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Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

There’s Safety in Motorcycle Riding Formations
November 11, 2009

One of the most important aspects of group riding–that is, riding with one or more other motorcyclists–is riding in formation.

Formation riding always makes me think of military exercises, especially those at sea, and parades. A line of jets flying in a “V” formation above a fleet of ships is impressive, as is a group of soldiers marching in step.

On the road, however, there obviously is not enough room for a group of motorcyclists to ride in a “V” formation; and, under normal road conditions, riding “in step” like a well-trained squad of soldiers is obviously not safe.

In group riding, there are three basic formations:

• Staggered;
• Single-file; and
• Side-by-side.

Each formation is for use in certain situations.

Riding in Staggered Formation

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), a national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by motorcycle manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Honda, the staggered riding formation is the standard for group riding.

“Compared to a single-file line, a staggered formation

• Takes up less space on the highway;
• Is easier for motorists to see; and
• Protects the lane better to lessen the chance of the group being split up by other traffic.”

In a staggered formation, the first motorcyclist rides in the left third of the lane. The second motorcyclist follows one second behind the first motorcyclist, but in the right third of the lane. The third motorcyclist follows two seconds behind the first motorcyclist, and but one second behind the second motorcyclist, in the left third of the lane. And so on.

Maintaining the two-second minimum space cushion behind the motorcyclist directly in front of you (not the staggered motorcyclist to your left or right) is important as it gives you room to maneuver under good conditions.

(To see a diagram of this formation, check out the MSF’s “Group Riding” Quick Tips.)

Riding in Single-File Formation

A single-file riding formation allows more room for maneuvering. It is best used under less than good conditions. These conditions include

• Curvy roads;
• Poor visibility;
• Poor road surfaces; and
• Entering or leaving highways.

Again, it is important to maintain the two-second minimum following distance.

Riding in Side-by-Side Formation

Because a side-by-side formation severely restricts your ability to maneuver, it is for use only under special conditions–specifically, slow-speed events in controlled situations such as parades.

For more information on group riding, visit the Web site for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Better yet, pick up a copy of the MSF’s Guide to Motorcycle Excellence.