Wheels of Faith Motorcycle Ministry – Road Rules and Responsibilities
1. General Responsibilities of All Road Captains
1.1. Essential Duties
- Bring a First Aid kit to the ride.
- Bring a well-stocked tool kit to the ride.
- Bring a camera for emergencies.
- Be properly equipped and available to assist assigned Road Captains on an “as required” basis.
- Be prepared to be assigned to a Sweep position within the formation, as needed.
2. Road Servants – Service, Safety, Sacrifice
2.1. Core Values
Road Servants embody service, safety, and sacrifice. They serve the body of the ministry both on and off the road, ensure safe travel, and model servant leadership, as demonstrated by Jesus.
- Sacrifice Pride: Lead by being a servant.
- Sacrifice Desires: Prioritize the needs of the membership.
- Sacrifice Freedom: Uphold unity, avoid domineering behavior, and maintain peace
2.2. Mission and Values
Being a Road Servant is about more than just fulfilling a role—it’s a calling to serve others. We’re the ones who show up early and stay late, setting up, tearing down, and making sure everything runs smoothly. When someone needs a hand, we’re there to help. On the road, as Road Captains, we do more than lead—we keep everyone safe like shepherds guiding a flock.
Our example? Jesus, the good shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. We follow His lead, always putting the needs of the group ahead of our own. It’s not about what we gain, but about making sure everyone is cared for and looked after.
2.3 This calls for sacrifice.
- Sacrifice Our Pride: We lead by being a servant. Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:28)
- Sacrifice Our Desires: It is not about us but about the membership. Our greatness is not that we lead, but that we serve. Jesus said, “But the greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matt. 23:11)
- Sacrifice Our Freedom: Each of us has an opinion. We all think our way is the best way. But our freedom is not a license to offend or allow our position as a leader to be domineering. Instead, we freely sacrifice our freedom of opinion to maintain peace and serve one another with love.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
He also wrote, “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged.” (2 Timothy 2:24)
Road Servants are the oil that keeps the ministry lubricated. They are the ones who smooth ruffled feathers, place a balm on bruised egos, and keep the ministry running like an engine with Amsoil in the crankcase!
3. Road Servants – Leadership Structure
3.1. Road Chief (Lead Road Captain)
- Member of the local chapter leadership team.
- Appointed by the National Road Captain for a two-year term.
- Leads and coordinates the activities and training of the Road Servants.
- Entitled to wear a Road Chief pin or patch.
- One Road Chief per section is allowed.
- Duties include:
- Maintain contact with Road Captains in their section.
- Ensure Road Captains consistently teach safety segments at monthly meetings.
- Enforce training on Wheels of Faith handbook guidelines, including safety course drills at least twice a year.
- Ensure Road Captains use uniform hand signals.
- Emphasize safety and encourage enthusiasm for rides.
- Report Road Captain status changes to National and State leaders.
- Report accidents immediately to National and State leaders with a brief description.
4. Road Servants Qualifications and Advancement
4.1. Road Captain Qualifications
- Must be a Wheels of Faith member in good standing with a minimum of 10 rides or 2,000 ministry miles.
- Exhibit a desire to serve.
- Demonstrate proficiency in safe riding.
- Meet state requirements for operating a motorcycle.
- Complete the Road Servants Mentoring Program.
- Participate as a Road Servant prospect in three rides.
4.2. Road Servant Prospect Qualifications
- Must be a Wheels of Faith prospective member in good standing.
- Exhibit a desire to serve.
- Demonstrate proficiency in safe riding.
- Meet state requirements for operating a motorcycle.
- Begin the Road Servants Mentoring Program.
4.3. Road Servant Advancement
- Road Captain (Silver)
- Must serve as a Road Captain in 10 rides and 2 events (e.g., Rodeo, Bike Week outreach) with a total of 3,500 ministry miles.
- Mentor a Road Servant Prospect.
- Wear a silver armband or sash.
- Road Captain (Gold)
- Serve as a Road Captain Silver in 10 rides and 2 events, totaling 5,000 ministry miles.
- Mentor a Road Servant Prospect.
- Wear a yellow or gold armband or sash.
- Above and Beyond Award
- This pin is awarded for unique actions or bravery in the face of danger, extreme sacrifice, or extreme service.
- Any Road Captain can recommend a Wheels of Faith member for this award. The national leadership team reviews and approves the recommendation.
5. Road Captain Operational Guidelines
5.1. Responsibilities of the Lead Road Captain
- Assume full charge of the group until arrival at the destination.
