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

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

If a member of the group wishes to organise a ride out for other members of the group, he/she must first register it with the committee, for approval and a grading standard.

The committee must decide whether it will be suitable for all members, full members and above, group qualified observers and higher, or by invitation only. This will be determined by the distance to be covered in the day, or the types of road to be covered.

Once a grading for the ride has been agreed (see the “Ride Gradings” tab) a request will be put out to the group members via the group’s Facebook page and by email invite. This is where we ask for a commitment from members wishing to attend, and from the observers willing to assist.

We need the reply box ticked to show interest from the members so that we can get enough observers to comply with the maximum number of associates an observer can cover whilst on a group run; ideally this should not exceed 3-1

All group rides have to be led by either a Local Observer (LO) or National Observer (NO), or an experienced member approved by the committee, and have either an LO or NO at the rear. This is a requirement by the group to fulfil our obligation to comply with the insurance policy we hold.

Safety
Failure to comply with these rules may put a member’s continued membership of the iAM RoadSmart and NAM in jeopardy.

iAM RoadSmart state that the primary consideration at all times when riding in a group is safety and at no time may the safety of riders or any third party be compromised for any reason.

It remains the personal responsibility of all riders within the group to exercise their own judgement about each and every course of action that they take. Each rider is responsible for their own safety and their own actions and any consequences that those actions may have.

Any serious deviation from the advanced riding standard MUST be made known to the individual concerned as soon as appropriate. ALL Observers have a responsibility to monitor the standard of riding within the group.

If serious deviation from riding standards are seen during the ride, Observers are to discuss this with the Lead / Tail to decide when and where the appropriate place may be to stop the ride and address the issue. This may require the group to stop on route if it is felt that the safety of other group members is being jeopardized.

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 restricted to a particular ride grading category, and the group committee have the power to exclude specific members from participating in group organised rides where, in their reasonable judgement, this decision is in the interests of other members, the group or iAM RoadSmart.

Rider Ability
Each and every rider must ride within their own capabilities and must exercise their own judgement when determining the safety of their actions. If at any time a rider or observer feels that a person is not capable of continuing as the ride exceeds their personal skill level then they should inform either the Lead or Tail, who will then consider the appropriate options to take. This 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 whatever the number.

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

This means there is no need to consider the 2-second rule from the rider in front of you (e.g. rider 3 to rider 2). The advantages are that, as a group, we do not trail out over several hundred yards. We can stay closer together. It looks neater and more professional.

The 2-second rule does apply between rider 1 and rider 3.

For bends or hazards, everyone should assume the best road position. This should be achieved by each rider reducing their speed to allow a safe distance to develop, then, taking up the correct line behind the rider immediately in front of them. Once safely clear, take up the ‘staggered’ position again.

When reaching a junction or traffic lights this allows bikes to close up stopping side by side, allowing junctions to be cleared more quickly, give those following a chance to get through traffic lights in one sequence change. Group members should select their offset position early to allow followers to “slot” in place easily. Ideally bike wheels should be just overlapping.

Whilst travelling in the group you have been assigned to, you are not allowed to pass the bike ahead of you (this is different for the drop-off system). This provides a safety bubble for all those around because everyone can relax as they know that another bike is not going to come upon their inside or outside in a bend etc. thus leaving them time to concentrate on the road ahead.

You should never leave a group ride without informing the Lead or Tail first. They could spend time retracing their steps to look for you whilst you are sitting at home.

Most importantly you must remember this is not a race or a thrash.

We are out on the road representing both iAM RoadSmart and NAM. We are there to show other road users how to behave responsibly whilst having fun doing so.

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

Remind all riders that they are responsible for maintaining safety and complying with the law at all times, and each rider is responsible for their own safety and their own actions and any consequences that those actions may have.

You must hold a current full driving licence and insurance.
The vehicle must be taxed, Roadworthy and have an up-to-date MOT certificate (if applicable).
(This should be read out as a disclaimer prior to going out just as we do before an observed run)

Each rider must be confident that they know where the stopping points are and that they 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 so that the person behind will know where to go. You must look after your follower and slow down or stop until they come back into view. This will also pass a signal up the line to the Lead who may also stop if needed.

Once clear of the junction the Tail will radio through to the Lead to notify that the group has cleared the junction and the ride can continue.

Should some of the group get delayed at a junction etc whilst on the route the Tail must again contact the Lead so that they can either find a safe place to bring the group to a halt or reduce the pace at the front so that the trailing members can re-join the group.

It is useful for the Lead to inform the Tail when turning at a junction so that the Tail can understand how much the group are stretched out and advise the Lead accordingly.

It is important that all observers attending any group organised ride bring with them any group radio equipment they hold, as this may assist with the running of the ride.

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 change of direction should be made as clear as possible by the Marker but without using bike indicators if that is confusing for other road users. If the road is open and the junction clear, pull up onto the intended new road providing 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 indicated route.

 

The Marker is always the rider behind the Lead and therefore after every drop-off there will be a new Marker and eventually all riders will become marker as the ride progresses.

If for any reason the Marker fails to stop at a junction and a subsequent rider considers there to be some possible confusion with the route, then they should stop and become a Marker to ensure that the remaining riders are able to follow the 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 all that’s going to 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 as to 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 so as 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. Wait until the Tail arrives and inform them.

If the Tail fails to arrive or no rider is seen for 10 minutes try and make contact with the Tail or Lead. If no contact can be made then continue on the route to join the next Marker and wait. By this time, the Lead will know that there is an issue (because there will be no one behind), the group will have soon been brought to a halt and the Lead will be retracing the route to find out what the problem is and take appropriate remedial action.

The most common causes of getting lost is a failure to see a Marker or someone leaving the group while on the road and the bike behind follows. These are avoidable if everyone follows this guide.

If you arrive at a junction and there is no marker it is likely that you have made an incorrect turn.  Retrace your route to the last place you saw a marker and where the Tail may be waiting for you.  Note that the Tail will wait 10 minutes and then proceed on the route, so as not to hold up the ride.

 

Once under way 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

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Ride Gradings

Ride Grading Guide Matrix

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