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MOTORCYCLING THE WORLD’S GREATEST

SPORT!

Hudson Valley NY Chapter #3888

Safety Concerns Everyone!!

Group Riding Guidelines for Safe Road Conduct

Be Alert!! Be Safe!!

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Acknowledgments: The following Guidelines include information generously provided by Pete Woodruff of the GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION, the BMW Motorcycle Owners Association, the American Motorcyclist Association, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Wayne Fernandez of the Sunshine Chapter of the Harley Owners Group, Tampa, FL.

Updated, revised, edited by Guy F. Gebbia, Anthony Mercurio, Frank

Sansone and Paul Crowe of the Hudson Valley NY HOG Chapter January 2017

Mission Statement

The Hudson Valley NY Chapter is a family oriented, nonpolitical, not for profit social organization established and organized with the purpose and mission of riding our Harley-Davidson's and having fun. We also promote responsible motorcycling and related activities for our members and their families. We conduct a variety of open and closed events in Rockland County, NY and the surrounding Hudson Valley, NY area to promote community awareness and participate in various community and charity fund-raising events. We proudly adhere to motorcycling community standards, our by-laws and the American Motorcycle Assoc. guidelines.

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Background

The Group is named for its location along the beautiful and scenic lower Hudson River Valley at the foothills of the Catskill and Bear Mountain ranges. The Group has been in existence since October 1999 and has about 80 members. We are known for our great rides, fun activities and friendly members.

The Group has been active within the community by raising money for many deserving individuals, charities, and military personnel, such as Hospice, Ride for Kids (Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation), MDA, Flight 93,

Sarah Martin, Lauren Leeber, Olivia Taylor, Gabrielle

DiCarlo, March of Dimes, Nyack Hospital Maternity Ward, Barry Fixler Foundation for Wounded Veterans, Veterans Day projects, VFW Post 9215, military care packages, and the USS New York.

Our social activities include a formal ride every Sunday, numerous weekend rides to a variety of destinations, a yearly "Beginning of the Season Ride and BBQ and Bike Blessing", an end of year “Holiday Party” to ring in the new year, Friday evening dinner rides, a good will ride in the Nyack, NY Halloween Parade as well as the Nyack Memorial Day Parade. We also have a Winter Rider program and attend a variety of local and national rallies and take numerous destinations rides throughout the year.

Safety is of paramount importance at all times, while on or off the road. It is through the implementation of these objectives that we strive to achieve our goal of becoming a premier HOG Chapter.

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Here’s how to contact us:

E-mail: Newsblast@hvnyhog.com

US Mail…..Hudson Valley NY HOG Inc. 33 Route 304, Nanuet, NY 10954

For Ride and other information visit our web site at:

www.hvnyhog.com

An accident on a motorcycle is serious

business!

The risk potential increases, dramatically, when we ride together as a group especially if there are no “riding rules” with which all ride participants are familiar and have agreed to follow.

Section 1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Hudson Valley NY HOG Chapter. We are pleased to have you as a member and look forward to riding with you. Our goal with this brief handbook is to establish a set of group riding rules and make them known and available to all members for the purpose of safety. It is intended to help you get started and hopefully clear up some of the mystery. It is by no means a definitive handbook on the subject, nor is it the only method to use in a group ride. It is a set of rules or guidelines that we as a club follow. It is a dynamic document that will change over time if and as required. We encourage each of you to familiarize

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yourself with the contents and ask questions when you are unclear on any matter.

Section 2. Saftey Considerations Safety is always the first and foremost consideration! Road rash or worse really takes the enjoyment out of any ride. Much consideration regarding safety goes into both the planning of the ride and during the ride itself. From physical limitations of the participants to carrying a first aid kit, the ride duration, destination, length, route, intermediate stops, road conditions, weather and who is going on the ride. A rider who is uncomfortable or seriously distracted by any physical condition is not going to enjoy the ride and will most probably not be a safe a rider. All traffic and speed laws will be observed whenever possible. This will be repeatedly stressed. You would be surprised at how many riders think it is OK or even required to blast through a red light or exceed the speed limit just to stay up with the group. It is much better to be temporarily separated and even lost from the group than end up as a Chevy hood ornament. Methods that will allow temporarily separated riders to rejoin the group will be discussed in a later section of this guide. You must remember,that it is always better to drop out and go your own way if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe for any reason. You and you alone must be the only authority on whether you feel safe and you should act accordingly.

