Riding in a Group: Rules and Etiquette

Sunday morning rides with your biker buddies is one of the best ways to unwind over the weekend. For the ride to be truly pleasurable, some degree of discipline and certain etiquettes must be adhered to. We list a few dos and donts for riding in a pack.

Comfort Stop:

When coming to a slow stop, check your mirrors and indicate with your left arm held out wide, fist clinched with up and down motion.

Follow Me:

When indicating to the group to follow, hold your arm straight up with palm facing forward and gently wave in a to and fro manner.

You Lead:

If you want someone else to lead, hold the left arm out and swing it back and forth telling the pack behind to take the lead. 

Hazard in Roadway:

Highly necessary on Indian roads, always try to inform the tailing pack of the road conditions ahead. Although do it only when you are comfortable to signal. Do not try to inform at the cost of your safety.

Speed Up:

Speeding up is required when languishing at the back or for making snappy overtakes. Hold the palm outward, facing skywards and perform a gentle up and down motion.

Mirror Talk:

Mirrors are a great means of communication when riding a motorcycle. Stay informed as well as convey your planned move to the fellow rider with the help of mirrors. A bike without mirrors is as good as a bike without brakes.

Stay Staggered:

Never ride in a parallel formation in large groups. Each rider must have enough space for himself on the road. Maintain a 'C' formation wherein each rider gets to use the full width of the road as well as has clear visibility of the road ahead.

Slow Down:

Necessary to keep things safe and sound - hold the arm out with palm facing the ground, swinging it in up and down motion.