the reaction of other riders.
The Gold Wing Québec (GWQ) group offers YouTube videos (in French) explaining the different maneuvers to help you understand how to ride in a group.
As it’s very difficult to explain in detail all the subtleties of group riding techniques, I invite you to watch the GWQ videos. In turn, invite the people you ride with to watch them too. All in the name of safer riding and longer enjoyment of our passion.
Photo credit: Association Motocycliste de l’Outaouais
