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CFL GLBT Motorcycle Club Information

 

 

 

Florida Laws Governing Motorcycle and Moped Operation

 

Florida State Motorcyclists Insurance Requirements

 

Group Riding Tips

 

Group Riding Hand Signals

 

Group Riding Stopping & Parking

 

Group Riding Staggered Riding & Passing

 

 

Welcome Fellow CFL GLBT Motorcycle Riders!

Please review the following information taken directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

The information is a good refresher for experienced motorcyclists and for new riders.  Also included in this document is some of the information on the Florida Motorcyclists Laws…but for further review please refer to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and refer to your local Florida DMV for additional information.

Group riding information and riding tips are located in the “links” page of the CFL GLBT yahoo group as well as the Official CFL GLBT web site...Please refer to these links for additional information.

 

Excerpt:

Florida is a great place to ride motorcycles year round. Being properly licensed or endorsed in one of the first steps to becoming a safer rider. This Motorcycle Operators manual contains valuable information to both novice and more experienced motorcyclists on techniques to operate a motorcycle safely. It also contains information to help prepare new applicants to pass the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' (DHSMV) written examination for motorcycle licensing.

The greatest factor contributing to motorcycle related crashes, injuries and fatalities is alcohol involvement. After just one drink, alcohol negatively impacts a motorcyclist's ability to balance a motorcycle. It also reduces coordination, judgment, vision and all essential skills for safe motorcycle operation. It is up to all of us to separate drinking form motorcycle riding and to step in to stop others from operating a motorcycle while impaired. Removing alcohol as a crash factor will reduce motorcycle crashes and save lives.

Learning how to ride, or learning to improve current riding skills, is also important. Courses for beginner and experienced riders are offered through the DHSMV's Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP). Courses are offered throughout Florida and cover strategies and techniques on managing the riding environment and how to avoid being involved in a crash. The course also offers on-cycle sessions to practice these street riding and crash avoidance skills. Completing the course can waive additional testing requirements necessary for a motorcycle operator license. More information about the FRTP is available at the DHSMV main web site.

Part of the DHSMV's mission is to make highways safe for all users and provide important and essential safety information. After all, having an enjoyable and safe ride is the goal of all motorcyclists.

  

Florida Laws Governing Motorcycle and Moped Operation

 

In the interests of safety, motorcycle and moped riders are encouraged to obey all traffic laws, rules and regulations while riding in Florida. Certain sections of Chapters 316, 320 and 322, Florida Statutes, apply specifically to riders of motorcycles and mopeds. These laws are important and should be observed at all times.

 

CHAPTER 316, STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL

316.208 Motorcycles and mopeds.

316.209 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic.

(1)  All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.

(2)  The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

(3)  No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

(4)  Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.

(5)  Subsections (2) and (3) shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.

(6)  A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.

 

316.304 Wearing of headsets.

(1)  No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing.

(c)  Any person operating a motorcycle who is using a headset that is installed in a helmet and worn so as to prevent the speakers from making direct contact with the user's ears so that the user can hear surrounding sounds.

(d)  Any person using a headset in conjunction with a cellular telephone that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear.

(e)  Any person using a headset in conjunction with communicating with the central base operation that only provides sound through one ear and allows surrounding sounds to be heard with the other ear.

 

CHAPTER 320, MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSES

320.02 Registration required; application for registration; forms.
(1)  Requires that all motorcycles and mopeds operated on Florida's public streets and highways have a valid tag.

 

CHAPTER 322, DRIVERS' LICENSES

322.01. Definitions

(25)  "Motorcycle" means a motor vehicle powered by a motor with a displacement of more than 50 cubic centimeters, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor or moped.

322.57 Tests of knowledge concerning specified vehicles; endorsements; nonresidents; violations.

(1)  In addition to fulfilling any other driver's licensing requirements of this chapter, a person who:

(f)  Drives a motorcycle must successfully complete a test of his or her knowledge concerning the safe operation of such vehicles and a test of his or her driving skills on such vehicle. A person who successfully completes such tests shall be issued an endorsement if he or she is licensed to drive another type of motor vehicle. A person who successfully completes such tests and who is not licensed to drive another type of motor vehicle shall be issued a Class E driver's license that is clearly restricted to motorcycle use only.

