Revision 9

South African Edi�on

 Welcome Index
Dear Road Captains, CONTENT PAGE
this Guide will give
you some guidelines Welcome and Index 1
as to what your
role is in your Club Preparing for a Ride 2-3
or Chapter, how to Road Captain’s Job
ensure the safety of Before the Ride
your fellow riders A�er the Ride
and how to interact Marshaling
with other traffic Substance Abuse
before, during and
a�er a ride. Common Group Riding Terms 4
Mass Ride
This guide, in no way, dictates what you should Group
be doing as a RC but merely sets the founda�on Road Captain
for you to build on and develop a system that Marshal
works for you in your Club or Chapter. Lead Rider
Sweep Rider
You will also find some helpful illustra�ons Support Rider
indica�ng how Group Rides should be managed Single File Forma�on
on the road and through intersec�ons; a chart Staggered Forma�on
with universal Hand Signals is also included.
Forma�on Riding 5
As for the content of this RC Guide, please don’t
copy or reproduce this in any way or format Staggered
without my wri�en consent. I’ve worked long Single File
hours to put this together for you and I know
you will respect that. Marshaling 6
Intersec�ons
In October 2009 the first Road Captain Course Side Streets or On-Ramps
in South Africa was presented to 30 members
of the KZN Motorcycle Federa�on, and in July Group Riding in General 7-8
2010 to more than 50 members of the Vaal Ride the Plan
Presidents Counsel. Requests are coming in Be Aware
from all over South Africa, why not host a Forma�on
course in your area. Du�es
Difficul�es
I am willing and available to do this in order to Hand Signals
promote Motorcycle Safety and Skill in your Changing Lanes
Area. Bike Talk M.R.A. is the only academy Intersec�ons
in South Africa who presents a course at this Food / Fuel Stops
level. Unscheduled Stops

Here’s to you, your Club or Chapter and a safer Lane Change Chart 9
motorcycling experience!
Hand Signals Chart 10
Yours in Motorcycle Rider Skills Development,

1
 Preparing for a Group Ride
The Road Captain’s Job shorts, t-shirts and slops, they could do so in their
A Road Captain, while on the road, is the one to own �me and on their own ride. Mutual respect
ensure and maintain order on the ride no ma�er for one another’s safety should be schooled into
how big or small the group; enforces certain all members.
safety rules regarding gear, bike and riding
manner. During the ride the Road Captain is in The Road Captain will then conduct a short
charge of safety, compliance and discipline. The riders’ mee�ng to establish that each group has
Road Captain is also the one who leads a group on a designated Lead and Sweep Rider, to review
a ride with appointed Marshal and Sweep Riders group riding guidelines briefly, to alert the riders
to help in fulfilling his func�on. of poten�al hazards, to discuss communica�ons
within and between the groups, to review hand
Regular talks on riding safety should be held to signals and to answer any ques�ons about the
ensure consistency among riders. ride.

Before the Ride The Road Captain may lead the group himself, and
When a number of motorcyclists are invited for will be in charge while the ride is underway.
a group ride, the riders and their pillions gather
at the appointed �me and place, o�en without If there are several groups of riders, the Road
knowing their specific des�na�on or route from Captain expects all Sweep Riders to follow the
that point on. The Road Captain for that ride will route which has been laid out and not to ini�ate
have a route in mind and will usually have pre- changes in the route except in an emergency.
ridden the route within the past week in order to In case of problems that require emergency
look for construc�on and road surface problems personnel or re-tracing a route to find a disabled
and other situa�ons which might affect the safety rider or part of a group which has go�en lost, it
of those who are to par�cipate. The Road Captain is much easier to locate the person(s) sought if
will appoint or volunteer experienced riders to all groups follow the same path to their common
serve as Sweep Riders and Marshal, depending des�na�on. It is not unusual for groups of riders
on the total number of bikes and the number of to be separated by several kilometres during a
groups required. long trip or in heavy traffic. It is also not unusual
for groups to break up briefly in traffic.
The other riders will determine which group they
are going to ride in, and if there is an inexperienced The appointment of Marshal and Sweep Riders
rider along, will usually ask the Road Captain should be done according to the number of riders
to make sugges�ons on group posi�oning. The in the group; smaller groups (5 - 8 riders) may for
Road Captain should determine roughly the instance only be able to have one Lead and one
experience level of each rider in his or her group Sweep Rider.
before depar�ng, pu�ng the rider with the least
experience in front of the group behind the Safety, in all its forms, is the pinnacle of your
President/Leader, away from oncoming traffic. responsibility as Road Captain:

