ALL ROAD CAPTAINS

1. Will be responsible for bringing a First Aid kit to the ride.
2. Will be responsible for bringing a well-stocked tool kit to the ride.
3. Will be responsible for bringing a camera – in case of emergency.
4. Are expected to be properly equipped and available to assist assigned Road Captains on an “as required” basis. This may include being assigned to a potential Sweep position within the formation, should circumstances dictate the need to separate the group.

1. Has full charge of the group until arrival at the destination.
2. Will lead the group in a manner consistent with the objectives and guidelines as stated herein, and will execute his or her best judgment in situations not specifically covered in these guidelines.
3. Will brief other assigned Road Captains as to route, responsibilities, and other details pertinent to the ride prior to departure.
4. Will brief other assigned Road Captains as to route, responsibilities, and other details pertinent to the ride prior to departure.
5. Will assign Middle Road Captains to a specific odd numbered slot within the formations so that all assigned Road Captains are in a position to immediately take on a Lead Road Captain role, should it be required. If possible, a Road Captain should be assigned to every eighth position, i.e., 9, 17, 25, etc.
6. If extra Road Captains are available, the Lead Road Captain will assign them to even numbered slots just ahead of the assigned Middle Road Captains. This will ensure that each group will have a Road Captain in the Sweep position, should the need arise. If possible, a Road Captain should be assigned to every seventh position. If there are 14 bikes on the ride, two packs will be formed. If 17 bikes, then three packs should be formed.
7. Will conduct a rider’s briefing prior to departure.
8. Will be responsible for the final decision with regard to ride termination due to inclement weather, hazardous conditions, or other difficult or unsafe conditions.
9. Will instruct any rider to ride in a specific position within the group, or leave the group entirely, for reasons of misconduct, disorderly or unsafe riding, or faulty/unsafe equipment.
10. Will be responsible for bringing a well-maintained First Aid kit to the ride.
11. 11 Will be responsible for bringing a well-stocked tool kit to the ride.
12. If possible, bring a cell phone for 911 purposes.
13. Locate other cell phones and first aid kits.
14. Should the Lead Road Captain not possess a cell phone, if possible, designate a 911-notification caller within the group.
15. On all chapter rides, the Road Captain will make sure that the sign in sheet and any and all release forms are properly signed. He or she is also responsible for providing any and all signed forms to the Ministry Secretary by the next member’s meeting.
16. Will establish and maintain a uniform speed consistent with the ability of the least experienced rider, and with consideration of safe road, traffic, and weather conditions.
17. Will be responsible for initiating all maneuvers within traffic in a safety first manner.
18. Will lead the standard formation of a staggered double row- in one traffic lane.
19. Will be at the head of the group and will ride just to the left of lane center.
20. Will maintain a safe following distance by using the MINIMUM 3-second rule between the group and any vehicle ahead. This distance may be increased at the discretion of the Lead Road Captain, but will NOT be decreased.
21. Will command the group to a single file formation when the Lead Road Captain is not able to maintain visual control of the road conditions ahead over a MINIMUM of a 4 second distance, narrow road, mountain/curvy roads, traveling directly adjacent to parked vehicles, or any other condition which may severely restrict the ability of individual group members to perform emergency avoidance maneuvers.

REAR ROAD CAPTAIN – SWEEP

1. Will assist the Lead Road Captain in the performance of his or her duties.
2. May be required to assume the duties of Lead Road Captain (ref. Section 4) in his or her absence.
3. Will be responsible for bringing a First Aid kit to the ride.
4. Will be responsible for bringing a well-stocked tool kit to the ride.
5. Will ride at the rear of the group (except when conditions dictate otherwise) unless required to take on the responsibilities of either the Lead or Middle position.
6. Will be observant of any hazardous conditions or conduct, take immediate corrective action, and inform the Lead Road Captain at the earliest safe opportunity.
7. NOTE: The urgency to inform the Lead Road Captain is left to the discretion of the observing Road Captain.
8. Will instruct any rider to ride in a specific position within the group, or leave the group entirely, for reasons of misconduct, disorderly or unsafe riding, or faulty/unsafe equipment.
9. Will normally ride just right of lane center.
10. Lane protection is the Sweep’s added responsibility. On the highway, as the group prepares to make a lane change, the Sweep will make the lane change as soon as is safe to do so, followed by the Lead Road Captain, then the remainder of the group. In this way, the Sweep protects that lane keeping it clear for the entire group to move into this lane.

1. Will observe the objectives and guidelines in order to assure the safety and the welfare of every individual within the group, and any surrounding motorists or pedestrians.
2. Will follow the instructions of the Road Captains in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation.
3. Will maintain their motorcycle and other equipment in a safe riding condition.
4. Will ride with headlights on.
5. Will ride with a safety first attitude. The safety of all individuals, whether or not they are a part of the group, is of paramount importance

1. Meeting place and departure times will be reviewed at our monthly Road Captain’s meeting preceding the scheduled event.
2. Rider briefing will be held just prior to departure, to establish a schedule for gas and rest stops, inform the group of the intended route, provide other pertinent information and review the group riding guidelines including formations and procedures.
3. Individuals should make every effort to arrive and be completely prepared for the scheduled departure time. This includes a full tank of gas.