BE SAFE

Ride Your Own Ride at all times!!!

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Section 3 - RULES OF THE ROAD The following guidelines are a result of information established by several competent sources, every day practical riding experience and plain common sense.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LEAD ROAD CAPTAIN - The Lead Road Captain is the leader of the ride. The Lead Road Captain always rides at the left front position so that he or she has the best view of the route of travel. When possible the ride will have a “Wingman” or “Shot Gun” Road Captain who rides in the number two position. While the Lead RC will be focusing and concentrating on the route, the Wingman will set the pace according to the ride plan. No one is allowed to pass the Lead Road Captain without prior agreement and only for a specific reason. Any rider that does pass the Lead Road Captain without prior arrangement or who rides in a manner deemed unsafe by the Lead Road Captain is automatically off the ride and will be asked to leave the group. Safety considerations make this an absolute must. The Lead Road Captain determines both the direction and lane of travel on a multiple lane road or highway. He or she is responsible for clearly and in a timely manner signaling all changes in speed, lane use, direction, and hazards such as road debris, construction, broken or slick pavement, or road kills, etc. Everyone needs to understand that the Lead Road Captain will continue on to a safe turn around location should they miss or purposely go past a turn in the interest of safety. You should not second guess the Lead Road Captain and start making independent decisions that can put both yourself and other riders in danger. The Lead

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Road Captain may in fact deviate from the ride plan as covered at the pre ride meeting if safety considerations so dictate. Essentially the same rule applies for pace. That is, any rider that does not follow at a correct pace, in the lane selected by the Lead Road Captain is off the ride. The Lead Road Captain must have the ability to pick the safest lane in traffic and to position the group in the appropriate lane for turns, stops, avoidance of road hazards, and when multiple lanes merge down to a single lane. Again, safety considerations make this an absolute must. If the Lead Road Captain has to drop out for any reason, he/she is replaced by the Wingman. There must always be a Road Captain in charge of the ride. REAR ROAD CAPTAIN (SWEEP) - The Rear Road Captain or Sweep brings up the rear of the ride group. The Rear Road Captain always rides at the left rear position so that they have the best view of the group and route of travel. No one is allowed to fall behind the Rear Road Captain. Any rider who does not maintain the established pace (mechanical problems excluded) should consider voluntarily dropping out and going his or her own way. The Rear Road Captain is responsible for determining when the group is ready to leave the start location and any intermediate stops. They signal to the Lead Road Captain to proceed and watch out for traffic until the entire group is underway. The Rear Road Captain is responsible for and provides assistance to any rider that encounters problems and has to either slow down or drop out of the ride. No more than one other rider should stop to help the Rear Road Captain provide assistance as it is generally not safe for a larger group to park along the side of the road. If at all possible, the Rear Road Captain should have or be supplied with a

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cell phone, first aid kit and appropriate emergency phone numbers to be used in the event of a breakdown or mishap. The Rear Road Captain is replaced by the next rider in line if he or she has to slow down or drop out for any reason. There must always be a Road Captain or competent person chosen by the lead Road Captain in the “Sweep” position and consideration should be given to who is placed in this position to replace the Rear Road Captain. GROUP LEADER(S) – Prior to departure the Lead and Rear Road Captains will consider dividing a large group into smaller groups and designate an appropriate number of riders as Group Leaders. They will function under the direction of the Lead Road Captain as leaders of their assigned group. A temporarily designated Group Leader should be an experienced rider but does not require a Road Captain appointment. A Group Leader always rides at the left front position of their group so that they have the best view of the Lead Road Captain, the riders ahead, and the route of travel. A Group Leader in essence takes over as Road Captain for their group should the main group become separated due to traffic conditions, stop lights, stop signs, etc. They function as the Road Captain for their group and all the other groups following them until they are able to rejoin the main group. All rules that apply to the Lead Road Captain apply to the Group Leader while they function in that capacity. PARTICIPANTS - All Riders are responsible for their own safety at all times and will be required to ride in a safe manner or leave the ride. All speed and traffic laws must be obeyed by everyone at all times. Additionally, remember that like it or not you are representing everyone on two wheels during a Group

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ride. Be a courteous rider and give cars and trucks every consideration.