- Lead the group by these guidelines, exercising the best judgment when necessary.
- Brief Road Captains on the route, responsibilities, and ride details before departure.
- Assign Middle Road Captains to specific odd-numbered slots within the formation to ensure readiness for leadership if needed.
- Conduct a rider’s briefing before departure.
- 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
- Make the final decision regarding ride termination due to unsafe conditions.
- Assign or dismiss riders for misconduct or unsafe riding practices.
- 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.
- Signal when a single file formation is necessary and maintain communication through hand signals.
5.2. Responsibilities of the Rear Road Captain (Sweep)
- Assist the Lead Road Captain in their duties.
- Assume the Lead Road Captain’s role when required.
- Bring essential tools such as First Aid and tool kits.
- Ensure lane protection during lane changes.
- Ride at the rear of the group, monitoring for hazardous conditions.
- Take immediate corrective action for unsafe behavior or equipment issues.
6. ROAD CAPTAIN CHECKLIST
6.1 The Paper Work
- Have all members sign the sign-in sheet
- Obtain signed waivers from all non-members
- Welcome riders and introduce road captains
6.2 The Plan
- Define the destination and outline the route
- Determine gas stop requirements
- Outline the itinerary for the day
- Determine return plan
6.3 The Procedures
- Review riding standards
- Staggered position and safe distance
7. Group Riding Guidelines
7.1. Meeting Place and Departure Time
- Review meeting places and departure times during the monthly Road Captain meeting before the event.
- Rider briefings will be held before departure to outline stops, routes, and safety guidelines.
- Arrive on time with a full tank of gas.
7.2. Riding Formation
- Under good conditions, the standard formation is a staggered double row with a minimum one-second interval between staggered riders.
- The Lead Road Captain rides at the head of the group, positioned slightly left of the lane center.
- New or inexperienced riders should be in back of pack just ahead of sweep..
- In certain conditions, the Lead Road Captain may signal for single file formation (left arm held overhead, one finger extended).
7.3. Speed, Intervals, and Distances
- Maintain a uniform speed based on the least experienced rider’s ability and the road conditions.
- Keep a two to three-second interval from the bike directly in front.
- For staggered formations, maintain at least one to two seconds from the bike to your right or left, depending on the side of the pack you are in. .
- When in multi-lane traffic, use the second lane and leave faster lanes clear.
7.4. Lane Changes and Passing
- For multi-lane highways, maintain staggered formation and follow the Lead Road Captain’s signal for lane changes.
- The Rear Road Captain will change lanes first to secure the lane for the group.
- All riders signal, check their surroundings, and change lanes one at a time after the Lead Road Captain.
- On two-lane roads, pass other vehicles in single file. The Lead Road Captain may remain in the passing lane to signal safety to the group.
7.5. Gas, Food, Rest Stops, and Tolls
- Schedule gas, food, and rest stops before departure and adhere to the schedule as much as possible.
- Gas stops should not exceed 10-15 minutes. Meal stops should be reasonable, keeping in mind the size of the group.
- Collect toll money in advance to avoid delays at toll booths. The Lead Road Captain or designated riders handle toll payments.
7.6. Unscheduled or Emergency Stops
- Inform the Lead Road Captain immediately if a rider needs an unscheduled stop.
- The Rear Road Captain will accompany any rider needing an emergency stop while the group pulls over safely at the next opportunity.
- If needed, the group will stop in a safe location, or the Lead Road Captain will stop the group when informed.
7.7. Accident Procedures
If the group comes upon an accident,
- the Lead Road Captain will stop the group in a safe manner.
- Assist in diverting traffic, administering aid, or calling 911.
- Preserve the accident scene for police investigation if needed.
7.8. Hand Signals
- Standard hand signals will be used for lane changes, stops, turns, and formation changes.
- Signals will be relayed through the group to ensure all riders are aware.
- Turn signals will be used along with hand signals at all times.
- Pointing down will indicate road hazards to following riders.
- One finger overhead: single file formation.
- Two fingers overhead: staggered formation.
- Circle motion overhead: U-turn.
8. Required Equipment for Road Captains
- First Aid Kit
- Well-stocked Tool Kit
- Camera for emergencies
- Cell phone for 911 purposes
HAND SIGNALS
Turn signal – Comfort Stop
Stop and Speed Up
Staggered File
You Lead and Pull Off
Follow Me and Head Lights
Fuel and Food – Coffee Stop
Hazzard in Road and Single File