Standard staggered formation. You should be 1 to 1.5 seconds behind the staggered bike, which would put you 2 to 3 seconds behind the bike directly in front of you.

If you like to ride slow or are new to group riding get up front. Those who like to ride fast should ride in the back. New riders may think they want to ride in the back, but the reality is just the opposite, they need to be near the front.

Spread out a little around tight corners. Most will need a little extra space. We don’t want anyone riding off into the ditch.

No wheelies, stoppies, etc. People should also not slow way down from the group, then zoom back up to the group. While it may be fun to goof around with your bike when you’re alone, it can create problems with the safety of the group.

Group Riding Etiquette Hand Signals
please pass all signals to riders behind you.
START ENGINES: With your right or left arm extended, move your index finger in circles	LEFT TURN: Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow fully extended.	RIGHT TURN: Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow bent 90 degrees vertically.	HAZARD LEFT: Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard. Alternately, extend your left leg and point to the hazard.
HAZARD RIGHT A: Extend your right arm at a 45 degree angle and point towards the hazard. Alternately, extend your right leg and point to the hazard.	HAZARD RIGHT B: Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your elbow bent to 90 degrees and point towards the hazard over your helmet. Alternately, extend your right leg and point to the hazard.	SPEED UP: Raise your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward. This indicates the leader wants to speed up.	SLOW DOWN: Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle and move your hand up and down.
STOP: Extend your left arm at a 45 degree angle with the palm of your hand facing rearward.	SINGLE FILE: Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your index finger extended. This indicates the leader wants the group in a single file formation. Usually this is done for safety reasons.	STAGGERED or SIDE-BY-SIDE FORMATION: Extend your left arm upward at a 45 degree angle with your index and pinkie finger extended. This indicates that it is safe to return to staggered formation.	TIGHTEN UP: Raise your left arm and repeatedly move up and down in a pulling motion. This indicates the leader wants the group to close ranks.

Certain hand signals are optional in group riding: turn signals on the bikes ahead will usually advise a rider that a turn is coming up, for example, and hand signals in a turning situation may actually add to the danger for some. However, other hand signals are extremely helpful to the rider who has no other means to communicate. The most important two hand signals are these: pointing to an obstacle in the road, warning the rider to avoid it; and pointing to the tank.

• Pointing to the tank: No matter what your reason, pointing to the tank on your bike, will be telling everyone that you needs to stop as soon as possible. This may be because needing fuel; to make a “potty stop”; because you are having a mechanical or equipment problem; because your co-rider is uncomfortable; because a medical problem; a crisis of confidence; or for any other reason at all. Such a signal should be relayed throughout the Group. If possible, the Lead Bike may orchestrate a stop by the whole group. If not, the affected bike can count on the Tail Rider to stop with him to try to help him.
• Back off -- Palm of left hand shown to group, pushing motion toward rear of bike
• Ready to ride – “Thumbs up” high enough in air to be visible to Lead Bike
• Single-file formation -- One finger points to the sky
• Slow down -- Left arm is held out straight, then goes up and down
• Police or emergency vehicles -- Hand taps top of helmet several times
• Speed up or close ranks in formation -- Left arm makes “windmill” sign
• Staggered formation -- First finger and little finger point to the sky
• U-turn -- Left hand makes circle in air over head