 

322.0255 Florida Motorcycle Safety Education Program

Requires that all first-time applicants for a motorcycle endorsement under 21 years of age complete a Motorcycle Rider Course before the endorsement can be issued.  Riders 21 years of age and older can voluntarily complete the course.  First-time applicants can obtain information regarding names and locations of course providers by contacting their local driver license office or by contacting the web site at http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/motorcycle.html

   

MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE

Florida's mandatory Personal Injury Protection insurance does not apply to motorcycles. Street legal motorcycles with three (3) wheels and motorcycles with attached sidecars are also exempt from this compulsory insurance requirement. The voluntary purchase of motor vehicle liability insurance is recommended for your protection and the protection of other persons. Failure to carry liability insurance can result in the loss of your driver license, tag(s), and registration(s) if you are involved in a traffic accident, convicted of DUI or other occurrences as defined in the Financial Responsibility Law, Chapter 324, Florida Statutes.

 

HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT

·         Add a motorcycle endorsement to an existing Florida driver license:

 

The passenger restriction is removed upon successful completion of the skill test or upon successful completion of the motorcycle safety course.

AGE LIMITATIONS

·         No one under 16 years of age may legally operate or be licensed to operate any of the following two or three wheel motor vehicles in Florida roads, streets or highways: Motorcycles, Mopeds, Motor-driven Cycles, Motorized Scooters or Electric helper-motor bicycles as defined in Section 316.003(2), Florida Statutes.

RESTRICTIONS

·         Persons holding a Florida Learner's Driver License, may not legally operate or be licensed to operate any two or three wheel motor vehicles on Florida roads, streets or highways regardless of their age or engine displacement of the vehicle.

·         If a person passes the motorcycle skill test using a three-wheel motorcycle or motorcycle with a sidecar, their license will be restricted to riding only those types of motorcycles.

Helmet Requirements

Head Injuries are Reduced by Wearing Helmets!

How to Identify Unsafe and illegal Motorcycle Helmets

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the US meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Accordingly, Florida law requires that motorcycle helmets meet FMVSS 218 requirements.

Chapter 15-B-1006(3), Florida Administrative Code, deals with motorcycle helmet design and construction. The code clearly states: "Helmets not designed for use by motorcycle occupants, including but not limited to the following, are not approved: bicycle helmets, toy helmets, military combat helmets, flight helmets, soft helmets and team sports helmets."

Many Florida motorcycle riders wear cheap and unsafe helmets that do not meet FMVSS 218. Most of these helmets are sold as novelty items and are used to circumvent the FMVSS 218 requirements.

The following information will exceed FMVSS 218. It is important to note that some sellers of novelty helmets provide DOT stickers separately for motorcyclists to place on non-complying helmets. In this case the DOT sticker is invalid and does not certify compliance.

SNELL or ANSI Sticker

In addition to the DOT sticker, labels located inside the helmet showing that a helmet meets the standards of private organizations like Snell or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are a good indicator that the helmet meets the federal safety standard. To date, DOT has never seen a novelty helmet that has a phony DOT sticker plus a phony Snell or ANSI sticker.

Manufacturer's Labeling

Manufacturers are required by FMVSS 218 to place a label on or inside the helmet stating the manufacturer's name, model, size, month and year of manufacturer, construction materials, and other information. A helmet that does not meet the federal safety standard usually does not have such a label. However, some non-compliant helmets are falsely labeled claiming to meet the standards of FMVSS 218.

Impact Absorbing Liner

Helmets meeting the minimum federal safety standard have an inner liner usually about one inch thick - of firm polystyrene foam. Sometimes the inner liner will not be visible, but you should still be able to feel its thickness. Unsafe helmets normally contain only soft foam padding or a bare plastic shell with no foam at all.

The Retention System

Helmets meeting the DOT safety standard have sturdy chin straps with solid rivets. Rivets should never protrude into the interior of the helmet shell.