Dress or pack according to the current or forecasted weather you may encounter on the ride or on the way home. Being too hot, too cold or uncomfortable from sun or wind burn will make you a less safe rider and can lead to an unfortunate situation not only for you but others on the ride. All riders are expected to arrive for the ride with their bike in safe operating condition, fully gassed and ready to go. It is no fun to crash because of a bad tire on your bike or someone else's machine. It is also very embarrassing to be asked to leave the ride because you are riding a rolling disaster and constitute a danger to everyone else. While the Rear Road Captain will help if you encounter mechanical difficulties during the ride he or she may not be as sympathetic to the situation if you started out knowing that you had a problem. All riders are responsible for knowing as much as possible about the route, times, stops, etc. They should arrive at the departure point in time to hear everything discussed at the pre ride meeting and to familiarize themselves with any maps or written instructions that may be provided. This contributes to a safer ride and adds to the enjoyment. It is not a lot of fun just following people around without knowing where you are going, when you will be able to take care of that last cup of coffee or if your gas will hold out. All riders must clearly signal the Rear Road Captain if they decide to leave the ride for any reason. Don't make the Rear Road Captain wonder if you are having trouble and follow you to see if he or she can help. Better yet, let the Rear Road Captain know before the ride starts (if possible) where and when you intend to break off from the group.

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Everyone is responsible for knowing what all the hand signals mean and for passing all signals from the Lead Road Captain to the trailing riders. The common hand signals are covered in another section of this guide. Riders should not suddenly speed up should a gap develop between them and the bike in front. Rather, they should accelerate slowly until they catch up and are back in position. This will help prevent the riders in back from over reacting and possibly running into the group when they suddenly catch up. Riders should signal the Lead Road Captain when they have to pull over for an emergency by flashing their lights. All other riders are responsible for passing this signal forward until the Lead Road Captain acknowledges that he has seen it. Remember that it is normally the Rear Road Captain’s responsibility, if there is one on the ride, to stop and offer assistance and that no more than one other rider should stop to help the Rear Road Captain. The Lead Road Captain will signal the group when it is safe to pull off the road should he or she feel it is necessary.

STAGGERED FORMATION RIDING The normal riding formation for our Group will be the staggered formation. This formation provides the best safety margin for reaction time and space as each rider only uses one third (either right or left side depending on the stagger position) of the lane. Note that in heavy, very slow traffic circumstances may dictate that we ride in a side by side column of twos for a short distances. However, we will resume the staggered formation as soon as conditions allow. The objective is to keep as tight a group as possible yet have enough separation so as to allow for required safe maneuvering room.

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The idea of formation riding is that all members are riding together, as a team, rather than individuals with possibly incompatible riding styles.

GUIDELINES FOR GROUP (TEAM) RIDING Good Team Members will: � Assume responsibility to work with the team for the safety and protection of the team while on the road, especially while in traffic. � Maintain a steady speed and spacing of a minimum but safe riding distance of two seconds from the bike directly in front of them. (This is the bike directly in front of you in the same tire track as you are!) � Stay alert and be aware because their lives and those of their fellow riders depend on it � Maintain close ranks at a safe distance! A close group takes up less space on the road, is easier to see and is less likely to be separated. However, it must be done properly! Out on the open highway increase your distance from the bike in front of you to widen your safety margin and give yourself a chance to admire the scenery!

