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, they let others know like a chain of information.
It is advisable to familiarise yourself with these simple but effective gestures. Some of the common signals used are illustrated below.
The downloadable sheet is more comprehensive and will help you to learn the gestures prior to participating in a branch ride. To download click on the “DOWNLOAD HAND SIGNALS” button.
We also use a Corner Marking system, to view this click on the “ART OF CORNER MARKING” button.
LEFT TURN
This lets the group know that you and those following will be turning LEFT. Extend your left arm straight out, palm facing down.
LEFT indicator ON.
RIGHT TURN
This lets those following that you will be turning RIGHT. Extend your left arm at 90 degrees up, fist clenched.
RIGHT indicator ON.
STOP
Lets the group know that you intend to stop and they should prepare to stop. Bend your arm 90 degrees, facing down, palm open.
SPEED UP
Let the group know that you want them to increase the pace. Left arm extended out palm facing up and swing in an upward direction to give the signal.
FOLLOW ME
Tells group that you are moving on and to follow. Extend your arm forward
SLOW DOWN
Extend your left arm out palm down and swing in a slow downward direction to give the signal to slow down.
CORNER MARK
RIDE LEADER tells rider immediately behind to mark the corner. Point to your helmet then point arm extended to the ground at 45 degrees.
PIT STOP
Tells group that you intend to stop for a break. Extend your arm, fist clenched, make short up and down movenments.
REFRESHMENT STOP
Time to eat or drink.
Fingers closed thumb to mouth, indicating “drink”