     
Assemblies of God Riding Fellowship & Motorcycle Ministry
“Road Rules”
The intent of this document is to give everyone information required to ride together safely. Please keep in mind that these guidelines are not intended to restrict your freedom, but instead, to help ensure that we all return home safely.
These guidelines cannot encompass every possible set of circumstances, but are intended to serve as a basic guide for most situations. Each person is therefore expected to read, understand, and apply these guidelines, using their best judgment.
This document supersedes any and all previous releases.
Please remember that YOU have the ultimate responsibility for YOUR safety, and always ride within your capabilities and that of your machines.
2.0 ALL GROUP RIDER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Will 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.
2.2 Will follow the instructions of the Road Captains in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation.
2.3 Will maintain their motorcycle and other equipment in a safe riding condition.
2.4 Will ride with headlights on.
2.5 Will 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.
| 3.0 MEETING PLACE AND DEPARTURE TIME
3.1 Meeting place and departure times will be reviewed at our monthly Road Captain's meeting preceding the scheduled event.
3.2 Rider briefing will be held just prior to departure, to establish a schedule for gas and rest stops, inform the group of the intended route, provide other pertinent information and review the group riding guidelines including formations and procedures.
3.3 Individuals should make every effort to arrive and be completely prepared for the scheduled departure time. This includes a full tank of gas.
| 4.0 RIDING FORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS
4.1 The standard formation, under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, will be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane. The interval will be no less than one second between staggered riders.
4.2 The Lead Road Captain will be at the head of the group, and typically will ride just to the left of lane center. Other Road Captains may be assigned positions within the group, which will be followed by the Rear Road Captain or "Sweep".
4.3 New members, guests, and any riders with little experience in group riding will be positioned at the front of the group, just behind the Lead Road Captain.
4.4 Each rider should maintain his or her starting line up position in the group until arrival at the destination. This allows each rider to become more familiar with the riding style and habits of those nearest him or her in the group, and is particularly important for the new or inexperienced riders.
4.5 Under certain conditions the Lead Road Captain will signal the group to form a single file formation. The signal is the left arm held overhead with one finger extended. Drop back to a safe following distance from the rider in front of you, and move into a single file.
4.6 It may be necessary to form smaller groups for safety due to surrounding conditions or local ordinances. The Middle Road Captains are authorized to slow down their part of the group, take the Lead position of the new group, and proceed as the Lead Road Captain of that group.
4.7 This may mean that the last rider of each group would become the Rear Road Captain for that group. If possible, this rider should be another recognized Road Captain. If another Road Captain is not available, this rider should be briefed prior to the run as to his or her responsibilities in the event this situation should occur. The new Rear Road Captain is NOT to take on the responsibilities of Sweep, unless authorized by the Lead Road Captain to do so.
| 5.0 SPEED, INTERVALS, AND DISTANCES
5.1 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.
5.2 The Road Captains may choose to separate the group of inexperienced riders into a group of their own, consistent with expected or actual conditions.
5.3 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.
5.4 All riders will maintain a safe distance (ref. Section 5.5) and lane positions between themselves and the rider directly ahead; to be consistent with existing road, traffic, and weather conditions.
5.5 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.
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 states of Florida.
STAGGERED motorcycles are considered to be in a "virtual" lane of their own, that is 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.
5.6 A safe lane position is defined as riding immediately to the right or left of lane center. This will keep the riders just off the center oil stain, while maintaining the staggered formation, distance between riders and other obstacles, and providing necessary lane.
| 6.0 TRAFFIC LANES
6.1 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.
6.2 On highways with two lanes each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane, also known as the "SLOW" lane, (ref. Note below) allowing faster traffic to pass to left; except when passing slower traffic on the right.
6.3 On highways with three or more lanes in each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane (ref. Note below), keeping the right lane open for other vehicles entering and exiting the highway, and the left lane(s) for traffic to pass.
NOTE: Lanes are counted from left to right. The left lane is often referred to as the "FAST" or "PASSING" lane, and is counted as lane number one. Remaining traffic lanes are then counted up until the right most, or "SLOW" lane is counted.
| 7.0 LANE CHANGES AND PASSING
7.1 On a multi-lane highway, the double row staggered formation will normally be maintained.
7.2 The Lead Road Captain will hold his or her position and signal for a lane change.
7.3 All riders will hold their positions and pass the signal to the rear.
7.4 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.
7.5 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 Sweep, is to change lanes before the Lead Road Captain. ALWAYS make a HEAD CHECK before you begin the lane change, and maintain safe distances.
7.6 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 changes 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. Please use known good safety practices, INCLUDING HEAD CHECKS.
7.7 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 maneuver.
7.8 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 HEAD CHECK immediately prior to initiating any maneuver 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".
| 8.0 GAS, FOOD, REST STOPS, AND TOLLS
8.1 If necessary, due to the length of the trip, gas, 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.
8.2 Deviation from the scheduled stops may be required due to varying weather, traffic, and bladder conditions (availability of gas, rider fatigue, and other unforeseen circumstances).
8.3 Gas 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.
8.4 Meal stops will vary in length with the size of the group, but should be held to a reasonable minimum.
8.5 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 center of the lane when nearing or passing through a tollbooth. They are usually extremely slick.
| 9.0 UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY STOPS
9.1 Unscheduled stops for gas, 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.
9.2 Any rider with an equipment problem should inform one of the Road Captains as quickly, and as safely as possible.
9.3 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.
9.4 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.
9.5 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.
| 10.0 ACCIDENTS
10.1 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.
10.2 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, using flares if available.
Aid and comfort those involved.
Call 911 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.
| 11.0 HAND SIGNALS
11.1 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.
11.2 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.
11.3 Hand signals will be used at all times, to point out road hazards to following riders by pointing.
11.4 Left arm held high, one finger extended over head indicates single file, and extended following distance.
11.5 Left arm held high with two fingers extended over head indicates the standard staggered formation.
11.6 Left arm held high, moving in a circle indicates a U-turn.
11.7 Left arm held high, one finger extended over head, followed by the Road Captain signaling and changing lanes indicates:
The Lead Road Captain will move as an individual, to whatever maneuver or position is required.
The group will follow as individuals, in a "follow the leader" approach, signaling and following the Road Captain as appropriate and safe.
11.8 Other signals may be developed and added as required. | 12.0 SAFETY EQUIPMENT
12.1 As mentioned previously, it is assumed that all riders will come to the ride with a well-maintained motorcycle.
12.2 All group riders are encouraged to bring a well-stocked tool kit to all Ministry rides.
12.3 All group riders are encouraged to bring a well-maintained first aid kit to all Ministry rides.
12.4 The Lead Road Captain will be responsible for bringing the following to the run:
First aid kit.
Route maps.
Run information.
Waivers.
New member forms.
Cell phone. If a Road Captain does not have a cell phone, he or she will locate another group rider who does (obviously, subject to availability), and designate that rider as the 911 caller). |
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