I am beyond happy with my experience working with Rutter Mills. Rutter Mills was responsive throughout the entire journey and worked diligently on my behalf, making the process worry and stress free. I cannot recommend this company enough.
Motorcycle Group Riding Safety in Hampton Roads
Riding in a group along the scenic roads of Virginia—whether you’re cruising the coastal highways or venturing west toward the mountains via the Blue Ridge Parkway—can be one of the most rewarding experiences for motorcycle enthusiasts. Motorcycle rallies have become increasingly popular in recent years and are a great way to enjoy the open road. To ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone involved, it’s critical to follow best practices for group riding.
Understanding and applying motorcycle group riding safety guidelines doesn’t just reduce your risk of a crash—it can help keep your entire group protected. Still, even when you do everything right, motorcycle accidents can happen. In many cases, it’s not the rider’s error but the carelessness of another driver that causes a crash.
At Rutter Mills, our Hampton Roads motorcycle accident lawyers work tirelessly to investigate these accidents, prove fault, and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
Preparation is Key
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) advises that careful preparation ahead of time is the key to a group riding event’s success. Here are some tips:
- Limit group size: Once a motorcycle group ride exceeds seven or eight participants, safety management issues can arise. If more riders are involved, break the group into smaller sections. A larger group has a harder time staying together. Ensure that less experienced riders do not make up their own section.
- Appoint leaders and sweepers: The leader guides the group, an assignment generally given to the most experienced rider. Sweepers also require considerable experience. The sweeper rides in the back, looking out for the group and spotting any issues.
- Make a regroup plan: It is common for riders to get separated during a trip, so everyone must know the regroup plan.
Hold a Pre-Ride Meeting
Whether in person or via Zoom, hold a rider’s meeting before the trip. All riders must be on the same page. The meeting should address:
- Routes
- Fuel stops
- Which riders will carry first-aid and tool kits
- Ensuring riders are familiar with all hand signals
- Cellphone number availability for all riders
Any questions from participants should be answered at this time. On the day of the ride, the leader conducts a pre-ride briefing shortly before the group sets out.
Ride in the Right Formation
Your motorcycle group should ride in staggered formation. This formation consists of the leader riding in the left third of the lane, with the second rider in the right third, and the third rider along on the left, and so on. Rather than riding in a single file, the staggered formation allows for greater maneuverability.
Avoid side-by-side formations. This leaves little room to maneuver should a hazard appear. Side-by-side formation is used only at stops.
Smart Passing Techniques for Groups
Passing other vehicles as a group requires careful coordination. Whenever possible, avoid unnecessary passing—but when needed:
- On multi-lane highways or interstates, pass in small groups (ideally no more than three at a time)
- On two-lane roads, pass one rider at a time and only in clearly marked passing zones
The group leader should decide when it’s safe to pass and communicate that clearly.
What to Do If Separated from the Group
It’s easy to get separated during group rides. If it happens to you:
- Stay calm and stick to the regroup plan
- Do not speed or take risks to catch up
- Use your phone to call or text the ride leader or sweeper and let them know where you are
Being prepared and staying patient helps ensure everyone reunites safely.
How to Handle Mechanical Issues
If a motorcycle develops a mechanical problem, the motorcyclist should stop at a safe area as soon as possible. The sweeper and the rider directly behind the affected motorcycle must stop to help.
The group in front of the affected motorcycles keeps moving. The sweeper will contact the leader by cellphone and let them know about the mechanical issue.
- Make sure bikes are pulled as far from traffic as possible.
- Use flares or emergency kits to alert drivers
What to Do in Case of an Accident
If an accident occurs during a group ride, here’s what to do:
- The sweeper should call 911 immediately.
- Riders behind the accident victim should stop and offer aid.
- Document the scene with photos and videos, including:
- Vehicle damage
- Skid marks
- Road and weather conditions
- Traffic signs or signals
If witnesses are present, get their contact information and statements.
Riders ahead of the incident can continue to the regroup point while the sweeper updates the leader.
Written by:
Adam H. Lotkin
Partner/Litigation ManagerMr. Lotkin approaches the law with a passion and work ethic rivaled by few. Long hours, meticulous preparation, and the heartfelt desire to make a difference are his hallmarks. They are what makes him the advocate Hampton Roads has come to count on after the most serious accidents on land or at sea.
Injured in a Group Motorcycle Ride? Call Rutter Mills
Even with the best planning, one negligent driver can change everything. If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident—whether during a group ride or solo—turn to a law firm that knows how to protect riders.
At Rutter Mills, we’ve spent more than 65 years standing up for injured motorcyclists throughout Hampton Roads. Our lawyers are experts at understanding the realities of riding, the biases motorcyclists face, and the tactics insurance companies use to deny fair compensation. Watch this video of Ed Hyatt Jr., a motorcycle client, talking about his experience at Rutter Mills.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our experienced Hampton Roads motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Legacy
0
+
Years Helping Injury Victims
Locations
0
Convenient Locations in Hampton Roads
Strength
0
+
Team Members Ready to Help
What Matters Most
Enjoy this 60 second look at "What Matters Most"
ACTUAL GOOGLE REVIEWS
See what our clients say about their experience at Rutter Mills.
Workers Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
