Riding in a group is an incredible feeling. You have a similar passion for motorcycling, you may all have completely different backgrounds, yet you are now on a journey together that takes you away from your everyday life.
However, for this to work well, a certain amount of discipline and common sense must be applied.
Below you will find some useful tips when group riding such as hand signals and corner marking.
A comprehensive guide to our riding etiquette can be found by clicking on this link.
Signals for safe group riding
Hand and foot gestures help us communicate on the road when riding in a group, with turns, hazards, stops or formation changes. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with these simple but effective gestures. Feel free to download and print this sheet as it will help you to learn the gestures prior to participating in a branch ride.
The art of corner marking
Corner marking is a system designed to ensure that all riders in a group stay on the correct route, especially when navigating through complex intersections, corners or changes in direction.
To someone who is new to riding in a group, it can seem confusing; however, it isn’t complicated and becomes second nature after a while. Here’s a detailed description of how it works.
Key roles
Ride Leader:
The Ride Leader is responsible for organising the ride, leading the group and setting the pace.
No rider is allowed to pass the Ride Leader.
Tail End Charlie (TEC):
This rider stays at the end of the group to ensure no one gets lost and that all riders reach the destination.
Tail End Charlie cannot pass any other rider and will always be the last rider.
The corner marking process
Indicating a corner:
When approaching a corner, junction or any change in direction, the Ride Leader will signal with their left arm a safe area to ‘mark the corner’ to the rider immediately behind them.
Positioning:
The second rider will pull over at a safe distance before the turn and use their arm and bike indicators to show the direction to the riders following in the convoy.
IMPORTANT: even though the ride leader has indicated an area they perceive is safe, it is always at the discretion of the rider marking the corner to determine a safe spot to pull over. No rider should ever pull over unless they believe it is safe for them to do so!
Marking the exit:
After the corner, if there is any ambiguity or chance of confusion, the Ride Leader may again signal the rider immediately behind them to mark the exit of the corner or junction.
This rider should pull over just around the corner, preferably within view of the first corner marker.
Roundabouts:
At roundabouts, the Ride Leader will signal the rider behind them to mark the direction of travel either at the entry to the roundabout or on the opposite side of the roundabout.
Safety considerations
Parking and pulling over:
Note; a rider must never place themselves or others at risk.
Corner markers should park as far to the left as possible or on the curb side, traffic island, or median strip to avoid being hit by other vehicles. The corner marker should remain seated on their motorcycle until TEC indicates that all is OK for the corner marker to rejoin in front of TEC.
Visibility:
Ensure that the bike and signals are clearly visible to the following riders. Avoid obstructing the view for the following riders.
Discretion:
Avoid parking on the wrong side of the road with headlights and blinkers on.
Common problems
Distraction:
Corner markers must stay vigilant and not get distracted (eg, smoking or chatting) as this can slow the ride and confuse other riders.
Clear indication:
It is crucial to clearly indicate the direction to avoid uncertainty and potential accidents for the following riders.
Advantages
Smooth ride:
The corner marking system allows riders of all levels to travel at their own pace without getting lost. Faster riders will mark corners more often, while slower riders will do so less frequently.
No need for maps:
Riders in the pack do not need to constantly look at a map or know the route, as the corner markers guide them.
By following these steps and considerations, the corner marking system ensures that group motorcycle rides are organised, safer and more enjoyable for all participants.