Weight of Helmet

Depending on design, unsafe helmets weigh only one pound or less - helmets meeting FMVSS 218 weigh about three pounds. Become familiar with the weight of helmets that comply with the federal safety standard. They feel more substantial.

Design/Style of Helmet

The DOT safety standard does not allow anything to extend further than two tenths of an inch from the surface of the helmet. For example, while visor fasteners are allowed, a spike or other protruding decorations indicate an unsafe helmet.

A design such as the German Army style or skullcap style may be a clue to an unsafe helmet. Unsafe helmets are noticeably smaller in diameter and thinner than ones meeting the DOT standard. However, some German Army style helmets may meet federal requirements. You'll need to check for weight, thickness, and sturdy chin straps, as well as the "DOT" and manufacturer's labels to make sure the helmet meets the federal safety standard.

Try to become familiar with brand names and designs of helmets that comply with DOT requirements. For example, a full-face design is a good indicator of a safe helmet. Full-face design novelty helmets are extremely rare.

Remember, a DOT sticker on the back of the helmet and proper inside labeling do not necessarily prove that a helmet meets all DOT requirements. Many helmets have phony DOT stickers and a limited few also have manufacturer's labeling. But the design and weight of a helmet, thickness of the inner liner, and quality of the chin strap and rivets are extra clues to help distinguish safe helmets from a helmet that does not comply.

 

Additional information

316.211  Equipment for motorcycle and moped riders.--

(1)  A person may not operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless the person is properly wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head which complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218 promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall adopt this standard by agency rule.

(2)  A person may not operate a motorcycle unless the person is wearing an eye-protective device over his or her eyes of a type approved by the department.

(3)(a)  This section does not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab or to any person 16 years of age or older who is operating or riding upon a motorcycle powered by a motor with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less or is rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and which is not capable of propelling such motorcycle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

(b)  Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head if such person is covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

(4)  A person under 16 years of age may not operate or ride upon a moped unless the person is properly wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head which complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard

 

 

Florida State Motorcyclists Insurance Requirements

 

Central Florida’s GLBT Motorcycle Club is not responsible for any accidents or incidents during any of the CFL GLBT rides/events.  All members are responsible for their own insurance requirements.  In acceptance of membership with the CFL GLBT Motorcycle Club; It’s founders or the club cannot be held responsible for any accidents or incidents that may occur during any of the rides/events.  In the event of an accident or incident the members involved should resolve their legal issues on their own accord.

 

Excerpted from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Website:

What type of insurance is required to purchase and maintain a Florida tag and registration?

Florida's minimum coverage is $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 property damage liability (PDL) as long as you have a valid Florida tag, even if the vehicle is in another state or inoperative. There are no exemptions in the law. However, if you have been involved in a crash, or been convicted of certain offenses, you may be required to purchase bodily injury liability coverage (BIL).

What is "Personal Injury Protection" (PIP) insurance?

PIP is coverage that will compensate a loss due to injury regardless of who is charged with causing the crash. PIP applies to bodily injury to you, relatives who live in your home, and passengers who are not required to have PIP, as well as licensed drivers who drive your vehicle with your permission. PIP insurance also protects you if you are injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist as long as the injury is caused by a crash involving a motor vehicle.

What is "Bodily Injury Liability" (BIL) insurance?

Bodily Injury Liability coverage pays for serious and permanent injury or death to others when you cause a crash involving your automobile. Your insurance company will pay for injuries up to the limits of your policy and provide legal representation for you if you get sued. In particular, your company pays for injuries caused by you or members of your family who live with you, even if they were driving someone else's vehicle. It may also cover others who drive your automobile with your permission. This coverage also provides you with legal defense in the event you are sued by the injured party.

 

 

Group Riding Tips

 

There are a number of factors that come into play when planning or participating in a group ride. Here are some suggestions for making your rides safe and successful.

 


Planning the Ride:

It's always a good idea to prepare a map of the route with all the stops indicated. If some bikes become separated from the group, they can "catch up" at the next stop.