The Road Captain will usually provide a Route The Bike: Tyres, Lights, Frame, Brakes,
Memo or will have copies of maps or direc�ons Mirrors, Licensed, Legal Plates
to give the members of the group (this should be The Gear: Boots, Pants, Jacket, Gloves,
supplied to the Sweep Riders if not to all riders), Helmet
and will have a rough idea of �mes and distances The Rider: Licensed, a�tude on the road
to be travelled, sugges�ons for rest stops, food and towards other riders
and fuel.

Those not properly geared up for his/her own

safety and that of others should in actual fact not
be allowed on the ride. If riders want to ride in
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 Preparing for a Group Ride
A�er the Ride Marshaling
Upon arrival bikes should be parked in the most This may only be done when and where the
convenient and safe way, making the departure situa�on warrants, i.e. Emergency Traffic Control
quick, safe and efficient. (Motorcycles facing the or Mass Ride Traffic Control and not on group
exit or direc�on of departure and in the sequence rides with less than 15 to 20 riders.
they arrived)
With Traffic Authori�es not present, you have
the right to direct the flow of motorcycle traffic
in a swi� manner to not interfere with normal
traffic condi�ons, with the safety of your fellow
motorcyclists as your primary concern.

With Traffic Authori�es present you will stand

and assist only. Their concern is to direct normal
traffic and you are to work with them, ge�ng the
motorcyclists on their way as soon as possible.
Ensure the wearing of the “Road Captain’s Vest”
or “Bibs” at all �mes. All Road Captains to assist
during Mass Rides and briefed in detail regarding
the route and points of placement.

Two Road Captains or a Road Captain and his

Marshal should be present at any point of traffic
control.

Substance Abuse
If you are serious about safety and you care about
your fellow riders the message is clear.

BOOZE AND BIKES DON’T MIX!

An intoxicated rider should not be allowed to ride

and may be assisted by the support vehicle or sit
it out with a fellow rider un�l sober enough to ride
on.

You as the Road Captain should set an example

especially with guests or prospects present.

PARKING
You should, at all stops, inform any rider of
incorrect riding so he/she can take note before
con�nuing the ride.

Certain checks must be done before riding again

depending on the distance travelled, i.e. clean
helmet visors, refuel, tyre pressures, visit the
bathroom and freshen-up, take in liquid, take a
breather, discuss the road back or ahead, etc.
3
 Common Group Riding Terms
Mass Ride whom communica�ons will be coordinated during
A large number of motorcyclists who ride together, a ride. If there are three groups on a ride, there
generally without maintaining fixed posi�ons or will be three Lead Riders.
distances between motorcycles. Mass Rides are
occasionally seen with 50 and more motorcyclists Sweep Rider
in any given or suitable forma�on. A person who rides in the last posi�on in a group
and who relays informa�on to the Road Captain
Group Ride regarding the other riders in the group, traffic
A small number of motorcyclists who ride together pa�erns, equipment problems, etc. he or she
maintaining a generally fixed distance between observes. The Sweep Rider must secure a lane
motorcycles and maintaining fixed posi�ons for the rest of the group during lane changes into
within the forma�on, usually no more than 10 faster traffic; move first to block oncoming traffic
to 15 motorcycles per group. On rides in which from the rear and move to block passed traffic
par�cipa�on by a large number of motorcyclists when a lane is lost in a merging lane situa�on,
occurs; it is common to have riders divided into usually this is one of the most experienced riders
several groups naming them Group 1, Group 2, in a group.
etc.
Support Rider
Road Captain A person who stops to assist a fellow rider who has
A person who devises group riding rules or mechanical trouble, loses control, or drops out of
guidelines for a club or chapter of a motorcycling a ride for some other reason. The Support Rider
organiza�on, who communicates these guidelines should be prepared to render aid to a downed or
to the club, and who generally plans and lays disabled rider in a group while communica�ng
out group rides. The Road Captain may or may the problem to the Lead Rider and others in the
not ride lead for a par�cular ride. The rear Road group. If at all possible, the Support Rider should
Captain may roam up and down next to the group be equipped with a Cell Phone and, preferably, will
to ensure that all riders are s�ll following safe have a pillion who can assist with communica�ons
procedures and that any luggage are s�ll secured. or traffic control if a serious problem arises. If
A Road Captain may appoint Marshals for Mass there are three groups on a ride, there will be
Ride Management. three Sweep Riders and one Support Rider.

