Group Riding: Lane Positions, Single-File or Stagger? Published June 21, 2012 GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- When riding in a group, the group's formation should be dynamic, but should follow a few basic guidelines. If the road is straight and there's no unusual traffic or surface conditions, the staggered riding formation allows a proper space cushion between motorcycles so that each rider has enough time and space to maneuver and react to hazards, while keeping the group compact. The leader should ride in the left third of the lane, while the next rider stays at least one second behind in the right third of the lane; the rest of the group follows the same pattern. If the group is using this pattern, the leader should remain in the left position, even after the group changes lanes, so the other riders aren't continually changing their positions in response. However, if the leader feels that the center third or right third of the lane is the best position for the conditions, then the leader can signal the group to adjust to a single-file formation, with a two-second following distance throughout. Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends that a single-file formation be used on a curvy road, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways, or other situations where an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is needed. (Courtesy story)