If you're not out for a scenic ride, plan the most direct route to an event or activity. Interstate highways offer the following advantages:

All traffic is moving in one direction.

No cross-traffic or traffic lights to split up your group.

When there are three lanes, it is wise to travel in the middle lane. This allows faster traffic to pass and will also allow vehicles to enter/exit the highway more easily.

If you're out for a scenic ride, be sure traffic conditions will allow it. For example, is there a county fair or car show in the area that day to complicate the rider?

Plan stops to avoid gravel lots and left-hand turns. No one likes gravel, and in a group, it's even less fun. Right-hand turns in and out of stops will help the group stay together.

Plan gas stops at least every 90 miles, so folks with smaller tanks can fill up and stay with the group.

If you have a large group stopping at a restaurant, call the restaurant far enough in advance to allow them to prepare for a large group.

If you expect a particularly large group and it's possible to get a police escort or traffic control at the start/end of a ride or along the route, great! Otherwise, It is a good idea to at least inform the police department of your plans and perhaps drop off a map. Never block traffic yourself; it may be against the law!

 

Leading the Ride:

Choose and maintain a comfortable pace within the speed limit. Keep in mind that people at the end of the group may have to drive a little faster to keep up if there are gaps in the group. Remember, it also may cause a problem to drive too slowly. Drivers in vehicles behind the group may become impatient and try to get around the group.

Know the route well enough so that you can give the group plenty of notice that you are approaching a turn. Always signal your intention to turn or change lanes. If you find yourself at an intersection too quickly for the entire group to make the turn safely, continue until you locate a place where the entire group can execute the turn safely.

 

Participating in a Ride:

Drinking and driving never mix. This is especially true when participating in a group ride.

 

Always ride in staggered formation; it gives you an extra margin for safety.

Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. For example, a bad tire could cause an accident on a group ride.

Being too hot or too cold can also affect how alert you are as a driver. Be sure to pack appropriate protective clothing, such as a long-sleeve cotton shirt (for protection from the sun), helmet, eye protection, leather jacket, gloves, etc.

Always ride with your headlight on; it's a law in most states. Cars have enough trouble "noticing" motorcycles; riders should do everything possible to help them out.

A group of motorcycles is not considered a single vehicle. Be courteous and allow cars to enter and exit the highway and change lanes. Generally speaking, a car will not want to ride in the middle of a group of motorcycles and will get out of the group as quickly as possible.

Familiarize yourself with the route and scheduled stops.

Arrive to participate in a group ride with a full tank of gas.

 

Safe Riding Tips:


(Reprinted with copyright permission of the MSF)

Motorcycling is a fun, exciting and practical way to get around. But, like any other activity, it has risks. The reality is that you are exposed and vulnerable; it is up to you to avoid accidents and injury. Risk - and how you treat it - is what safe cycling is all about. To help you reduce and manage risk, use the following tips as a guide:

Know your skills. Take a beginning or experienced Rider Course from a Motorcycle Safety Foundation recognized training center. Call 1-80D446-9227 for the Rider Course nearest you. The more you know, the better rider you become!

Know the rules of the road and respect other road users. Don't forget, riding is a privilege. Get yourself and your motorcycle properly licensed; Get insurance if required. Know the limits of your skills, your motorcycle, and the road conditions so you don't ride over your head.

Ride with the right gear. A helmet, eye protection, sturdy jacket, pants boots, and gloves are your best defense against accident injury. It can happen to you!

Ride aware. A car turning left across your path is the most frequent accident. Three-fourths of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other vehicles, the majority caused by the other driver. Intersections can be bad spots, so slow down and be prepared to react. We repeat: It can happen to you!

Ride to survive. Be seen and not hit. You aren't as big as a Mack truck, but you can attract attention. Wear bright clothing, use your headlight and bright colored fairings, select a lane and a position within a lane to be seen, avoid rapid lane changes, and keep looking around - you don't need surprises!

Ride straight. Alcohol and other drinks do not let you think clearly or make sound judgments. Up to 45% of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol.

