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This article was first published 10 years ago

Riding in a group? Take these precautions

November 17, 2013 11:33 IST


Photographs: Akhtar Shaikh RideTillIDie.com

Why do we require precautions and tips when we are riding in a group of well-experienced riders? The answer is pretty simple.

You need precautions BECAUSE you are travelling in a group. Most mishaps that occur during the group riding are because of factors inherent to the group itself rather than external challenges that one encounters. So, while the adrenaline rush might be at its peak when travelling in a group, it is always advisable to follow some precautions and tips that would keep you and everyone else safe and always on the move!

A journey of thousand miles begin with a 9-letter word: Planning. The various aspects of group riding that you need to plan have been detailed below.

Nothing can be more critical for planning than the route of the journey. Use navigators and maps to prepare your route to perfection. It should ideally list all the points of rest, major landmarks, important places like fuel pumps and the likes. The route can be better organised if the realistic ability of each rider is taken into consideration. A copy of the route map should be given to all members so they know when and where to meet with the group in case they move far ahead or lag behind the rest of the group.

Once you are through with the planning of the route, you need to decide the running order of the group. Ideally, the riders who are better attuned to the road conditions and route knowledge should lead and act as the tail of the group. Put the leader of the travel planning in the lead while a similarly experienced person should be put as the group's tail.

The less experienced group riders should be buffeted between head and tail of the group so that they are taken care of by the experienced riders. This also negates the chances of less experienced riders getting lost.

Next up is planning and executing the pre-run meet. This pre-run meeting serves as a medium for exchange of information and informal familiarisation of riders with the route and fellow riders.

With the pre-run meet having done over with, it is time to finally begin the group ride. While you are on the move you need to remember the following on-road tips.

Tags: BECAUSE

Riding in a group? Take these precautions


Photographs: Akhtar Shaikh

Rules on the road

Overtaking the bike in front of you without planning and necessary precautions, speeding while turning on sharp and blind bends and trying to jump red lights are to be strictly avoided. It is important that all riders are in tune with these simple rules for the protection and safety of the rest.

Travelling through highways and expressways

While it is easy to understand why everyone might feel the urge to notch higher speeds on highways and expressways and act little less carefully, it is important to be more discrete while moving on highways. A good way to successfully travel across the highways should involve enforcing an upper speed limit for the leader of the group.

This way each member of the group shall be in striking distance of one another and reduce the instance of accidents among the trailing riders who try to speed to catch up with the group.

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Riding in a group? Take these precautions


Photographs: Akhtar Shaikh

Navigation through towns and cities

Travelling through towns and cities can be frustrating as this might entail navigating through heavy and confusing traffic systems. Also, as the group enters such areas the chance of sticking together as a group is reduced. This can be a cause of accident as riders might try to speed up to maintain proximity with the rest of the group. So, when your group enters a town or city all the members of the group should be made aware of the time and exact location and nearest landmark where they are to meet. This way the laggards do not hurry and can safely reach the pre-decided location to catch up with the fellow riders in the group.

Well you are almost done with the group-riding tips. Some general tips to keep you safe.

Always insist the members of the group are wearing the necessary safety gears.

Mobile numbers of the members should be circulated prior to start of the ride say during the pre-run meet.

Each rider stands for himself and so each rider should ride according to his/her ability and never try to out-do the rest. Remember you are having fun in a group and NOT participating in a race!!

Though the planning and all the hassles involved in group riding might be enormous, yet, one can safely say, it is worth the ride! So, plan and enjoy the ride in your group!

Tags: NOT

Riding in a group? Take these precautions


Photographs: Akhtar Shaikh

Few more points:

Hand signals -- Lead rider will communicate with others using hand signals... when to speed up, when to speed down, indicating hazards on route etc.

Communication -- Flash headlights to get attention of rider ahead of you. He / she will stop and you can pull up to them and talk to them

Re-group points -- Fix grouping points before start of ride... everyone will stop at these points and wait for everyone

Signals for -- photo opportunity, stopping for smoke, tea or any natural calls!

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