Group Riding

MEWS uses a staggered formation while riding.

As illustrated above, leave about a one second gap between yourself and the bike in the staggered position, and about a two second gap between you and the bike directly in front of you.

This gives everyone enough space to have an 'out' in case you need to avoid a hazard.

A good rule of thumb is to make sure you can see the face of the person in your staggered forward position's mirror. That means that they can see you too.

If someone drops out of the formation and we end up out of order, do not cross the lane to 'fix' it. Instead, pull forward into the empty spot, passing the bike in the forward staggered position in front of you. In this event, the person in front of you will signal you to pull forward when they feel that it is safe. Wait for this signal.

When approaching traffic signals, tighten the formation to pass through the light as one vehicle if it is safe.

At stop signs the ride leader will try to ensure that it is possible for all to proceed through together.

Having said that, it is important that you ride your own ride. Never do anything that makes you feel unsafe just because someone else is doing it. At traffic signals and stop signs always look for yourself and make your own decision about whether or not to cross the intersection.

Please see the hand signals section for the other critical part of group riding.