Marshal Single File Forma�on

A person, posi�oned behind the Road Captain, A forma�on in which all the motorcyclists in a
who assists with traffic control at intersec�ons or group ride in one track of a lane, two seconds
any point where tasked by the Road Captain. The travel between bikes in the same track of a single
Marshals, on a Mass Ride, should be at any given lane.
point of duty well before the Mass Ride starts.
Staggered Forma�on
Lead Rider / President A forma�on of motorcyclists in a group in which
A person who rides in the posi�on just behind the the Road Captain rides in the middle track of a
Road Captain (excluding the Marshal) in a group lane, the next bike in the le� track or slot, and the
and who relays informa�on to all other riders in the next bike in the right track, and so on. Riders in
group via hand signals. The Lead Rider determines a group generally maintain a minimum interval of
the group’s direc�on, speed, choice of lane, and two seconds travel �me between bikes in the same
forma�on. He or she o�en must make quick track, and one second travel �me between each
naviga�on decisions in the face of road hazards, bike in the group. In this forma�on, a rider may
changes in road surface condi�ons, poor signage, ride in the en�re width of his lane as needed.
construc�on and other obstacles while maintaining
control of his or her bike and communica�ng to It is preferable for the Sweep Rider to ride in the
those following. It is the responsibility of the Lead middle track, to have the same visibility line as the
Rider to select an appointed Sweep Rider with Road Captain and Lead Rider.
4
 Forma�on Riding
There are two general forma�ons one can ride in from stops; first in, first out ...
as a group; staggered or single file.
Riders should keep a 2 second gap between
Staggered – This forma�on is the preferred riding himself and the rider directly in front of him.
style for general riding and for its overall safety Should a rider fall out of the forma�on, the rider
of all par�cipants in the group. Alterna�ng rider directly behind where the gap was created, shall
posi�ons on either side of the lane being travelled move up to fill the gap.
ensures that everyone is able to maintain visual
contact of fellow riders. The President will ride in DON’T CHANGE LANES WITHIN THE FORMATION
the middle of the lane; the first rider following will
ride on the le� hand side of the lane; the second New riders should ride in the front of the group
rider rides on the right-hand 3rd of the lane and so and more experienced riders in the back giving
on. Riders wait in pairs at stops but should never way to Marshals coming through. Regardless of
ride side-by-side in the same lane unless done on the size of the group, this alterna�ng posi�oning
parades at speeds of up to 40km/h. Pulling off of motorcycles should be consistent.

Single File – In certain situa�ons, it is safer for the the group moves from Staggered to Single File
group to ride in single file. The single file forma�on forma�on, there will only be a 1 second gap
is best used when more room to manoeuvre between each bike. The two second gap should be
might be needed such as on narrow and/or curvy achieved as soon as safely possible a�er moving
roads, in poor visibility, at tollbooths, entering into the single file to ensure a big enough safety
and leaving highways, on roads with bad surfaces, cushion. Single File Forma�on allows for easier
when entering a traffic circle, difficult traffic manoeuvrability of the group but creates a much
situa�ons or in any other situa�on where more longer group.
space cushion is needed.
All riders should maintain the 2 second gap This forma�on is good for night riding due to the
between him / herself and the rider directly in fact that you won’t be blinded by your mirrors
front of him / her. Please note that as soon as from a motorcycle’s headlights behind you.

Large groups, where possible, should be broken Riders to ensure an enjoyable ride for everyone.
up into smaller manageable groups each with its Marshals or addi�onal Road Captains should be
own Road Captain and Sweep Rider. Groups can appointed for every 10 - 15 riders.
also be broken up into “Fast”, “Easy” and “Slow”
5
 Marshaling
Intersec�ons
Moving a group through town can be a daun�ng The rear Road Captain, relieving the Marshal, is
task and dealing with traffic intersec�ng with your also the last to leave once the whole group has
route requires a hands-on a�tude from the Road moved through the Intersec�on. The Marshal /
Captain and his Ride Officers. Road Captain has to make his way past the group
safely and on �me for the next intersec�on.
As the group moves on route and when safe, the
Road Captain will ini�ate a block at an intersec�on On Mass Rides block traffic using your motorcycle,
with Marshals following on their required dismount and stand to marshal. On smaller Group
points. A Sweep Rider or rear Road Captain then Rides, a quick block and marshal while si�ng on
relieves the Marshal to con�nue onto the next your motorcycle is allowed.
intersec�on. This method is repeated for as long
as it is necessary.