1.  The standard formation, under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, will be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane. The interval will be no less than one second between staggered riders.
2. 4.2 The Lead Road Captain will be at the head of the group, and typically will ride just to the left of lane center. Other Road Captains may be assigned positions within the group, which will be followed by the Rear Road Captain or “Sweep”.
3. New members, guests, and any riders with little experience in group riding will be positioned at the front of the group, just behind the Lead Road Captain.
4. Each rider should maintain his or her starting line up position in the group until arrival at the destination. This allows each rider to become more familiar with the riding style and habits of those nearest him or her in the group, and is particularly important for the new or inexperienced riders.
5. Under certain conditions the Lead Road Captain will signal the group to form a single file formation. The signal is the left arm held overhead with one finger extended. Drop back to a safe following distance from the rider in front of you, and move into a single file.
6. It may be necessary to form smaller groups for safety due to surrounding conditions or local ordinances. The Middle Road Captains are authorized to slow down their part of the group, take the Lead position of the new group, and proceed as the Lead Road Captain of that group.
7. This may mean that the last rider of each group would become the Rear Road Captain for that group. If possible, this rider should be another recognized Road Captain. If another Road Captain is not available, this rider should be briefed prior to the run as to his or her responsibilities in the event this situation should occur. The new Rear Road Captain is NOT to take on the responsibilities of Sweep, unless authorized by the Lead Road Captain to do so.

1. The Lead Road Captain will attempt to establish and maintain a uniform speed; consistent with the ability of the least experienced rider, surrounding conditions, and safe riding practices.
2. The Road Captains may choose to separate the group of inexperienced riders into a group of their own, consistent with expected or actual conditions.
3. All riders will make an effort to maintain the same speed to minimize the effect of irregular speeds on riders at the rear of the group.
4. All riders will maintain a safe distance (ref. Section 5.5) and lane positions between themselves and the rider directly ahead; to be consistent with existing road, traffic, and weather conditions.
5. Minimum Safe Following Distances Within the group, a safe distance is defined as a MINIMUM TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider, and the next rider directly ahead (ref. NOTE below). This means that there is a MINIMUM of a ONE SECOND DELAY between staggered riders. Whenever a single file formation is employed, a safe distance remains defined as a MINIMUM of a TWO SECOND DELAY between the rider, and the rider directly ahead. With respect to vehicles ahead of the group, a safe distance is defined as a MINIMUM of a THREE SECOND DELAY between the Lead Road Captain, and any vehicle directly ahead of the group (ref. NOTE below). NOTE: It is important to keep in mind that a two second interval is a MINIMUM safe requirement in order to react in the event of a potentially hazardous condition, NOT TO STOP. In group riding, a one-second interval between STAGGERED riders is a policy consistent with the recommendations of most traffic and safety agencies including the states of Florida. STAGGERED motorcycles are considered to be in a “virtual” lane of their own, that is that there is a two-second interval between motorcycles in a direct line. This group riding technique requires all participants to constantly ANTICIPATE an EMERGENCY.
6. A safe lane position is defined as riding immediately to the right or left of lane center. This will keep the riders just off the center oil stain, while maintaining the staggered formation, distance between riders and other obstacles, and providing necessary lane.

1.  The Lead Road Captain will attempt to lead the group in a single lane when the traffic flow appears to be most consistent with the speed of the group (using lane changes only when necessary to pass slower traffic or to avoid a hazardous condition) and to avoid blocking faster surrounding traffic.
2. On highways with two lanes each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane, also known as the “SLOW” lane, (ref. Note below) allowing faster traffic to pass to left; except when passing slower traffic on the right.
3. On highways with three or more lanes in each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane (ref. Note below), keeping the right lane open for other vehicles entering and exiting the highway, and the left lane(s) for traffic to pass. NOTE: Lanes are counted from left to right. The left lane is often referred to as the “FAST” or “PASSING” lane, and is counted as lane number one. Remaining traffic lanes are then counted up until the right most, or “SLOW” lane is counted.

