Latest Blogs

Motorcycle riding is often a group activity, especially on weekends when friends get together.  With Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties' having beautiful weather and many interesting locations to visit, there is no question we are a Mecca for motorcycle riding clubs and casual group rides. However, group motorcycle riding brings on challenges which are different from individual riding. There is a higher potential for motorcycle crashes when riding in groups, than as single riders.

The Florida Department of Motor Vehicle 2013 Motorcycle Handbook states that when riding with others "do it in a way that promotes safety and doesn't interfere with the flow of traffic". 

Here are some of their recommendations:

• Keep the group small - A group should not be larger than four or five riders.  If the group is larger, it should be divided up into two or more smaller groups.

• Keep the group together.

• Plan ahead - (Each group should have a designated "leader".) Leaders should signal early of any changes by looking ahead so "the word gets back" in plenty of time.  Lane changes should start early to permit all the riders to complete the change.

• Put beginners up front - Inexperienced riders should be just behind the leader.  This will allow more experienced riders to watch from the back.

• Follow those behind - The tail-ender should set the pace.  The motorcycle handbook recommends using mirrors to keep an eye on the person behind.  When a rider falls behind, everyone should slow down a little to stay with the tail-ender.  (The tail-ender should not speed up to keep up with the group.)

• Know the route - Everyone should know the route in case they should become separated.  This will prevent those separated from feeling they have to hurry to keep up or from getting lost.  Frequent stops on long rides are encouraged.

• Keep your distance - Allow each rider in the group time and space to react to hazards by keeping a safe distance between riders. Close groups also take up less space on roads and are less likely to be separated.

• Do not pair up - The FL manual further recommends motorcyclists not pair up. Pairing up creates a situation where there is no place to go if riders need to avoid something in the road or a another vehicle.

• Staggered formation - The best way to keep ranks close and maintain adequate space is a staggered formation and each rider should pass one at a time. 

• Single file formation - The Florida motorcyclist manual recommends riding in single-file formation when riding cures, turning, entering or leaving a highway.

"Holding a riders' meeting to discuss the route, any stops including fuel and rest stops, hand signals and what to do if there should be an emergency, accident, or a rider is separated from the group is essential before starting out on a group ride," said Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

When planning a group ride, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has a group riding kit available on their website along with a 10-minute video.  Please click here to access these tools. MFS Group Riding

Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.