Group Riding Tips and Etiquette

Group Motorcycle Riding

All registered participants (with valid tickets if applicable to the event) get checked in.
Everyone grabs a coffee (if they want one) enjoys the bikes and the people and it's pretty social.
The Event host/ ride leader will make sure everyone is suitably prepared for the event, and make sure any new participants feel welcome and address any questions or concerns they may have.
5-10 minutes before the the ride departs, a formal Rider Briefing session will be held with all registered participants, and attendance is MANDATORY. Various items are covered in the briefing such as route overview, known hazards, explanation of formation and corner marking, what to do in the event of an accident and other important information.
After the rider briefing, WE GO!

What happens at the meet point?

What not to do

Passing: Never blindly follow riders ahead of you when they pull out to pass a car. Move over to the left portion of the lane and wait until you have a clear view of the road ahead. That may mean waiting until the rider in front of you is safely back in the lane ahead of the vehicle you’re passing. Then check your mirror to make sure another speed demon isn’t trying to make the pass from behind you.
Overtaking: Passing a large group of riders is quite dangerous, so it's always wise to use overtaking lanes or just move in the group one at a time.
Taking your helmet off: Always keep your helmet on unless the group has arrived at a scheduled stop. If the group is waiting at a corner, be ready to go, and remember that passing traffic can and do cause road debris to take flight which could hit you.
Wheelies & Stoppies: We all love wheelies and stoppies, but in a large group of riders this type of riding can be catastrophic. Picture dominoes, as that's what could happen, and no one wants to get hurt. Maybe do these things out with a couple of buddies or by yourself. There have been fatalities resulting from wheelies and stoppies in large groups of riders.

What's a "Staggered Formation" all about?

Staggered formation is where riders form a "zig zag" with their road position. The purpose is pretty simple: it allows each rider a clear view ahead, along with space to the side for any quick or sudden manoeuvring in the case of road hazards like potholes, rocks, critters, debris, etc. The leader typically sets the first position, then the rider behind rides in the opposite wheel track. If the rider in front of you changes wheel track, you change yours. Try to space yourself so that there is a two-second gap between you and the rider directly in front of you. As speeds increase, that means a longer distance, and at slow speeds (especially in heavy traffic areas) that means closing ranks and tightening up the formation.
Staggered formation is NOT used when cornering is required or out on open roads where there's a greater amount of space. Work off being able to see a rider in front of you, and one behind and use the entire lane to corner safely.

Communication

You'll see the ride leader indicate a turn very early. When you see the indicator, turn yours on so that the riders behind are aware there s a turn coming up.
Use your hands and your legs to point to hazards so the rider behind you can be aware. DO NOT use your legs to signal a change of tyre track as this creates confusion.
iRIDE WA does not use helmet communications with other riders, all communications are by sign language. Participants are of course welcome to use their helmet communications at any time.

What's Corner Marking

If the group is making a turn and you can't see a rider behind you, wait on a corner until you can see they've turned their indicator on.
Generally, the ride leader will manage any required corner marking, but there may be a need for participants to do this.

Can you pass the leader?

Riders can safely pass the ride leader if they know the route, but are asked not to pass on corners or where there's heavy traffic.
If riders do pass the ride leader, they're asked to wait at the next intersection for the group.
If riders pass the leader and find themselves lost, the group will continue on the planned route.

What if there's an accident or injury?

In the event of an accident, time is of the essence. Riders are to stop safely and out of the way of traffic, and place themselves in position to signal to traffic to slow down.
First aid will be undertaken, and assistance will be called where necessary.
If a rider has suffered any impact to the head, and/ or has injuries requiring it, emergency services will be called. iRIDE WA will accept no liability for any costs encountered by a participant where emergency services have been called to the scene of an accident.
It is always recommended to have ambulance cover, and RAC roadside assistance in place.