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���� Anyone not wishing to ride as part of the group or is not willing to abide by established safety rules may be asked to leave the ride. � Each team will have two Road Captains. The lead Road Captain and Rear Road Captain or Sweep. Together, they will maneuver the team in a safe manner. � The team travels in a staggered formation within a given automobile lane with the Lead Road Captain taking the left tire track in the lane of his or her choice. The next rider positions himself or herself approximately one second behind the leader in the opposite or right track of the same lane. This formation is followed through to the last rider in the group. In curves, riders should pick their own line (either left and/or right tire track), then regroup into staggered formation after the curve has been negotiated. � When riding in staggered formation each rider claims both tires tracks in the lane the group is riding in, at all times! It is your responsibility to maintain a minimum safety distance of two seconds behind the bike directly in front of you (same tire track you ride in) and one second behind the bike in front of you in the opposite tire track. ���� You should realize that in case of a sudden emergency maneuver from one tire track to the other, by the bike in front of you, you better not be there and you better be maintaining your proper safety distance as well. If you do not, you not only foolishly jeopardize your own safety, but everybody else’s safety as well! � Don’t Pair Up!! Unless conditions dictate otherwise, as previously mentioned, never operate directly alongside another rider. There is no place to go if you have to avoid another vehicle or a sudden unexpected road hazard! Staggered riding is the rule!

CRISSCROSS INTO THE VACANT SLOT!

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There are several methods for filling a slot should the rider in front of you leave the ride. Our Chapter endorses the Crisscross method. This should be carried all the way through until the last rider is repositioned. Riders intending to separate from the group before reaching the destination should ride at the rear to avoid breaking up the formation unnecessarily. � Any rider with the intent to separate from the group during the ride must advise the Road Captains ahead of time! If possible, the Road Captains will inform the rest of the group so everybody knows what is going on.. ���� Before each ride, check your fuel level and fill up, if necessary, so you start out with a full tank. This avoids slowing everyone else down later on. ���� When entering traffic as a group, the Rear Road Captain cautiously enters into traffic first and usually assisted by another experienced group member, traffic is blocked off. This allows the Lead Road Captain followed by the rest of the riders to merge into traffic. Performed rarely and with great caution this maneuver provides maximum safety and keeps the group together. Each rider should be prepared to move out quickly and assume proper riding position within the group as they pull out onto the road. ���� Never ignore traffic situations or hazards just to keep up with the group! If you should get cut off, your own safety comes first! Even if you should lose sight of the group at some point, don’t worry! You will not be left behind! ���� When passing a vehicle on a two-lane, two-way road, each team member should pass in proper sequence. The Lead Road Captain will accelerate far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to allow room for the rest of the group to pass. The Rear Road Captain signals the Lead Road Captain when around and back in formation. ���� Lane changes by the group on highways with two or more lanes going in the same direction are made starting with the Rear Road Captain to the Lead Road Captain last. The rear bike is the first one in the

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group to make the lane change. The ride leader will signal the need to move the group into another lane. At the first opportunity, the rear bike moves into the new lane, preventing any traffic from trying to pass the group in that lane. When the lane is “blocked”, each team member, making a head check first (looking behind), moves into the new lane. ���� When stopping at a traffic light or stop sign, all group members should pull up, two abreast, while waiting behind the bike they were directly behind when they were moving. ���� When starting from a stop, the Lead Road Captain always moves out first. The number two bike moves only after the Lead Road Captain’s bike has moved. The other riders follow the same pattern, leaving the rear bike the last one to move. The Lead Road Captain should accelerate slowly enough for all group members to get rolling and regroup without having to dial up excessive speed. No one should accelerate even with, or past any group member! ���� Speeding up and slowing down unnecessarily in formation is a hazard. Keep you throttle steady and stay within the speed of the group. We know what your pipes sound like. Trust us! ���� When entering a parking lot, the group should form a single file behind the ride leader. The ride leader will “loop” into the parking lot, if necessary, seeking a place large enough for the group to back into, side by side. All group members should remain in a single file until the ride leader finds a suitable space for all or it is determined that the appropriate space is not available. Only then should group members seek their own spot. It is not acceptable to cut in front or back of other riders, while they are trying to back up and/or park their bike!

