Motorcycle riding is primarily a solo activity, occasionally shared with a couple of friends. For many Virginia bikers, however, riding with an organized motorcycle group is the ultimate experience. Group riding allows you to discover places that you would never have discovered on your own.
How can you make group motorcycle riding safe?
Groups should be of a manageable size, no more than 15 to 20. Larger groups can be split. The size of a motorcycle group should be such that all participants know the rules, abide by them, and understand how to ride in formation. Some groups are organized to travel long distances, over several days, crossing state boundaries and discovering unknown territory. It is essential that someone takes responsibility as the group captain and all agree who will be the lead bike and the drag bike. Everyone must also agree on the formation and hand signals.
Is the Memorial Day "Rolling Thunder" rally in DC a group?
This giant Veterans' rally is a pack, not a group. Packs do not ride in formation, as they are too large to be properly organized for that. A large pack takes over the road by its sheer size, moving like a herd. Packs are fun, too, but ride more slowly than groups.
What are the essentials of group motorcycle riding?
- Briefing: Explaining the timing of the trip, the directions, the mileage, the stops, the formations, the hand signals, the positions, and the responsibilities;
- Inspection: Verification of the motorcycles' road readiness, legal aspects (helmet laws, insurance, etc.), filled tanks, lights, protective gear, etc.;
- Formation: This could be a staggered formation (alternating bikes on left and right side of a lane), parade (two abreast), or single file;
- Maneuvers: Changing lanes, passing, start-stop at intersections, spacing out, checking out the curves, danger warning, merging traffic, etc.
A well-organized group has many safety advantages. One is that other vehicles see the group far better than the individual biker and thus tend to make room for them. Another advantage is that a group with strictly enforced rules gives a sense of security to the novice riders. Experienced riders in a group also teach newcomers how to check, repair, and maintain their bikes, an essential component of safe riding.
The motorcycle accident attorneys of Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas want to protect the privilege of safe motorcycle riding. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Virginia motorcycle accident, please contact our Warrenton or Culpeper office today. You can discuss your accident case with one of our skilled and dedicated attorneys to see how we can help you secure fair compensation.
