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Combat veterans motorcycle Association the Virginia chapter |
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From: CVMA 27-1 Safety Officer
Subj: CVMA 27-1 GROUP RIDING STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP)
1. This SOP is provided in order to ensure all CVMA 27-1 members are informed and aware of expectations during our rides. Each member is expected to become familiar with this SOP in order to maximize safety and efficiency during all our events.
2. This document does not cover all situations. During times of un-briefed or unusual circumstances, it is the responsibility of each rider to ride with common sense and the skills you have learned through your training and experience.
3. This SOP has been reviewed and approved by the CVMA 27-1 Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Safety Officer and Road Captains.
4. Each member will receive a hard copy and an electronic copy will be available for viewing on the webpage.
5. Ride safe, ride often and have a blast.
Semper Fidelis, Spanky
Group Riding SOP (Adapted from MSF group riding guideline)
Arrive prepared. Be prepared to depart on time with a full gas tank.
Pre-ride brief. We will discuss things like the route, rest and fuel stops, and hand signals (see diagrams on next page). Assign a lead and tail gunner. Both should be experienced riders who are well-versed in group riding procedures. The leader should assess everyone’s riding skills and the group’s riding style.
Ride prepared. At least one rider in each group should pack a cell phone, first-aid kit, and full tool kit, so the group is prepared for any problem that they might encounter. This is required gear for Tail Gunner.
Ride in formation. The staggered riding formation (see diagram below) allows a proper space cushion between motorcycles so that each rider has enough time and space to maneuver and to react to hazards. A single-file formation is preferred on a curvy road, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, or other situations where an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is required.
Keeping formation – Nothing is quite as irritating as seeing undisciplined riding, especially when riding with the CVMA colors. If for some reason a member repositions in the formation, it is incumbent upon all other riders to adjust. There are two ways of doing this to maintain the staggered formation:
Pull forward – All members of one side of the road pull forward to fill any gaps. This enables all members to maintain 2-second spacing while repositioning.
Switch sides – If the staggered formation is lost, the first rider to not have an off set rider (ex: dash 2 leaves to block traffic, dash 3 is the first to not have an offset rider) repositions to other side of lane. Following riders adjust accordingly to regain staggered formation.
Scan- Riders should develop a scan pattern that allows them to determine any abnormality in a timely manner. Scan should include: Where you’re going – The vast majority of your attention should be focused towards the front in order to react in a timely manner to any situations that may arise and, of course, to stay on the road.
Periodically check the riders following in your rear view mirror. If you see a rider falling behind, slow down so they may catch up.
Engine instruments and lights - Check to see if your turn signals are on, any caution lights you may have are on, fuel state, speed and any other widget you may have. A proper scan of these should take no more than 1 second, maybe 2. You should scan these on a regular basis.
Blockers /Road Guards – If the situation dictates, the second (and third if required) rider in the formation will stage his motorcycle to block traffic in order to allow all members of the group to complete a maneuver (leaving parking lot, making turns…). This should only be done if briefed, or clearly understood by hand signals.
Key positions: Lead – Sets the pace, determines stops and is responsible for overall safety of the ride.
Dash 2 – Sets the formation spacing. Responsible for blocking traffic if required. Example: If merging into heavy traffic, dash 2 will assume the new lane and slow to allow all other riders to merge. Will then assume position directly in front of Tail Gunner. Dash 2 position will be filled by next logical rider (either dash 3 if switching lane position, or dash 4 if maintaining staggered formation by pulling ahead.
Tail Gunner – Responsible for the safe conduct of maneuvers during the ride. Sets spacing if required (loosening up or “pushing” forward). Is primary member to stop with any rider who has a problem. Begins lane changes. If the designated Tail Gunner stops to avail assistance, the last rider will assume Tail Gunner duties.
Lane changes – Normally, lane changes will be completed from back to front, unless situation dictates otherwise. After signaling for lane change, Tail Gunner will move into new lane in order to allow all other members to make lane change once any traffic has cleared.
Hand Signals – All hand signals will be passed throughout the formation, unless safety dictates otherwise.
Fuel stops – Fill one, fill all. If we all follow first guideline, we will all have similar amount of fuel. Unless you have a 10 gallon or more gas tank, fill-er-up with the rest.
Criticism- All members are expected to identify any issues to the group. This should be done in a courteous, semi-professional manner in order to maximize benefit of lessons learned.
If you’re separated from the group, don’t panic. We will have a pre-planned procedure in place to regroup. Don’t break the law or ride beyond your skills to catch up.
Common Sense – Your own safety, and therefore the safety of the group, are paramount. In all conditions, use common sense to determine what needs to be done. Do not ride beyond your limitations, and NEVER, EVER expect someone else to think for you.
MSF’s Guide to Group Riding: Hand Signals
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Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Virginia, Chapter 27-1 May 30, 2008 Page 1 |