Riding Rules

Group Riding Rules
Drop off System
IAM Group Riding Rules
Ride Gradings
Group Riding Rules

This is to be read in conjunction with the guide published by iAM RoadSmart called “Group Organised Rides” which may be downloaded from here.

All members will hold a copy and will comply with it at all times.

The principles of these rules apply to all NAM rides but will vary slightly for larger groups where the “Drop-Off” system is used (ref to the other NAM and the IAM document Tabs)

All members must understand and uphold the rules at all times.

These rules apply to all Nottingham Advanced Motorcyclists (NAM) rides, with some variations for larger groups that use the “Drop-Off” system (see NAM and IAM RoadSmart documents).

Members must seek approval and a grading standard from the committee before organizing a ride. The committee will decide if the ride is suitable for all members, including full members and qualified observers, or if it will be by invitation only, based on distance and road types.

Once the grading is established, an announcement will be made via the group’s Facebook page and email. Members must then confirm their attendance, along with any observers willing to assist.

Please respond only if you plan to attend. If you’re not participating, no reply is needed. Any full member can lead rideouts, but the leader is usually an observer or experienced member to meet our insurance requirements.

Safety

Failure to follow these rules may jeopardize a member’s membership in iAM RoadSmart and NAM.

Safety is the top priority when riding in a group. Under no circumstances should the safety of riders or others be compromised.

Each rider is responsible for their own judgment and actions, ensuring they control their safety.

Any serious deviation from advanced riding standards is critical. ALL Observers must monitor and maintain riding standards to ensure the safety of all members.

If a serious deviation is observed, Observers should consult with the Lead or Tail Rider to determine the appropriate time and place to stop the ride and address the issue, especially if it affects the safety of the group.

The Law
Traffic laws must be obeyed at all times when riding on the public highway. At no time when participating in a group organised ride will any person riding in the group be expected or required to act illegally.

Please note: – any breach of the RTA or any other regulation legally enforced may result in the group insurance being negated.

Eligibility
The following may take part in NAM Group organised rides.

1. National Observers from any location
2. Local Observers and Trainee Local Observers who are fully paid-up members of NAM and iAM RoadSmart.
3. Full Members fully paid up of both NAM and iAM RoadSmart
4. Invited guests who are members of iAM RoadSmart in other groups
5. Associate Members enrolled under the RoadSmart scheme but who must be under supervision at ALL times.
6. Only vehicles deemed to be in a Roadworthy condition and would pass a MOT test regardless of the age of the vehicle. (I.e. bald tyres on a new vehicle etc.)
7. The Group Lead / Tail have the discretion to remove a rider if he feels that the safety of the group may be compromised.

Group-organised rides may be limited to specific grading categories. The committee can exclude members from participation if it is deemed necessary for the well-being of other members, the group, or iAM RoadSmart.

Rider Ability
Riders must ride within their skill level and assess their own safety. If anyone believes a rider cannot continue safely, they should inform the Lead or Tail. The Lead or Tail will then determine the next steps, which may include:

1. Organise 1-1 guidance for the rider separately from the group.
2. Adjusting the pace of the ride to one that the member can comply with.
3. Agree that the rider should ride within a more suitable group.

Riding in a group

When riding in a group, there can be a large number of riders together. The following guidelines apply to whatever the number.

On a straight piece of the road, all riders stagger their position on the road in relation to each other. The first rider takes up the correct position and the subsequent riders all ride off-set to each other like so:

In a group ride, there’s no need to follow the 2-second rule between consecutive riders (e.g., rider 3 to rider 2). This allows us to stay closer together, creating a neater and more professional appearance. The 2-second rule does apply between rider 1 and rider 3.

When approaching bends or hazards, riders should slow down to create a safe distance and follow the correct line behind the rider in front. After clearing the area, they can resume a staggered formation.

At junctions and traffic lights, bikes should stop side by side, allowing for quicker clearance and enabling the group to move through together. Riders should select their offset positions early, with wheels ideally just overlapping.

While in your assigned group, you may not pass the bike ahead, except in drop-off situations. This creates a safety buffer, letting everyone focus on the road.

Always inform the Lead or Tail rider if you plan to leave the group, so they don’t waste time looking for you.

Remember, this is not a race. We are here to represent iAM RoadSmart and NAM while demonstrating responsible riding and having fun.

The briefing prior to setting off MUST be carried out by either the group Lead or designated Tail observer before every ride commences.

Attention all riders:

You are responsible for your safety and compliance with the law at all times.

Ensure you have a current full driving license, insurance, and that your vehicle is taxed, roadworthy, and has a valid MOT certificate (if applicable).

Please read this disclaimer aloud before each ride.

Make sure you know the stopping points and have the Lead & Tail’s telephone number.