IMPORTANT

On Mass Rides,
Road Captains and
Marshals should be at
their Points of Duty
well before the Mass
Ride starts.

The Route and Points

must be confirmed
well before the Mass
Ride starts.

4 WAY MARSHAL 3 WAY MARSHAL

Side Streets or On-Ramps

In this case the Marshal immediately behind the lead Road
Captain will ini�ate a block preven�ng other vehicles from
entering the group forma�on.

A Sweep Rider then relieves the Marshal to con�nue onto

the next intersec�on. This method is repeated for as long
as it is necessary.

The Sweep Rider, relieving the Marshal, is also the last to

leave once the whole group has moved passed the side
street or on-ramp. The Marshal has to make his way past
the group safely and on �me for the next intersec�on.

On Mass Rides block traffic using your motorcycle,

dismount and stand to marshal. On smaller Group Rides,
a quick block and marshal while si�ng on your motorcycle
is allowed.
SIDE STREETS / ON-RAMPS
6
 Group Riding in General
Ride the Plan
A pre-ride discussion of your plans, preferences, One common problem I see with large groups
and requirements helps everyone avoid surprises. is a failure to provide gaps for other traffic.
Talk about pace, signals, details like fuel or On a two-lane road, it may be impossible for
refreshment stops, the route and what to do in overtaking traffic to safely pass a line of a dozen
an emergency; make sure everyone gets to offer or more motorcycles. Some members of the
something. group may get run off the road if a driver tries to
pass and has to pull back into the right lane when
Be Aware oncoming traffic appears. On a mul�-lane road
A group of motorcycles is a dynamic unit. It a long double column of motorcycles may trap
constantly changes second by second as speed, a car on one side of it, blocking it from reaching
weather, traffic, and road condi�ons change, and an exit. Some riders act as if permi�ng a car to
as rider fa�gue increases. When riding in a group cross their column of bikes is a viola�on of their
you become a part of that unit, and your ac�ons religious and cons�tu�onal rights, and can make
affect more than just yourself, they affect all those a driver already in a panic about missing his exit
riding around you. Be aware of what’s going on quite dangerous.
around you at all �mes. Stay alert and keep an
eye on the Road Captain, his Ride Officers and Do address this problem. It’s best to ride in sub-
President at all �mes. You can gawk at the scenery groups of eight to ten bikes and provide a gap
some other �me. of four or more car lengths between each sub-
group. These groups can also be responsible for
Forma�on each other, taking care of other members of their
Riding side-by-side, in a column of two’s, is NOT group so that the en�re fleet of bikes doesn’t end
SAFE. Ride in a Staggered or Single-file Forma�on; up trying to squeeze onto the shoulder, which can
stay two seconds behind the bike directly in front create a real hazard.
of you, and one second behind the bike to your
le� or right front. If the group is stopping, make sure that everyone
gets completely off the road. If you are arriving at
Everyone must maintain a constant speed and a des�na�on with a large group, bikes at the front
distance from everyone else, without falling back should keep moving to allow room for the one
and speeding up, to avoid the notorious “Slinky” behind to pull off the road.
effect.
Difficul�es
Du�es Anyone dropping out of forma�on should let
The Road Captain rides in front, the President will a Sweep or Support Rider know if they DO NOT
ride just behind the Marshal in the middle of the need help. Unless you tell him otherwise, if you
lane. The Marshals will block cross-traffic at any drop out of the column, the Support Rider will
intersec�ons, when required or instructed to do also drop out along with a support vehicle. If you
so by the Road Captain. Once the en�re group has signal the Support Rider not to stop, you are on
passed through, the Marshals will make their way your own un�l you rejoin the group. If your buddy
back up the group in a safe and swi� manner. drops out of forma�on, don’t drop out with him
unless you have a real need to do so. The Support
Behind the President come the least experienced Rider and/or support vehicle will take care of the
riders. Behind the Members and Prospects ride situa�on. To help your group get together again,
any guests. use these four systems:
1. Give everyone an emergency Cell No to call.
Addi�onal Road Captains or Sweep Riders last in 2. Be precise, “the first Shell Petrol Sta�on on
the group, followed only by the support vehicle/s. your le� just past the N2 off-ramp”.
The Senior Road Captain sets the pace. If the pace 3. Make sure everyone knows the route.
