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Group Riding Guide
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Acknowledgments: This Group Riding Guide, is help new or potential GWTA members become acquainted with our present riding procedures. Some of the enclosed information has been obtained from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and from various articles written by other motorcyclists.

GWTA, GWTA Officers, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the authors, disclaim any liability for the views expressed herein.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Reprint of this GWTA Group Rider Policy handbook is granted when full credit is given.

The following are suggestions only, not to be considered rules. They are guidelines and not mandatory in order to be members of GWTA, however, the more we as a group think and ride alike, the safer and more fun the rides will be.

Riding in a group is strictly voluntary and should be done only if you feel comfortable with your motorcycle and the riding habits of your particular riding group.

It is recommended that a good quality helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves and protective clothing be worn at all times, by all riding. Also, that the motorcycle be in a safe condition.

"Group Leaders" and "Back Doors"

Responsibility of Group Leaders:

  1. Leadership of the group while in transit
  2. Be firm and decisive
  3. Explain routes to predetermined destinations (see Ride Organizers)
  4. If distance dictates, select some rest stops and stick to the plan
  5. Explain the formations to be used during transit; staggered formation should be used for nearly all the group rides.
  6. Try to find out the riding skill level of the group members you are leading, so that you do not attempt to lead beyond their ability.
  7. Explain the two-second rule and the necessity to keep closed up.
  8. Explain the lane numbers (lane #1 is the fastest or left lane)
  9. The Group Leaders should select their own Back Doors.
  10. Maintain the integrity of the group
  11. If the Back Door advises that one of the group is having a problem and is leaving the group, the Group Leader should bring the group to a safe place to pull off and wait for the Back Door to report.
  12. Recognize and obey all vehicle code rules and regulations. (Watch speed limits).
  13. Slow down if necessary, when the Back Door tells you part of the group didn't make the light, etc.
  14. Lane Changes (2 lane - 2 way traffic): If it looks like it is going to be a long drawn out process to get all of the bikes in your group around a vehicle, consider slowing down instead and keep your group intact.
  15. Lane Changes (highway with at least 2 lanes for your direction): The Group Leader will inform the Rear Bike of the need to move into another lane and the number of the lane to move into. At the first opportunity, the Rear Bike moves into the new lane, preventing any traffic from trying to pass the team in that lane. The Rear Bike informs the Group Leader when the lane is "secure" and the Group Leader will then announce over the CB to all bikes in his group "Let's all move to the #___ lane, NOW!" The Group Leader hesitates before saying NOW, allowing each bike a few moments to look for themselves, that it is safe to move over. Then all the bikes will signal and follow the bike in front of them into the new lane. This method is used, as not all bikes are equipped with CBs and wouldn't otherwise know that the group is moving to a different lane. This is a better method than a simple free for all and certainly looks better.
  16. Keep in mind that the Group Leader's job is not to be a tourist, but to maintain the group in a safe manner. If you want to just enjoy the ride, don't volunteer to be the leader!
  17. If there is more than one (1) group, use group # when using the CB
  18. You and/or your co-rider should point at any hazards you may see on the road for the bikes behind you, even if you have already said something about it on the CB

Back Door (Tail End Charlie)

  1. Probably the most misunderstood and underrated job in the group rides.
  2. The Lead Bike leads the group, but the Rear Bike controls the group.
  3. Responsibility:
    1. Again, the safety of the group and to maintain the integrity of the group.
    2. Be the "eyes" of the leader and the "voice" when necessary. (Example: "Rider #3, close it up please"; vehicle passing on right; etc.)
    3. Advise the Group Leader, if part of the group gets stuck by a light, another vehicle cuts into the group, etc., then also let him know when the group is back together again.
    4. Assist in most, if not all lane changes. Note: Never attempt to hold back other traffic to enable the group to change lanes...it's unsafe, not wise and illegal.
    5. To assist in lane changes at the discretion of the leader.
    6. Watch for any hazards or problems with any of the group's motorcycles.
    7. Assist any rider in the group that needs to pull over. Advise the Group Leader and pull over with the other rider.
    8. If a member of the group goes down, transmit "BIKE DOWN! BIKE DOWN!" on the CB and stop ASAP to help and/or direct traffic away from the accident.
    9. If any member indicates by voice or action/attitude that they don't wish to or are unable to follow the rules of the group, the Group Leader/Back Door, has the responsibility and duty to remind that member of group safety. (See Pre-ride, paragraph C)
  4. The bottom line is "Safety First" and we should all assume the responsibility for the safety of fellow group members.