Keep a safe bike. Know your owners manual, follow recommended service schedules, and have repairs made by an authorized dealer. Always check your bike's tires, suspension and controls before riding.

Share a safe ride. Company is nice. Some company weighs 100 pounds; other company weighs more. All weight affects handling. Having someone on the back is a big responsibility. Instruct them on proper riding technique and protective gear.

 

Other Tips for Touring:

Always carry your H.O.G.® Touring Handbook.

When in a tight curve, the rider on the outside of the curve should give room to the rider on the inside. This prevents excessive crowding if the curve is too tight.

Use the buddy system when riding. If your buddy has trouble and must pull out of the group, pull off the road with him or her and offer any assistance you can.

Keep a safe distance behind the bike in front of you. Know the stopping distance of your motorcycle.

Try to maintain a constant speed. Don't "rubber band," or speed up and slow down.

Be aware of openings as you ride so that you will have some place to maneuver in case of an emergency. Also, be aware of the riders around you, especially the one to your side, and give each other as much room as possible.

Always try to keep the pack tight without crowding each other. Stay close through intersections and traffic lights so that the group doesn't become separated. Remember that some riders in the group may not know where they are going and could end up "leading" the remainder of the pack with no idea how to reach their destination.

If there is a vehicle that needs to get onto the freeway, let that vehicle through and close the gap.

Never ride in someone's blind spot.

Remember, you're not safe from lightning on your bike.

Now, take responsibility for your riding, learn more ... and go enjoy yourself.

 

 

Hand Signals

Start Your Engines

Ride Leader: With your right or left arm extended, move your index finger in a circular motion.
Riders: To indicate that you're ready to Go, place your hand (right or left) on top of the windshield. If you don't have a windshield, raise your hand. This tells the leader that your engine is running and you're ready to ride.

Left Turn

Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow fully extended. Also - Most bikes have turn signals - use them. Hand signals used in conjunction with turn signals give everyone in the group and other traffic a clear idea of your intentions.

 

Right Turn

Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow bent 90 degrees vertically. Also - Most bikes have turn signals - use them. Hand signals used in conjunction with turn signals give everyone in the group and other traffic a clear idea of your intentions.

 

Hazard Left

Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard. (Sometimes in group riding, the road captain may wave his left arm back and forth above his head to alert the rest of the group. The road captain is the only person who should perform this maneuver.)

 

Hazard Right A

Extend your right arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard. (See Hazard Left for alternate.)

 

Hazard Right B

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. (See Hazard Left for alternate.)

 

Speed Up

Raise your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward. This indicates the leader wants to speed up.

 

Slow Down

Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and move your hand up and down. (Alternate - Use either arm, straight down and palm toward the back. Move your arm back and forth at the elbow.)

 

Stop

Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle with the palm of your hand facing rearward.

 

Single File

Position your left hand over your helmet with your fingers extended upward. This indicates the leader wants the group in a single file formation. Usually this is done for safety reasons.

 

Staggered Formation

Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your index and pinkie finger extended. This indicate that it is safe to return to staggered formation.

 

Tighten Up

Raise your left arm and repeatedly move up and down in a pulling motion. This indicates the leader wants the group to close ranks.

 

Need Gas

When you need gas, point at the gas tank.

 

Need Food

When you need a food or a break in general, point at your mouth.

 

 

Stopping

Stopping as a Group

When stopping as a group at an intersection, break stagger formation and pull up beside the bike in the adjacent lane. This will reduce the length of the group by half. Stay in this formation until you are through the intersection. Because the group is half as long it will take half the time to clear the intersection and increase the odds of keeping the group intact.

If you don't make it through the intersection with the group, don't worry. Don't take a chance and run a red light. The leader will know that you are not with the group and will slow down, or wait for you down the road.

 

Parking

Group Parking

Parking in an orderly method substantially reduces the time for all to get off the road and out of traffic. There is risk of injury for the last bikes that may be blocking the road in an attempt to stay with the group.