1. On a multi-lane highway, the double row staggered formation will normally be maintained.
2. The Lead Road Captain will hold his or her position and signal for a lane change.
3. All riders will hold their positions and pass the signal to the rear.
4. The Rear Road Captain will change lanes at the first safe opportunity, protecting the lane for the group, and allowing the Lead Road Captain to see that the lane is clear and protected.
5. We then change lanes using the “follow the leader” approach. The Lead Road Captain will change lanes first followed by all other riders moving from the front to the rear of the group. NOTE: NOBODY, except the Sweep, is to change lanes before the Lead Road Captain. ALWAYS make a HEAD CHECK before you begin the lane change, and maintain safe distances.
6. There are times it will not be possible for the entire group to change lanes as above. When this situation arises, the Road Captain will signal for a turn, and signal the group with one finger extended into the air. This indicates that changing lanes as a group is not possible. The Road Captain will then changes lanes when safe to do so. Everyone signals, head checks, and changes lanes front to back, as individuals, when safe to do so. Should the group become separated, regroup when it is safe to do so. Please use known good safety practices, INCLUDING HEAD CHECKS.
7. On a two-lane road with two way traffic (one lane each way), a single file formation should be used when passing other vehicles. On occasion, the Lead Road Captain may continue in the passing lane, while safe to do so, allowing other riders to see that the way is clear for them to continue the group passing maneuver.
8. If for any reason the group becomes separated, merge safely back to the pack, returning to your original position, using known good safety practices. Do not feel it is necessary to break the world land speed record in trying to catch up. The Lead Road Captain will be aware and adjust accordingly. NOTE: Be certain the road is clear, and always make a HEAD CHECK immediately prior to initiating any maneuver which may cause you to cross other road users. The Road Captain, your mirror, or what you saw just a second ago are no substitutes for your own eyes and good judgment! Please remember that YOU, and ONLY YOU, are RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY. Also, that when dealing with our four wheeled friends, you will never win a contest against them. It will not do any good to be “Dead Right”.

1. If necessary, due to the length of the trip, gas, food, and rest stops should be discussed and scheduled prior to departure. These scheduled stops should be adhered to as much as possible, depending on varying conditions as the trip progresses.
2. Deviation from the scheduled stops may be required due to varying weather, traffic, and bladder conditions (availability of gas, rider fatigue, and other unforeseen circumstances).
3. Gas and rest stops should be limited to no more than ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the size of the group. Remember the last rider in the group waits the longest; therefore has the shortest rest period.
4. Meal stops will vary in length with the size of the group, but should be held to a reasonable minimum.
5. If toll stops are included, money should be collected in advance. If available, a riding couple should be positioned in the number two slot. As the group approaches the tollbooth, the Lead Road Captain will allow this bike to assume the lead position in order to exchange the toll. The Lead Road Captain will assume the lead as soon as it is safe to do so. If a riding couple is not available, it then becomes the Lead Road Captain’s responsibility to pay at the tollbooth. NOTE: Remember to avoid the center of the lane when nearing or passing through a tollbooth. They are usually extremely slick.

1.  Unscheduled stops for gas, restroom, or rider fatigue can lead to confusion in the group, and confusion can lead to accidents. The Lead Road Captain should be informed that a stop is necessary in order to lead the group in an organized fashion to the next convenient and safe place to stop.
2. Any rider with an equipment problem should inform one of the Road Captains as quickly, and as safely as possible.
3. When the Lead Road Captain is informed, he or she will stop the group at the earliest possible moment, when and where, it is safe.
4. If the rider must pull over immediately, ONLY the Rear Road Captain will accompany that rider to a stop. The Lead Road Captain should be informed if he or she is not aware of this situation. Once the Lead Road Captain is informed, he or she will pull the group over as soon as it is safe to do so.
5. Any rider observing a problem with another rider’s equipment should inform that rider as quickly and safely as possible. If it appears that a stop is necessary, a Road Captain should also be notified.

1. In the event the group comes upon the scene of an accident, the Lead Road Captain will stop the group at the earliest possible moment (Keeping with known good safety practices). It may be necessary for the group to disperse and park separately to avoid creating additional hazardous conditions.
2. Members of the group will provide assistance in any practical way possible, including, but not limited to: Slow, divert, or stop traffic in a safe manner, using flares if available. Aid and comfort those involved. Call 911 to notify the police, ambulance, and or fire service as the situation demands. Maintain order and preserve the accident scene for police investigation. If possible, take photographs If possible, obtain license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions, including driver descriptions in the event of a hit and run violation. Obtain names and addresses of witnesses if necessary. If possible maintain overall control of the situation until relieved by the proper authorities.

1. At all times, standard hand signals will be used for: changing the formation to a single row and back to double staggered, all turns, lane changes, slowing, and stopping. Turn signal lights will also be used at all times.
2. All signals will be relayed to the rear of the group to allow all riders to take appropriate precautionary measures, and be aware of changes in speed and direction.
3. Hand signals will be used at all times, to point out road hazards to following riders by pointing.
4. Left arm held high, one finger extended over head indicates single file, and extended following distance.
5. Left arm held high with two fingers extended over head indicates the standard staggered formation.
6. Left arm held high, moving in a circle indicates a U-turn.
7. Left arm held high, one finger extended over head, followed by the Road Captain signaling and changing lanes indicates: The Lead Road Captain will move as an individual, to whatever maneuver or position is required. The group will follow as individuals, in a “follow the leader” approach, signaling and following the Road Captain as appropriate and safe.
8. Other signals may be developed and added as required.
9. Stop and Speed up 
10. Staggering File
11. Follow Me and Head lights
12. Turn Signal and Comfort Stop
13. You Lead and Follow Me