While you want to keep your motorcycle group relatively tight, you should also maintain some space to give riders time to swerve or brake, if needed, says Motorcycle Cruiser. We’re talking about motorcycle hand signals used to communicate with everyone else. Our pages are filled with helpful tips and information about the topics that most of us face in our everyday lives. It’s the unwritten code of riders that make motorcycling the tight community that it is. When the light’s about to turn red and you see a bike in front, slow down to a stop right behind them. We’re not only talking about “the wave”, as that’s too important it needs a separate explanation. This can help minimize risks that riders may face when passing others within a single lane. You don't need to take that curve as fast as another rider, nor do you need to push your bike to top speeds on the highway. Most of it comes down to common sense and being considerate of other riders, but there are a lot of nuances. There is no applicable rule in designing a biker patch. Property/Casualty: 888-735-4611 If someone plans to leave during the ride, be sure to have a plan in place to reassemble the staggered formation, says MSF. Here’s what to consider before heading out on a group ride: Group rides can become dangerous due to the following reasons, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF): It’s a good idea to create guidelines beforehand to reduce the unpredictability of a group ride. In 2017, there were 8.4 million registered on-road motorcycles in the United States. Rule #1: Be on the bartender’s good side. Life can surprise you with unexpected challenges. You may think that you’re the biggest badass on the road, but no one needs you to announce it. Pekin Insurance provides a variety of products in various states across the U.S. Click here to view the products offered in each of our covered states. So, no matter how pissed off you are and want to take your ride out to calm down, don’t. Your motorcycle’s front wheel should be a few inches behind the other rider’s rear wheel. Including other brands, there were 470,000 new bikes sold that year. They may have not been in an accident, but it’s still likely their bike is giving them trouble. 13 Owners: Ride In The United States (One caveat is that if you are on a busy road, and there is room for another biker to safely pass you within your lane, you can wave them through.). 2505 Court Street If they signal back with a thumbs down, they may have a flat, an empty tank, or a dead engine. This isn’t a law or anything; it is proper etiquette to show other riders your respect." First, because it’ll make you feel like you do belong in the community. Writer, Editor, and Motorcycle Enthusiast here at Biker.Report. The rules are the rules. When you ride intoxicated, you’re not the only one at risk – you’re also putting other motorists in danger. We know how obvious this sounds, but it’s surprising how many new (and even veteran) riders break the rules. Plus, it gives you time to rest and actually talk face-to-face, sharing the pleasures of the group ride and reducing fatigue at the same time. Excess speed and over-braking tops the list of such errors. Rider Magazine says your group size should be no more than seven riders. That way, the rider won’t feel pressured to speed and catch back up to the group, says the MSF. They formed the Wave Hard And True Biker Society. Remember, you’re brothers and sisters in the biking community. Safe riding is not only proper etiquette, but it’s also for your own safety and that of every other motorist. Mind your road manners, and you can stay safe while also keeping others safe. In 2017, there were 8.4 million registered on-road motorcycles in the United States. Not everyone is a Harley rider, nor will everyone ride one of the hottest motorcycle models of 2019. While doing this, riders move up to the next available position — and not pass each other. Don’t show off. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about what’s appropriate for you and your property and always consider safety. But the freedom (and many other perks, like looking super awesome) that comes with riding? Don't skip the wave unless you have toThe "motorcycle wave" is synonymous with riding. 1. Remember, it's not a race. It’s not only basic etiquette to wave to other riders – it’s a signal that connects you with the community. When you weave in and out of traffic, cut off a driver, or cut to the front of the line at a toll booth, you make every other biker look bad. With 276.1 million registered vehicles in the U.S., every road-user is at risk of getting into an accident. If they reply with a thumbs up, then everything’s good. One of the most important is to check on other riders if you see them stopped on the roadside. Also, never ask if you can ride someone else's bike. There’s a hand signal for turning left, turning right, stopping, and slowing. Here are some behaviors to avoid, according to MSF: Having guidelines for a group ride can help keep your entire group on the same page and prepared for what’s ahead. You’re done learning the basics of how to ride a motorcycle, but do you know how to speak like a rider? Riding ahead, however, is rude. Here are some safety tips to consider when riding in a