Group Motorcycle Rideouts 11 January 2009
A Rideout (30 – 500 +riders) This is where a large number of motorcyclists meet-up together at known meeting venue, to participate in a large group Rideout. The participating riders will possibly arrive unprepared, and having unknown individual and group riding skills. Hopefully some riders may have some road craft knowledge. But due to the possible large numbers of riders in the Rideout, not all will know the exact route or the final destination. Safety Level: - Poor. How to Plan a GOOD Rideout ¾ Choose a safe and easy accessible location for the maximum number of motorcyclists you have planned to attend the Rideout. ¾ Advertise the event well in advance, and ensure it dose not clash with any other similar local or national events. ¾ Plan safe and easy routes to your destination, for both dry and wet weather road conditions. ¾ Make pre-arrangements with the final destination to ensure that they have the resources to cope with the sudden mass of motorcycles, riders and pillions. ¾ Select reliable and experienced motorcyclists to act as Rideout Marshals. ¾ When ever possible ride both routes a week before with the appointed Marshals, to check for traffic delays, or diversions. WHAT MAKES A BAD RIDEOUT? No Planning Poor meeting venue, bad access and exit, destination not informed. Poor Road Safety
Dangerous riding, ignoring road traffic regulations, and other road users.
Unknown Route
Route made up by the someone who thinks they know the best route.
Poor Communication
The on the day Marshals don’t know who is doing what, and why.
Small Groups
Fragmented groups of motorcycles trying to keep up and getting lost.
No trained Marshals
Riders in the group(s) making wrong discussions at road junctions.
Poor Progress
In-experienced riders allowed start the rear of the Rideout group.
Inconsistent Speed
By the Leader, rider not riding the bike behind them, poor observation.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD RIDEOUT? Planning The meeting venue, route(s) and destination have been checked out. Road Safety
For all riders in the Rideout Group, and the general public alike.
Route(s)
Ensure the route(s) for good and bad weather is known by the Marshals.
Communication
Ensure, all the Marshals have been briefed together about their duties.
One Single Group
Key to this is observation by the experienced Rideout Group Leader.
Teamwork
All the Marshals must be able to work as a team, not as individuals.
Group Ability & Size
These are variables which are usually un-controllable.
Consist Group Speed
This is set and maintained by the Rideout Group Leader.
Visibility of Marshals
Marshals and their machines need to be visible during the Rideout.
Enough Marshals
It’s always better to plan to have more Marshals than too few.
Learn by Mistakes
Talk these through with all the Marshals, At the end of each Rideout.
This information should be taken as a guide only and is open to interpretation. You should consult the Plymouth Motor Cycle Club nominated Ride-out Co-ordinator for more information about any of the advice given. The Plymouth Motor Cycle Club and its deputies cannot accept responsibility or liability for accuracy, or clarity of your interpretation of this information.