The following Road Rules have been compiled from the MOTORCYCLE TASK 

ANALYSIS published by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation with certain 

modifications consistent with MGWA policy. These rules should be 

adhered to when two (2) or more cycles are traveling together.

FORMING UP

1. A Group Captain (G.C.) will be selected for each group.

2. For safety sake, groups should be no larger than preferably six (6)

or eight (8) maximum, no exceptions.

3. The G.C. will select a Group Guard (G.G.) as the last cycle in the formation.

4. Positions will be taken before the group departs.  The G.C. will take

the left lane position, and the remaining cycles will alternate in

right and left positions with the G.G. in the last position.

Positions will be maintained for the duration of the ride. 

GROUP RIDING

1. Each group will ride in a staggered formation unless otherwise 

instructed by the Group Captain.

2. The lead cycle will always maintain a minimum distance of at least

two seconds to the traffic directly in front of his group.

3. Speed should be appropriate to road, traffic and weather conditions.

4. Turn signals will be used by all cycles in a group when changing lanes

to pass slower traffic or when turning a corner.

5. Drivers shall not run a red light, caution light or stop sign under

any circumstances. The G.C. shall stop or slow his group that has

been separated to allow the rest of his group to catch up.

6. All cycles will follow the G.C. even if a wrong turn is made or a 

turn is missed. Do not break up the group on a public road unless

safety dictates otherwise.

7. Riders who are uncomfortable, unsure or dislike riding with a group

shall be allowed to ride behind the last group. We ask that the G.C.

of the last group be notified.

8. Riders pulling trailers shall ride the left track, if possible.

9. Riders with sidecars, if so qualified, shall be G.G. or ride behind

the last group.

10. For the safety of one's self, and the safety of the entire group,

alcoholic consumption shall not be permitted before or during a group

ride.

The position of Road Captain and Road Guard are positions of great

responsibility. They are to control safely the manuevers of the entire group.

It is required that persons wishing to participate in either of these

positions become completely familiar with all the rules for group riding

and be familiar with the responsibilities and duties of both positions.

     Note: When traveling with more than one group of (6) cycles, the

                G.C. in charge of the first group is the Road Captain.

It is mandatory that persons wishing to participate in these positions

be an experienced driver. An experienced driver is a person belonging to

MGWA and actively group riding in MGWA formation, in accordance

with the MGWA Road Rules for at least one year. They should work

their way up to a position.

1. Ride within a group for at least one year to become acquainted with

how a group is controlled.

2. Be a G.C. of the second or subsequent group.

3. Then, when the necessary experience has been gained, the position

of Head R.C. or G.G.

     Note:  It is mandatory that persons wishing to participate in either

                position of G.C. or G.G. have a CB radio and it is suggested

                that they be a graduate of M.S.F.C.



GROUP CAPTAIN

1. G.C. shall be familiar with the route to be taken and the people in

the group.

2. G.C. is responsible for giving signals to the group. (Any passengers

should remain seated and should refrain from giving any signals).

3. G.C. or G.G. shall not call for an illegal blocking of an intersection.

4. G.C., in a given situation, may call upon their G.G. to safely

secure another lane (i.e.: multi-lane highway). The G.G. secures the

lane and then the Group Captain, who in turn, directs the group in

which manner to change lanes.

5. G.C. on two lane roads will at times be requred to bring his entire

group to a passing situation. (i.e.: pass a slow moving vehicle). It

shall be done as follows:

    a) only in areas where it is legal to pass other vehicles.

    b) in single file and then return to their staggered position

        within the group after passing maneuver is completed.

    c) G.C. should never insist that the entire group pass as a unit.

6. G.C. in communicating with his group (when more than one group)

via his CB radio should refer to this group as "group #2" or "group #3"

or whatever is appropriate.

7. The G.C. of the second group should maintain a sufficient distance

between his group and the group in front of him to operate as a

separate unit, but should still maintain visual contact if at all possible.

8. G.C. of a trailing group will not pass another group, as all cycles

will ultimately arrive at their destination at about the same time.

9. R.C. will keep his G.C.'s informed of any adverse conditions with

either road or traffic.

10. Hand signals are to be used whenever possible to communicate to

his group.

GROUP GUARDS

1. G.G. is to be aware of the conduct of members of his group, and

inform the G.C. of his group of any problems that may exist.

2. G.G. is to respond only to the request of the G.C. of his group.

3. G.G. upon request of his G.C., shall secure a lane only when it is 

safe and so as not to hinder traffic.

4. G.G. of the last group should inform not only his G.C., but all

others involved in the event of fast approaching traffic from the

rear (i.e.: approaching emergency vehicle traveling faster than surrounding

traffic and intends to pass or is driving erratic).

THE ABOVE SET OF ROAD RULES ARE MANDATORY FOR RIDING AS A GROUP. ALTHOUGH

THE POSITIONS OF ROAD CAPTAIN AND ROAD GUARD HAVE BEEN HIGHLIGHTED, IT IS

ULTIMATELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH INDIVIDUAL TO CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN A

SAFE MANNER WITHIN THE GROUP. ANYONE RIDING WITHIN A GROUP SHOULD BE

COMPLETELY FAMILIAR WITH THESE RULES. A GROUP CAPTAIN MAINTAINS THE RIGHT

TO ASK ANY PERSON TO LEAVE THE GROUP FOR INFRACTIONS OF ANY ROAD RIDING

RULES.

       

                                                   MGWA Road Safety Committee

Last modified on Saturday, November 22, 2003