A good way to park, if there is room, is for each bike to pull ahead of the intended parking place and then back up into your spot. You can see how this is done on the image to the right. This can be done very fast because you don't have to wait for the bike ahead of you to finish the job.

If you find yourself at the end of the group and can't get off the road while waiting for others to park, GO AROUND. Come back a minute or two later when things have settled down and take your time.

And don't forget your pipes! Everything is fine when you back up to the curb, until you lean your bike over on the kick stand and you bend and scratch your left pipe on the curb.

 

 

Formation Riding

 

Staggered Riding

The minimum recommended spacing to the bike directly in front of you should not be less than two seconds (the two second rule). The bike in the lane to your left or right should not be less than one second ahead of you.

The two second rule is a rule of thumb should try to adhere to this rule when possible, especially at highway speeds. There are times, however when it is best to squeeze together while in city streets & while slowing for a stop. This will help prevent cars from entering the group.

The last bike should ride in the middle of the two bike lanes with all head lights and running lights on. This will help the lead bike see the last bike.

Keep in mind
:

 

The lead motorcycle should be in the left 1/3 of lane, the second motorcycle should be in the right 1/3 of the lane, one second behind the first rider, and so on

         Leave enough room between each motorcycle so that any rider can maneuver to the right or left without hitting anyone else

Always stay in line with the bike in front of you. Do not switch between the left and right side of the lane

 

Single File Riding

 

All motorcycles ride in a single line, two seconds behind one another, in either the right or left third of the lane (see above for explanation of the two-second rule). The lead rider determines on which side of the lane the group will ride.

  

Passing

Passing should always be undertaken one motorcycle at a time, in staggered formation. Remember, passing at any time can be hazardous. Use common sense.

Passing Other Vehicles:

1.      Pre-pass position: Be far enough behind the vehicle you are passing to see clearly down the road to do an "oncoming traffic check."

2.      Signal. If you have a passenger, he or she should signal as well.

3.      Check your mirrors and then turn your head to check your blind spot and ensure that no one is passing you.

4.      Accelerate and change lanes. Remember, legally, you can't exceed the speed limit.

5.      When returning to your lane, signal and make a mirror check and head check to be sure there is space between you and all other vehicles. Return to your lane and turn off your blinker.

After Making the Pass:

The lead rider makes the lane change, going to the right track, until he can clearly see that the other riders have made their lane changes.

Keep the Group Together
(Printed with copyright permission of the MSF)

Freeway Passing into a Faster Lane

As a group, it can be difficult to pass a slow moving car on any road with two or more lanes of same-direction traffic. This is especially true with moderate to heavy traffic. Often there is not enough room for the entire group to get between cars in the faster lane.

The way to accomplish this is for the last bike to pull over one lane to the left and hold his position. Each rider should move to the left lane as the cars in front of the rear biker pass them. You can then pass the slow car as a group after the lead rider moves to the left lane.

The lead rider should move back to the right lane after passing the slow car by a safe distance. It is very important that the lead rider maintain speed to make room for all the other riders. Each rider should move back to the right lane one at a time once safely cleared the slow car. This can be a real slick choreographed move for other motorists to observe.

 

Freeway Passing into a Slower Lane

During a lane change into a lane moving slower than the group (usually to the right), the FRONT bike moves over first. Now, what do the rest of the bikes do? Legally, if the whole group moves like a "brick" (everyone changing lane together in one movement), that is considered to be parading and can cause problems if any emergency arises. So, if each bike individually changes lanes in order following the first bike to change lanes (whether from the front or the back), you can reduce your risk factor, change lanes legally, and still look good while doing the maneuver!

It is important that the lead and tailing bikers talk to each other before the ride and come to an agreement on how they intend to pass cars.

 

Two-Lane Passing

It is usually very difficult for a group to pass a slow moving car on a two lane road. Generally, a group will not pass a car on a two lane road, particularly on local rides, unless it is going very slow. If the lead biker decides to pass the car, each biker must decide on his own if it is safe for him or her. DO NOT follow the bike in front of you unless you are certain that it is safe for you too.

IMPORTANT: After passing the car, keep going. You must make room for all the bikes behind you.