Psyco's Safety Tips

Hand Signals

Hand signals are good to know for formation riding, and are used for safety.  Below are listed the standard hand signals as adopted by the Blue Knights International Police Motorcycle Club.  In small groups these are not always used (understandably), and when a group gets so caught up in "road captains" front, back, (and I think side ways :) that insist on  doing everything "by the book" to point that you don't enjoy the ride, that is no good, but it is a good idea to at least review these. You never know...... they may save some "skin"    "RIDE SAFE" Psyco

Stop - Left hand extended downward and palm facing backward.

Right Turn - Left arm upright and hand extended.

Left Turn - Left arm extended straight out and hand extended.

A Turnaround Signal - This is used for group riding as well as signaling an individual rider approaching.

Single File Riding - Arm extended over head with index finger pointed up means single file riding, used for narrow, winding roads road obstructions and hazards.

Close Up Formation - Left arm moved in an up and down Motion (pumping) with fist closed. This action means tighten up or close riding formation, catch up and stay close. The road Captain will use this signal to execute a group maneuver.

Road Hazard - Pointing downward is to warn fellow riders of pot holes and debris in the road.

Staggered Riding - Hand straight up with four fingers extended waving side to side. Staggered riding it used on open roads and where there are a lot of turns. This style allows the rider some leeway for drifting.

V Signal - Two fingers indicate dual riding style or two abreast where permitted.

Other Hand Signals :

Pointing to your gas tank means you have switched to your reserve. Blow horn to alert Captain.

Waving the hand back and forth with arm extended to the side means come up to me or pass me.

SAFETY TIPS

1) Never purposely run a red light or stop sign to keep up with the group . Use your hand signals to alert others in the group of your intentions, slow down and stop.

2) Always ( if caught at a red light or stop sign ) remain on the same road and do not race to catch up. If the group turns off that road for any reason, the last person riding in the lead group will stop at the turn and wait to inform the others there has been a change of roads.

3) Never Pass the rider in front of you who has given the indication they are slowing to stop. This person may see a situation that is potentially dangerous that you don't.

4) Always ride staggered unless otherwise directed by the Road Captain, and maintain a safe distance between you and the riders in front and back of you in case they may have to maneuver to your side quickly to avoid a road hazard.

5) Be courteous to other vehicles when riding. When riding in a large group be thoughtful of those people in cars that may need to change lanes.

6) Always pass hand signals from the Road Captain, or person in charge to the back.

7) Never change lanes unless the Road Captain or designated leader signals to do so. ( unless necessary to avoid a potential problem or road hazard )

8) Seasoned riders should always ride up front so those who are less experienced can have more space.

9) All riders should ride at a speed and fashion indicative of your individual skills. Never ride at speeds you are uncomfortable with just to keep up with the group. Also, Never break traffic laws.

10) Riders who may fall back should not ride at excessive speeds to catch up. The group will either wait for them or station a rider to alert them of any road changes.

NEVER KNOWINGLY DO ANYTHING  THAT MAY CAUSE INJURY, EMBARRASSMENT, OR LEGAL LITAGATION AGAINST YOU OR THE GROUP YOU ARE RIDING WITH.

RIDE WITH PRIDE!!

Psyco