Riding - Safety

[Safety] - [Hand Signals] - [AWOL Book] - [Helmet Laws] - [Riding]

Pre-Ride Checklist

Identify the Road Captains, Ride Lead, and Sweeps
Discuss and know the route
Go over the hand signals
Go over staggered riding - 1 sec alternating lanes
Obey the traffic laws
Ride your own ride!
Have Fun!

I.C.E.

Help yourself by providing emergency contacts

Law enforcement and state officials rely on motorists' emergency contact information to locate loved ones in case of an accident or other medical situation that makes a person unable to speak. In case of an emergency, here's how you can help the people helping you:

IN YOUR WALLET

Write it: Police suggest drivers keep emergency contact information inside their wallets, as close as possible to the driver's license.

ON YOUR CELL PHONE

Program it: When a deputy can't find a person's identification, they'll look through the cell phone to find key numbers. Clearly named listings can help. Some places around the country promote cell phone listings with the acronym "ICE" (In Case of Emergency), to denote numbers of friends and loved-ones.

Group Riding

Gap in Formation - If a void is created by a rider leaving the formation, we will wait until a stop to fill that gap -- otherwise, just continue to ride leaving the hole unfilled.

Tail Gunner - Serves as the eyes of the Road Captain and assists with lane changes. He watches the formation, and informs the Road Captain of any potential problems within the group or of hazardous conditions approaching from the rear, such as vehicles trying to cut into the formation. Also assists with lane changes by moving over to block the new lane to allow the group to move over safely.

Lane Changes - The lane change starts with a hand signal from the Road Captain to the Tail Gunner. The Tail Gunner will, when it is safe to do so, move into the requested lane and signal to the Road Captain that the lane is clear. The Road Captain will then move into the new lane and each rider will then follow the rider in front into the new lane.

Splitting from the Group - Don't suddenly split off from the group for personal reasons (i.e. to take a picture or make a casual phone call) unless you've told the Road Captain up front that you plan to do that, or unless it's for a mechanical or medical problem. If you do choose to leave unexpectedly, wave the others on, making it clear that you aren't in need of assistance.

Ride Termination - The ride officially ends at the destination. If you would like to ride back with other riders, try to make these arrangements before leaving for the ride.

Lights - When riding with the group, all riders except the Tail Gunner should turn OFF their light trees. This will allow the Road Captain to more easily see the last bike in the group.

Hand Signals - Pass back all hand signals initiated by the Road Captain, and be prepared to initiate a "single file" signal yourself if your travel lane becomes unsafe or uncomfortable (bad road surface, crumbling shoulder, narrow lanes, etc). Traditionally this has been a judgment call left to Road Captains, but in our chapter each individual member has the authority to make that call.
[Hand Signals]

Substance Use Policy

Safe and responsible motorcycling activity is a major HOG goal.
The use of an impairing substance is a serious PERSONAL responsibility involving the safety and welfare of family, riding friends and individual HOG members.
Impairing substances include, but are not limited to, alcohol, prescription or other drugs that may adversely affect one's judgement or ability to safely operate a motorcycle in all riding situations.
The use of impairing substances before or during a motorcycling activity is not safe nor responsible behavior. Rocky Mountain HOG Officers, as leaders of our chapter events, have pledged to avoid the use of impairing substance before and during official Rocky Mountain HOG motorcycling activities.
Therefore, for the benefit of the individual member, chapter officers, road captains and The Rocky Mountain HOG riding membership in general: Rocky Mountain HOG members should avoid the use of impairing substance before and during official Rocky Mountain HOG activity.
At the point the motorcycling activity is deemed CONCLUDED a member should use good judgement and responsibility to determine the level of substance use, if any, that is appropriate and safe for that individual.
The ride is deemed concluded when the last kickstand drops at the last stop.

Remember: Ride Safe and Have Fun!