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���� DRINKING / DRUGS AND RIDING DON’T MIX! Alcohol / Drugs MUST be avoided while on any group ride. Drinking/ Drugs and riding not only shows a lack of concern for your own safety, but also for the safety and well being of your fellow riders! HVHR Group rides are officially over when we have reached our destination. Don’t jeopardize your safety or the safety of your fellow riders! ���� Make sure your bike is in sound mechanical and safe operating condition. For example, a bad tire or faulty brakes could cause a disastrous accident during a group ride. ���� Always signal your intention to turn or change lanes. Use hand signals or turn signals, or both! ���� Pay attention to everyone around you. As an individual rider you ride the way you want to. As a group rider, we expect you to ride by the Chapter’s rules! It’s a whole new ball-game when you come to ride with the group. These rules are not in place to discourage you from riding with the club, but rather to encourage you to ride with the confidence that we not only value our own lives and safety, but yours as well! TEMPORARILY SEPARATED RIDERS When a large number of riders participate it is not uncommon for one or more of them to become temporarily separated from the group. There are many reasons why this can happen but the most common is not being able to get everyone through an intersection or turn where there is a traffic signal. If this happens to you please do not panic or blow your horn.

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Typically, the Lead Road Captain is or becomes aware of the situation and will, most likely, do one of two things, a) pull safely over, b) continue with the route until the separated group catches up at the next traffic signal. If the Lead Road Captain makes a turn before the separated group catches up it is the responsibility of the last rider through the turn to pull safely over and wait for the separated group. If there are multiple turns it is always the responsibility of the last rider through the turn to pull over and wait for the separated rider or group. This is easier said then done. It takes concentration and practice to get it right. However, if everyone does his or her job correctly no rider will be separated from the group more than a minute or two. One last word, if the Lead and Rear Road Captains maintain radio contact it is highly unlikely that any rider or group of riders will need to worry about being temporarily separated but the techniques above still apply. Section 4 - COMMON HAND SIGNALS

Hand signals should be kept simple, easy to learn and understand and few in number. As soon as you see a signal given, you and/or your passenger should repeat the same signal so the rider behind you can see it and have the maximum amount of time to react. In case of emergency (mechanical problem, low fuel, etc.) hand signals can also be sent to the front so the Lead Road Captain is notified. There really are no standard rider hand signals. The following signals may not be consistent with those used by other riding groups however they are the hand signals

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we will use in our HVHR Club. Also note that for safety reasons all signals are given with the left hand to allow the right hand to have full control of the throttle and front brake. Start Your Engine - The Rear or Sweep Road Captain waves his or her hand in a circle high over his or her head in a "wind them up motion". Turn - Use your turn signals at all times or whenever possible in addition to the DMV approved hand signals. Left Turn - Left arm straight out from body. Palm Flat. Fingers together. Right Turn - Left arm out and elbow bent. Hand straight up. Palm flat. Fingers together. Stop - Left arm straight down and palm towards the back. Move your arm back forth at the elbow for emphasis. Slow Down - Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and move your hand up and down. Speed Up - Left arm straight out with the palm up. Raise and lower the arm. Hazard On The Road - Point with left hand at the object or situation. Point with right foot if object is on right side of the bike. Pedestrian Right - Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your elbow bent to 90 degrees and point towards the hazard over your helmet. Need Gas or Comfort Stop - Point at gas tank. Need Food/Drink - Point at your mouth or pat stomach.

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Cut Engines - Left hand back and forth across throat in a slashing motion. When on the ride it should be used to pull over and stop the ride at the next safe location. Turn Signals are On - Left arm out. Thumb and fingers opening and closing rapidly. Form Single File - Left arm extended above the head and hold up one finger. Form Staggered Formation - Left arm extended above the head and hold up two fingers.

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SECTION 5 - PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT It is recommended that all riders wear proper safety equipment no matter what the weather.

