Safe Group Riding: Part 3: Ride Leadership

By Ben Harper, ISRA #12795

Now that we have our ride members trained in fundamental skills (Uniform Rider Education) and everyone is aware of the "two-second rule" (Ride Safety), the next important issue is the selection of ride leaders. Without properly trained and experienced ride leadership, you run the huge risk of accidents, dangerous intersection changes, and so on. This article will elaborate on the proper development of ride leadership, in the position of Ride Captain.

The Ride Captain is the person in charge of the ride. He or she is responsible for the safety of everyone attending the ride, as well as the planned route, the determination of stops, possible alteration of the route due to unforeseen hazards, the speed, and general behavior of the formation. All decisions regarding the ride come from the Ride Captain. No other person will make any decisions about the ride without the permission of the Ride Captain.

You can see that the importance of the Ride Captain cannot be underestimated. It is vital, therefore, that the person chosen for this very important job be well qualified to perform his or her task. This is not a job to be assigned on the basis of friendship, long acquaintance, or any other personal judgments. This is a job that requires training and experience to be done well, and that is precisely why a comprehensive training program for your Ride Captains is a sensible idea.

Your training program can be as simple or as elaborate as your Constellation desires. Any basic program should include several rides where they are monitored and given feedback on their technique by the instructor. Training should also include the opportunity for the trainee to demonstrate familiarity with all hand signals, lane change procedures, and all situations which require alteration of the planned itinerary, including stoplight separations of the group, last-minute changes in the route, and so on.

We of Rocky Mountain Dark Star are currently using a three-ride program, which has met our needs so far. If a trainee needs an additional ride to polish his or her technique, that is acceptable if the instructor agrees. Training rides should include changes in traffic density, changes in road type (freeway to two-lane roads), and questions regarding the responsibilities of the Ride Captain are presented to the candidate at stops along the way.

Once the trainee has passed the training required of them, they should then train as a Tailgunner as well. Knowledge of both positions and their attendant responsibilities brings a level of understanding and awareness not generally available to a trainee who has passed only one position's requirements. Ideally, all ride leaders need to be trained on both positions.

With proper training, a Ride Captain can successfully and safely lead hundreds of motorcyclists on a safe and comfortable ride. Everyone benefits from a properly trained Ride Captain, and the development of all ride leaders will benefit the Constellation as well.