Rules of the Road

The following tips are being offered to make all of you aware of the techniques that will allow a group of six (6) or more motorcycles to stay together, ride safely, and enjoy the trip. Some of these tips may already be part of your every day riding habits, but some may be new to you and will certainly make any group ride more enjoyable. 

  1. All participants are to arrive ON TIME and be ready to ride, including a FULL TANK OF GAS, potty stop, and a motorcycle maintained, so as to have minimum problems. 

  2. The ROAD CAPTAIN is responsible for speed, lane changes, gas and food stops, and potty breaks. The Road Captain should be aware of the group he is leading, and will schedule accordingly. 

  3. THE MAXIMUM SPEED OF ANY EVENT WILL BE TO KEEP UP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, OR AS POSTED BY LAW! 

  4. Normal group formation for Foothills Harley Owners Group will be staggered, as it allows for a greater safety cushion between riders at all times. Normal space between riders will be between 2 to 3 seconds by count or the preferred method of seeing the rider’s face that is in front of you in his rear view mirror. Riding 2-up will be used for tightening the group when traveling from a dead stop at a stoplight to help the group get through the intersection without being split.

  5. On mountains and curves, single-file formation when signaled by the Road Captain (one finger pointing upward) to allow plenty of maneuvering space until reaching a straight away, or until a staggered signal (two fingers up) is given by the Road Captain. 

  6. No racing past or switching positions. Stay in your starting positions unless signaled to change. NO CLOWNING AROUND. Remember, there are newer riders, and we ride for fun, and don't want anyone to get hurt. 

  7. Obey all signals of the ROAD CAPTAIN - he is your road boss. Always signal to the rider behind you by the use of hand signals from the person in front of you so that the information can be passed along. THIS IS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY FOR STOP AND TURN SIGNALS, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR ROAD HAZARDS THAT MUST BE AVOIDED. The first rider to spot a road hazard should identify it to those riding with you, and pass the signal along. 

  8. If you have problems or need to pull over, signal the Road Captain if able, then find a safe place to pull over. The rear Road Captain will then pull over to assist. In the event the problem cannot be resolved in fifteen minutes, the Road Captain or chapter officer will determine the next step. Also, if you decide to leave the group for any reason while the ride is in progress please be sure to notify the Road Captain or an assistant. 

  9. Group riding requires safe habits. Safety and fun is the number one rule, and endangering other riders will NOT BE TOLERATED. Anyone doing so will have a MAJOR discussion with chapter officers at the earliest, safest opportunity. 

  10. Keep a safe distance from the bike in front of you. KNOW THE STOPPING POWER OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE. Try to maintain a constant speed to avoid "rubber-banding." 

  11. Stay close to each other in the group through intersections and traffic lights, so that the group doesn't get cut in two. 

  12. When leading a group, especially in traffic and at intersections, always make sure that ALL riders in the group can make it through the intersection before pulling out, If, for any reason, all riders can't make it, slow down to allow the rest of the riders to regroup / catch-up. 

THESE ARE THE RIDING PROCEDURES THAT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OUR GROUP FOR THE PURPOSE OF SAFETY OF ALL PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN A RIDE WITH OUR CHAPTER.