The purpose of riding in an organized group instead of an undisciplined pack is to provide the additional safety that a well-organized group inherently generates. This comes from within the group and from the outside. When a group rides in an orderly fashion, people don’t get in each others way, and the organization of the formation itself discourages cars from attempting to cut in. Trucks have been seen moving to the far side of their lane to minimize windblast when theysee a well-ordered formation “single up”.

The Parkview Motorcycle Club is open for all makes and models of motorcycles, as well as open to all levels of riding experience. Safety must be our top priority for everyone at every level. Therefore, for us to insure the safest possible riding environment for all, EVERYONE riding with PMC is expected to follow the Group Riding Rules as listed below. Anyone violating the rules and compromising everyone else’s safety will be warned, and if their actions continue, will no longer be welcome to ride with the Parkview Motorcycle Club.

The following rules are compiled from a number of sources. Most clubs that ride in orderly formations follow similar rules. Details may vary from one club to another, sometimes because of the style of riding they do, or sometimes because there are a number of reasonable options, so they chose the one they prefer.

1. Formation
Riding will be in a standard formation unless the leader calls for single file. In stagged formation, the bikes form two columns, with the leader at the head of either the right or the left column, as he chooses. The second bike will head the second column and will ride approximatly 1 second behind the leader (and in the opposite side of the lane). The other riders will positio their bikes 2 seconds behind the bike directly in front of them, which puts them 1 second behind the diagonal bike.

This formation allows each rider suffient safety space and discourags other vehicles from cutting into the line. The last rider or Sweep may ride on whichever side of the lane he prefers. He will have to change sides during the ride, based on the situation at the moment.

Depending on the number of participants on a ride, we will break into smaller groups of up to 8 riders, each with its own Ride Leader and Sweep. All groups will follow the same route and make the same stops. Each group will stay together during the entire ride, meeting up with the other groups at the designated stops. If an individual rider is planning to leave the ride at any time, he must inform his Ride Leader when and where he plans to do so.

2. Road Captain
The Road Captain is responsible for the overall organization of the ride. He will route the ride, distribute route maps, and designate gas stops and stopping points. He will assign Ride Leaders and Sweeps to each individual group and assist in staging the bikes into groups. He will lead the first group, launch the ride and communicate any information to the riders necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride

3. Ride Leader
The Ride Leader is responsible for the safety of the entire formation of his group. He must be aware of the length of the columns, and must gauge the passing of merges, highway entrances and exits, etc., to allow for maximum safety and keeping the group together. He must make sure that he leaves enough time/space for the formation to get into the appropriate lanes before exits, etc. All directions come from the Ride Leader. The Ride Leader makes all decisions regarding lane changes, closing of gaps, turning off at exits, any concerns of what lies ahead, and so on. No individual will assert himself independently without direction from the Ride Leader to do so. If his group gets split up for any reason, he will pull off at the next available safe place and wait for the remainder of his group to catch up.

4. Sweep
The Sweep serves as the eyes of the Ride Leader. He watches the formation, and signals the Ride Leader of any potential problems within the group. He watches other vehicles, will watch for merging lanes, and will move into a merging lane (or stay in a merging lane just vacated by the group) in order to “close the door” on other vehicles that may otherwise find themselves trying to merge into the formation. He will also assist in any emergency situations that may develop.

5. New Riders
The position of new (inexperienced with GROUP riding) riders whitin the group is significant. New riders should be positioned as close to the front as possible.

6. Lane Changes
All lane changing starts with a signal frm the Ride Leader. The Ride Leader will put on his signal as an indication that he is about to order a lane change. As each rider sees the directional signal, he also turns his on, so the riders following him get the signal. The leader then initiates the change. All other riders change lanes too. The important concept is that NO ONE moves until the bike in front of him has started moving.

7. Emergencies
In the unlikely event of an emergency condition, the Ride Leader will make every attempt to move the formation to the shoulder in an orderly manner. If a bike breaks down, let the rider move to the right. DO NOT STOP. The Sweep will stop with the problem bike. The Ride Leader will lead the rest of his group to a safe stopping place. If another group comes along and sees that a group is stopped, it should continue on to the next scheduled stopping point. If a group comes along a rider in an emergency situation and that rider is not being assisted, then the Ride Leader should stop his group at the next available safe stopping point and offer assistance.

8. Hand Signals
Each rider (or passenger) should duplicate all hand signals given by the rider in front of him, so that the signals get passed all the way to the back of the formation. The following signals are used in addition to the standard (right turn, left turn slow /stop) hand signals. Hand Signals

The club requests that everyone who rides with us at any time during the year, sign a hold harmless letter to protect the club and Parkview Church.

NO ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AT ANYTIME DURING THE RIDE !!!