group: 1. Follow me on twitter or facebook. Seeing one of the most iconic Harleys in person can get any bike enthusiast’s blood pumping. Trust that. We focus on safety and maintenance issues with regard to your home, auto, apartment, motorcycle, boat, small business, finances and more. Avoid competitions with your group mates, tailgating or passing other riders. And, in general, Motorcycle.com recommends that riders wait to participate in group rides until they have 1,000 miles of experience. Riding in groupsEach riding club or motorcycle club has its own personality, but there are some universal guidelines for riding in groups. Group riding is a whole other endeavor compared to solo riding. Lack of focus and concentration can also make you forget about your blinkers or hand signals. And not everyone wants a Kawasaki Ninja. 7. True, cars are more common in the nation, with its 88% ownership rate compared to 14% for motorcycles. These groups should also have their own lead and sweep, says MSF. All these can render a rider unable to even dial 911. Obey the rules of the road with other bikers Most traffic laws are intended to keep people safe, so when you pass another biker, use a separate lane. Pass courteously"When you’re cruising on the open highway and you approach another Harley-Davidson rider, you have to ride with them for a few hundred feet before going past them. But it isn't always appropriate. For starters, riding a bike exposes you to far more danger than driving a car (though it also exposes you to far more fun and excitement, too). It’s a good idea to take frequent breaks to rest and eat, says the MSF. Don’t wave at night or in the rain as other riders won’t see you anyway. Even with helmets and protective gear, sliding down can cause serious injuries. Whether you're on a solo ride, a quick trip to the store, or on a long-distance ride with a group, don't ignore your comfort level with your bike. Now, riding angry or stressed out is synonymous to distracted riding. It’s equally important to know what not to do when riding in a group. February 7, 2019 By Alen Schnell Leave a Comment. You love your bike. Welcome to The Allstate Blog! 4. Don't assume Don't assume it's okay to join another rider or group of riders on the road. If your group is cruising on curvy roads, or conditions create poor visibility, MSF recommends using a single-file formation. Rider Magazine also recommends positioning the least experienced rider in the second position of the group. Consider having the most experienced riders be the lead and the sweep, recommends Rider Magazine. In fact, touching someone else’s bike can mislead others to thinking you’re about to steal it! Rules for Motorcycle Group Rides. Passing in the same lane puts both you and the other biker in a potentially dangerous situation. Rider error is the reason for two-thirds of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents. It's okay to fall behind as you can always catch up when the group stops for a break. You’ll make it easier for others to know what you’re talking about if you use the right terms. You should also have at least one rider carrying a first-aid kit and toolkit, as well as any other necessities your group may need. 10. Respect that. So, don’t be that “guy” or “gal” who weaves in and out of traffic and blows past everyone on the road. Knowing hand signals is key for formation leaders, as these signals cue the rest of the group to things ahead, says the MSF. Please recognize that a particular tip may not be effective in every circumstance and that taking preventive measures cannot guarantee any outcome. Extending your hands make you more visible. The motorcycle wave is a form of communication that all riders should use. However, it's important to understand the etiquette and rules of group riding so you can do your part to help keep everyone in the group safe. Plus, it's just plain cool. This means U.S. motorcycle ownership grew 100% in 15 years! To be on the safe side, Harley owners should just stick with theirs and not show interest in others’ unless the other brings it up. Don't ignore your skill levelThis is perhaps the single most important piece of motorcycle etiquette. This rule applies to Harleys like no other motorcycle brand. In any case, what goes around comes around, and you'll be glad to have the help when it's you stuck on the side of a lonely highway. For instance, you can’t call everyone who rides a motorcycle “biker”. Continue this pattern so riders are staggered appropriately. This means U.S. motorcycle ownership grew 100% in 15 years! If someone does fall back, the formation should slow down to allow them to catch up. Obey the rules of the road with other bikersMost traffic laws are intended to keep people safe, so when you pass another biker, use a separate lane. Whether or not it's right, other drivers don't differentiate one biker from another. You should also increase the following distance between riders to at least two seconds. The Mighty Black Sabbath M.C. In 1946, after several years of these image-destroying gestures, a group of crusty old bikers decided to put some proper waving rules in place. was established in 1974 in San Diego, CA by 7 men who rode on Sundays. 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