Route 66
Safety Information

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To enroll in the Rider's Edge, see any of the staff at Route 66 Harley-Davidson Dealership.

Group Riding Tips from as presented at Primary Officers Training in Austin, Texas.

Split large groups into smaller groups. 7 - 10 bikes is an ideal number for a group.

When in a tight curve, the rider on the outside of the curve is REQUIRED to give room to the rider on the inside, in case the curve is too tight to negotiate at the speed without excessive crowding.

Use the buddy system when riding with a group. If your buddy must pull out of the group, pull off the road with him or her. Establish this buddy PRIOR to the start of the ride.

Know the stopping power of your motorcycle. Seventy percent of the stopping power is in the FRONT brake.

Maintain a constant speed. This helps to prevent the "rubber band effect".

Be aware of openings as you ride so taht you will have a place to maneuver in case of an emergency. Also, be aware of the riders around you (especially the one to your side) and give each other as much room to move as possible in any situation.

Always keep the group tight without crowding each other. Stay close throgh intersections and traffic lights, so the group doesn't get divided (but refer to the first riding tip above).

If there is a vehicle that has to get onto the freeway, LET that vehicle through and then close the gap as quickly as possible afterwards.

If an exit is missed, stick together as a group, proceed to the nextt exit, then return to the correct exit.

NEVER ride in someone's blind spot.

Remember, each rider is responsible for their own safety.

Remember, you are not safe from lightning on a motorcycle.

 

Passing on the Interstate

Phase 1: Safely negotiating from the right lane to the left lane

Step 1--Position your bike in the 'pre-pass' position by moving within a safe distance of the vehicle that you are going to pass
Step 2--Signal your intent to move to your left.
Step3--Do a mirror check.
Step 4--Do a left head check.
Step 5--Accelerate and change lanes.

Phase 2: Passing the vehicle(s) in the right lane

Step 1--Maintain the staggered position.
Step 2--Maintain at least two seconds between you and the rider in front of you.
Step 3--Pass the vehicle(s) with no more than three motorcycles at the same time.

Phase 3: Safely negotiating back into the right lane as a group

Step 1--Determine where you want to position your bike.
Step 2--Signal your intent to move to your right.
Step 3--Do a mirror check.
Step 4--Do a right head check.
Step 5--Change lanes.

 

Passing on a Two-lane Highway

Treat this an an individual process
Pass as if you were riding alone!

Step 1--Position your bike in the 'pre-pass' position by moving within a safe distance of the vehicle that you are going to pass.
Step 2--Signal your intent to move to your left.
Step 3--Do a mirror check.
Step 4--Do a left head check.
Step 5--Accelerate and change lanes.

Road Captains and other interested gentlemen view a safety video from HOG
Photo submitted by Joyce P.

Last updated 11/20/2008