Road Rules and
Motorcycle Riding Tips

I.E. Chapter Road Rules	Motorcycle Hand Signals
Helmet Laws by State	Basic Rider Course
Experienced Rider Course

Inland Empire Chapter Road Rules
(Revised 03/2010)

The following tips are being offered to make all of you aware of the techniques that will allow a group of six (6) or more motorcycles to stay together, ride safely, and enjoy the trip. Some of these tips may already be part of your every day riding habits, but some may be new to you and will certainly make any group ride more enjoyable.

1.) All participants are to arrive ON TIME and be ready to ride, including a FULL TANK OF GAS, potty stop, and a motorcycle maintained, to avoid any problems.

2.) The ROAD CAPTAIN is responsible for speed, lane changes, gas and food stops, and potty breaks. The Road Captain should be aware of the group he is leading, and will schedule accordingly.

3.) THE MAXIMUM SPEED OF ANY EVENT WILL BE TO KEEP UP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, OR AS POSTED BY LAW!

4.) Normal group formation for the Inland Empire Harley Owners Group® will be staggered, as it allows for a greater safety cushion between riders at all times. Normal space between riders will be between 2 to 3 seconds by count or the preferred method of seeing the rider’s face that is in front of you in his rear view mirror. Riding 2-up will be at the discretion of the Road Captain leading the group. And only when signaled by hand (two fingers pointed upward ) by Road Captain and relay back. This might be used for tightening the group when traveling in city traffic, for instance.

5.) Ride in 2-up formation to allow plenty of maneuvering room for all riders. Always stay in line with the bike in front of you, and do not switch between the left and right side of the lane, no matter where the bike next to you may wander. If you are not experienced in riding with a group, please advise the Road Captain.

6.) On mountains and curves, single-file formation when signaled by the Road Captain (index finger pointing upward) to allow plenty of maneuvering space until reaching a straight away, or until a 2-up signal (two fingers) is given by the Road Captain.

7.) No racing past or switching positions. Stay in your starting positions unless signaled to change. NO CLOWNING AROUND. Remember, there are newer riders, and we ride for fun, and don't want anyone to get hurt.

8.) Obey all signals of the ROAD CAPTAIN - he is your road boss. Always signal to the rider behind you by the use of hand signals from the person in front of you so that the information can be passed along. THIS IS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY FOR STOP AND TURN SIGNALS, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR ROAD HAZARDS THAT MUST BE AVOIDED. The first rider to spot a road hazard should identify it to those riding with you, and pass the signal along.

9.) Remember the "BUDDY SYSTEM" - If your riding partner has problems or needs to pull over, pull over with him, or signal the Road Captain so he can find a safe place to pull everyone over. In the event the problem cannot be resolved in fifteen minutes, the Road Captain or chapter officer will determine the next step. Also, if you decide to leave the group for any reason while the ride is in progress please be sure to notify the Road Captain or an assistant.

10.) Group riding requires safe habits. Safety and fun is the number one rule, and endangering other riders will NOT BE TOLERATED. Anyone doing so will have a MAJOR discussion with chapter officers at the earliest, safest opportunity.

11.) Keep a safe distance from the bike in front of you. KNOW THE STOPPING POWER OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE. Try to maintain a constant speed to avoid "rubber-banding."

12.) Stay close to each other in the group through intersections and traffic lights, so that the group doesn't get cut in two. If there are outriders controlling traffic at an intersection, DO NOT stop unless directed to by the outrider.

13.) When leading a group, especially at traffic at intersections, always make sure that ALL riders in the group can make it through the intersection before pulling out, If, for any reason, all riders can't make it, pull over at the first available SAFE place to regroup.

14.) The Inland Empire Chapter does not use outriders at anytime!

THESE ARE THE RIDING PROCEDURES THAT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OUR GROUP FOR THE PURPOSE OF SAFETY OF ALL PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN A RIDE WITH OUR CHAPTER.