is not to your liking, talk it over with him at the 4. The golden rule applies: All out on the ride; all
next stop, but un�l then, try and KEEP UP! back in from the ride. No-one gets le� behind.
7
 Group Riding in General
Hand Signals (see page 10) Intersec�ons (see page 6)
Hand signals should be used by all riders, and Moving a group through town can be a daun�ng task
passed along to those behind you. EVERYONE in the and dealing with traffic requires a hands-on a�tude
group must know what your signals mean before from the Road Captain and his Ride Officers. As the
you leave your start point. group moves on route, the Marshal/s will ini�ate a
block at an intersec�on (when necessary), a Sweep
Changing Lanes (see page 9) Rider then relieves the Marshall to con�nue on to
When the column is moving on the highway and the next intersec�on. This method is repeated for
needs to change lanes, the column will do so star�ng as long as it is necessary.
with the REAR (Sweep Rider) of the group. While
this seems strange at first, once you experience Food / Fuel Stops
it you’ll understand how it increases the safety of Fuel up before the ride starts, and be sure that you
such a move. The mechanics of such a lane change have enough fuel to reach the next stop. Everyone
are as follows: must stay together and stop at every scheduled fuel
1. The Road Captain indicates a lane change by stop. Typical stops are 150-200 km’s apart, so that
signalling either to the le� or right before bikes with small tanks will not have to leave the
changing lanes. forma�on. If you have 25 litre tanks, you should
2. The Sweep Rider will change lanes next, in only have to fuel up at every other stop. If this is
order to block any traffic from passing. the case, try to pair up with another bike with a big
3. The remainder of the group will change lanes tank and alternate fuelling up. This will keep re-
from the front to the rear. fuelling �me to a minimum at any one stop. At each
stop along the way, follow the Road Captain into
Use your mirrors and check your blind spot BEFORE the facility. He will go by the re-fuelling area to the
changing lanes! Change lanes smoothly and give staging area where he has chosen to form up the
other riders plenty of space. This is not a race to see group for departure a�er re-fuelling.
who can go sideways the quickest.
If you need to re-fuel, stop at the pumps, otherwise,
Motorcyclists riding in large groups consistently fall in behind him and park. If he needs fuel, he
do a bad job of passing slower traffic on two-lane will go back a�er showing you where to form up.
roads, which can create a dangerous situa�on. Consider refuelling wether you need to or not, you
never know if there will be fuel at the next stop or
Typically they cut back in too close to the car they not.
just passed and immediately slow down. This not
only annoys the driver, it leaves li�le room for the As soon as you have re-fuelled, move your bike to
next rider coming up from behind. He or she has to the staging area. Keep in mind that you don’t need
wedge in even closer to the front of the car being to be in the same posi�on in the group for each leg
passed. I have seen riders get locked out of the of the trip. When the Road Captain signals to start
lane because those ahead le� no space for them to up the bikes in prepara�on for departure, raise your
pass. hand when your bike is running un�l he sees that
you’re ready! When leaving each stop, the group will
When passing a car on a road with only one lane go slowly un�l the Sweep Rider signals to the Road
going each direc�on, keep your speed up a�er you Captain that everyone is formed up properly. Only
have completed the pass, and don’t slow back down then will the group accelerate to cruising speed.
un�l there is a gap large enough for all the riders
behind you to pull back in and safely decelerate. Be Unscheduled Stops
aware of what the riders behind you are doing. If If the Road Captain pulls over to the side of the road,
you are further back in the group, don’t begin your STAY IN FORMATION and pull over behind him. If
pass un�l there is a gap ahead of the car big enough stopped by Traffic Authori�es, the President and the
for you and the riders in your sub-group. Road Captain will deal with them -- everyone else,
keep your mouth shut unless specifically addressed
by the officer.
8
 Lane Change Chart

9
Hand Signal Chart

10
 Tel: 0861 BIKETALK | 0861 2453 8255
Cell: 083 793 7975
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 0866 4898 55

No text or illustra�on contained herein may be reproduced

without the wri�en consent of Hein Jonker at Bike Talk.

Printed copies may be purchased from us or you may

download a PDF version from the SAFETY page
on the Bike Talk website - www.biketalk.co.za