In addition to the above, NAM will operate the following system of running a “small-group” ride out:

Ideally, a small-group ride will be no more than 6 riders in a group. If there are insufficient Leads / Tails for more groups then Drop-off should be used (see below).

The Lead and Tail will be ideally on a radio link so they will be in communication at all times and they can adjust the pace at any time to suit the group’s progress.

It is vital that the person behind every rider is kept in view on the approach to a junction where a change of direction will take place. To ensure safe navigation, the Tail rider should keep track of their followers by slowing down or stopping until the last rider is back in view. This signals the Lead rider, who may also need to stop.

Once the group has cleared a junction, the Tail should radio the Lead to confirm that it’s clear to proceed.

If any members get delayed at a junction, the Tail must inform the Lead, who can find a safe spot to stop or adjust the pace for trailing members to catch up.

The Lead should also communicate when turning at junctions to help the Tail gauge the group’s spread and provide advice.

Finally, all riders should bring any group radio equipment they have to assist with ride coordination.

Signed

The Committee
Nott’s Advanced Motorcyclists

Drop off System

NAM is now actively encouraging all members who organise a ride, to use this system. It does work. Ideally a drop-off group would be no more than 20 riders but that will depend on the number of Leads / Tails available.

The Lead (usually the person who has put the ride on) stays the same throughout the ride. A rider will volunteer to be Tail (sometimes press-ganged). That person will stay last rider throughout the ride. All other riders must make sure they recognise these people.

The Lead will set off when all have signalled that they are ready. All other riders will set off in single file behind. The Tail will stay in the car park until everyone is moving.

Just before the first junction, the Lead will indicate by a hand signal to the rider behind (the Marker) to pull up and stop (ie drop off).

Note that even though the Lead may point to indicate to the Marker to “drop-off” in that approximate location, it is for the Marker to decide on the safest position to do so.

The Marker must stop and mark the junction or turn that the group comes to. This should be done with safety being first priority. This may be at the exit of an island.

The Marker should clearly indicate the change of direction without using bike indicators if doing so would confuse other road users. If the road is clear and the junction is open, proceed onto the new road, ensuring that followers can see where you came from.

As this is sometimes not possible, the Marker may have to stop before the intended change of direction and indicate the route with a hand signal. Everyone behind should then pass by and take the suggested route.

The Marker is always the rider behind the Lead. After every drop-off, a new Marker will be introduced, and eventually, all riders will become Markers as the ride progresses.

If the Marker fails to stop at a junction for any reason, and a following rider feels there might be confusion about the route, that rider should stop and act as the Marker. This will help ensure that the remaining riders can follow the correct route.

It is essential for the ride that a Marker stays in position and must wait for the following riders and the Tail. If you do not wait, then the system collapses and we end up lost, separated and irritated. REMEMBER – you, the Marker, are the only one who can help the following bikes follow the correct route.

As the title implies, all rides are group rides, and we should take care of each other so that we can finish with the same group we started with.

The Marker must be looking in their mirrors for the Tail, who should acknowledge your presence and will slow down to make space for you to re-join the ride in front of them. Always remain on your machine and be ready to move off.

It may be helpful to count the number of bikes passing to anticipate when the Tail is about to arrive.

If you see other riders from the group take the wrong direction, do not attempt to chase after them. Please wait until the Tail arrives and inform them.

If the Tail hasn’t arrived or no rider is seen for 10 minutes, attempt to contact the Tail or Lead. If you can’t reach them, proceed to the next Marker and wait. The Lead will notice an issue, stop the group, and retrace the route to identify and resolve the problem.

The main reasons for getting lost are missing a marker or a group member leaving the route. To avoid these issues, follow this guide.

If you reach a junction without a marker, you’ve likely taken a wrong turn. Retrace your steps to the last marker, where the Tail may be waiting. Remember, the Tail will wait 10 minutes before continuing to avoid delaying the ride.

Once underway after being a Marker, you may find yourself having the urge to go that little bit quicker than the person in front of you. Providing it’s safe, there is no reason for not overtaking them and making your way up the pack again until you reach the Lead ,when you will become Marker again.

The Lead WILL BE RIDING AT SPEED LIMITS where appropriate. You should not be exceeding the Speed limit even when overtaking!

ALL Overtakes are to be made with care – Ensure the rider in front knows you are coming through – Head Lamp Flash or Horn Warning means I AM HERE! 

If you wish to peel off from the ride for any reason, you must stop, wave all other bikes through and wait for the Tail to pass you. Otherwise, you may find you have some unexpected guests for dinner as they all follow you home.

Alternatively, watch this video on YouTube.

Enjoy your ride with NAM (Nottingham Advanced Motorcyclists.)

IAM Group Riding Rules

Click the icon below to download the .docx:

Ride Gradings

Ride Grading Guide