Plan Your Ride

Stay safe in a group

Each year, many riders are killed or injured when a group ride goes wrong. But with careful planning and communication, group runs can be safe and fun for all…

Plan your ride in advance
• Provide a map of the route with all the stopping places and fuel stops
• Exchange mobile phone numbers
• Decide who leads, who backs up and who navigates

Organise a running order
A follow-the-leader approach can mean riders at the back trying to keep up. Advanced riding groups tend to use a marking system, which allows overtaking without upsetting the group, with riders stopping at some junctions to mark the route for other riders. This method is effective but will need experienced riders.

Watch your back
Accidents often happen when back riders try to keep up with front riders, by making rushed overtakes, crossing solid white lines, going too quickly into bends or even jumping red lights.
• If you’re behind, don’t become impatient to catch up.
• If you’re ahead, slow down to give those behind you time to catch up without rushing.
• Try to keep the bike behind you in your mirrors all the time, so that you can stop or slow down if they disappear from view.