HELMETS The single most important piece of protective equipment you can wear is a helmet. It has been proven over and over and is well established by intensive research that helmets are the single most important lifesaving device a motorcyclist can wear. It has been shown that wearing a helmet does not reduce essential vision or hearing. According to statistics, the average accident-involved motorcyclist receives 1.7 blows to the head during an accident. A good helmet can take a 1000-G-Force impact and reduce it to 150-Gs. A 400-G impact will give a slight concussion. The only helmet you should consider buying is one that meets the latest safety standards, such as Snell Memorial Foundation, ANSI Z90.1a, or DOT.

EYE PROTECTION Windshields and/or eyeglasses do not provide adequate face and eye protection. Wind, dirt, insects and pebbles get blown in behind a windshield. Face-shields may cover only a portion or all of the face. They come in a variety of designs and types. Make sure that the compound curves of the bubble shield do not distort your vision. When purchasing a face shield, always look for

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the VESC-8 or V-8 standard on the top of the shield. These shields have been tested for impact and penetration resistance.

FOOTWEAR Shin-high leather boots, with low wide heels, protect riders from a variety of riding hazards. They protect ankles and shins from stones that may get thrown up from the roadway and they also prevent burns from hot exhaust pipes.

GLOVES Gloves will reduce the chance of cuts and bruises to your hands if you should separate from your bike. Gloves that fit snugly will improve your grip on the handlebars. Gloves are available in many styles and colors, different weights and thickness. Cutoff gloves may look cool but things get hot real fast if your

fingertips should ever try to embrace the road surface. CLOTHING Good and functional motorcycle clothing will help you stay comfortable while riding and offers important protection in case of a sudden get-off. It should fit without binding. Be careful about collar styles; a large, loose collar will flap when riding and cause distraction or possible injury. Wearing a jacket will reduce your chances of becoming dehydrated while riding on a hot day. Wind rushing over exposed skin quickens dehydration. Brightly colored clothing not only reflects the heat in summertime but also offers greater safety through increased visibility. Reflective clothing or material is also highly recommended.

RAIN GEAR

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Good quality rain suits are the only thing to keep you dry and comfortable in rainy weather. One or two-piece suits are available and come in different colors. High visibility orange or yellow is best. When buying a rain suit also consider glove and boot covers. Whether you ride in a warm or cold climate, in a rural area or around town, a good selection of protective equipment will help you stay comfortable and safe in all kinds of weather and riding conditions.

SECTION 6 - RIDING TWO UP Riding with a passenger is a great way to share the joy of motorcycling....when it’s done correctly. First, you should adjust the suspension and the tire pressure to allow for the additional weight (no offense to your passenger!) then, be sure your passenger is dressed properly....helmet, boots, gloves, etc. Then practice, practice, practice before riding two up on a group ride. Finally, review these basic rules with your passenger: � Always hold on to the operator’s waist or hips for stability. � Keep your feet on the pegs at all times, including while stopped. � Keep your hands and feet away from hot or moving parts. � Help the operator by not trying to control the leaning of the motorcycle. You can do this by looking over the operator’s shoulder in the direction of the turn. Otherwise, avoid leaning and making any unannounced shifts of weight.

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As the operator, you have a few rules too: � The added weight of your passenger will affect your turning and stopping. Get used to the differences in handling. � Start the engine before your passenger gets on. � Hold the front brake while your passenger mounts and dismounts. Don’t try to impress your passenger with your skill and daring. For a new passenger the greatest impression will be a smooth, relaxed and beautiful ride. This guide, incomplete though it may be, should help in the organization and performance of your group rides. As previously stated, this is far from a complete treatment of this worthwhile activity and is in no way intended to be viewed as "THE WAY TO DO IT". The above guidelines provide a good foundation for safe and enjoyable group riding. They do not represent a complete listing of motorcycle riding rules, but they are a starting point for all of us riding together….hopefully as a Team! With your understanding, help and cooperation as a fellow Chapter member, we are looking forward to many safe and enjoyable rides together. Ride straight, ride safe!

Example of Staggered Formation Note: Absolutely no warranty of liability is implied as to the contents of this document. Copies must not be sold for profit as the intent of this document is to help promote safety rather than profit.

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Comments and/or Notes:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hudson Valley NY HOG Chapter #3888

33 Route 304 Nanuet, NY 10954