The feeling of the wind whipping past, the sun on your face and the open road ahead – there’s nothing quite like riding your motorcycle through Toronto. And sharing that experience with a group of friends can make a ride that much better.
However, safety should always be a top priority during a group ride. Before you hit the road with your friends, consider these tips to improve your safety and your experience.
Pre-ride preparation
Before hitting the road, gather your group to discuss the route, rest stops and any specific hand signals you’ll use. Doing so ensures everyone is on the same page. Establish a leader and a sweep rider (the last rider in the group) to maintain order and offer assistance if needed.
Stagger formation
Ride in a staggered formation to allow ample space for each rider. This formation gives each motorcyclist a clear view of the road ahead and more reaction time, reducing the risk of accidents. Maintain a two-second gap from the rider directly ahead of you and a one-second gap with the rider next to you.
Be visible
When riding in a group, it’s essential to maintain a visible position on the road. This means avoiding riding in another rider’s blind spot and ensuring your bike has functioning headlights, taillights and brake lights. Additionally, wear bright and reflective clothing to increase your visibility to other riders and motorists.
Obey traffic laws
Each rider must adhere to traffic laws. Uniform obedience to speed limits, signals and signs helps keep the group intact and reduces the risk of collisions. Ensure each rider is comfortable with the pace and road conditions.
Group accidents hit harder
An accident involving a group of motorcyclists can cause catastrophic damage. One rider going down can trigger a chain reaction, leading to severe injuries and significant damage affecting multiple parties. As such, safety should always be a priority for groups.
While accidents can still happen when riders or other motorists make mistakes or take risks, following these tips can make the difference between a safe, enjoyable ride and a devastating one.