Back to the Top

MOTORCYCLE HAND SIGNALS

Most of the signs below have been taken from "Motorcycle Sign Language" by Blane Kemp, University Editions, Inc., 59 Oak Lane, Spring Valley, Huntington, West Virginia 25704. The following signs are used with our chapter when group riding:

(* means some as sign language for the deaf and ** means similar to.)

	START ENGINES Signal usually from the Road Captain or Assistant Road Captains to start engines.
	SLOW DOWN The hand is in a flat and horizontal position with the palm down. Move the hand up and down with about six (6) inches of range.
	HAZARD IN THE ROADWAY This is a very important sign. It is made by pointing down to the ground in quick movements.
	STOP, SLOW IMMEDIATELY The hand is flat with the palm facing to the rear. The fingers are pointing down. The hand is parallel to your body at about seat height.
	SINGLE FILE FORMATION This signal is given by the Road Captain to indicate single file formation. Single file should be maintained until the sign for double up formation is given. Signs should be passed from front of the group to the back.
	U-TURN, TURN AROUND Trace a U in the air with the hand in a pointing position aiming up. At the end of the U rescind the pointer. The thumb then comes out aiming behind you.
	PHONE * The hand is held up to the side of the head with the thumb and little finger out. The little finger is positioned by the mouth and the thumb is by the ear.
	YES, OK, IN AGREEMENT The thumb is up with the arm extended toward the subject or up and down nodding of the head.
	NEED, WANT The hand comes in to the body in a claw position. The palm is up with about twelve (12) inches of range.**
	UNDERSTAND Point to your forehead.**
	DON'T KNOW The hand is in a fist out to the side with the palm up. It moves about six (6) inches and opens up as moving up. (may hunch shoulders)

Back to the Top

U.S. Helmet Laws

As of July 1997
Please contact the
Motorcycle Industry Council
at (714) 727-4211 for
additional information.

Except as noted below, all states except Colorado, Illinois and Iowa require helmets to be worn at all times when operating a motorcycle. This includes the District of Columbia. The following are conditions or exceptions of that requirement for the states listed.

ALASKA	9	ARIZONA	4	ARKANSAS	6
CONNECTICUT	4	DELAWARE	1, 7	HAWAII	1, 4
IDAHO	4	INDIANA	4, 11	KANSAS	4
MAINE	3	MARYLAND	1	MINNESOTA	4, 11
MONTANA	4	NEW HAMPSHIRE	4	NEW JERSEY	1
NEW MEXICO	1, 4	NORTH DAKOTA	1, 4	OHIO	4, 8
OKLAHOMA	4	RHODE ISLAND	5	SOUTH CAROLINA	1, 6
SOUTH DAKOTA	4	TEXAS	10	UTAH	4
VERMONT	1	WISCONSIN	4, 11	WYOMING	4

Legend:
1.    Reflectorization.
2.    Where speeds exceed 35 MPH.
3.    With learner's permit; for 1 year after obtaining license; & passenger under 15 years.
4.    Under 18 years.
5.    Operators under 21 years; for 1 year after obtaining license; & for all passengers.
6.    Under 21 years.
7.    Possession by all; wear under 19 years; & by instruction permit holders.
8.    Novice license holders.
9.    Operators under 18 years and all passengers.
10. Except for 21 years and over with rider ed or with health insurance with $10,000 medical benefits for motorcycle-related injuries.
11. Instructional permit holders.

This information is from the Motorcycle Industry Council and is based on the most authoritative sources as of the date shown above. The MIC assumes no responsibility for accuracy or completeness.

Back to the Top

New Rider Course

RIDER'S EDGE

New Rider Course

Never ridden before? The New Rider Course is designed to make you comfortable on a bike and give you the skills needed to ride with confidence.

Course Overview:

Offered at select H-D® dealers, the New Rider Course provides you with 25 hours of expert guidance from Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) and H-D® Certified Instructors.

In the classroom, you'll get to know the motorcycle you'll be riding and learn the basics of rider safety skills.
On the practice range, you'll learn braking and turning along with maneuvers like controlling skids and surmounting obstacles.

Getting Your License:

When you finish the course, you'll get a MSF Basic RiderCourse Completion Card. Depending on your individual state this card may exempt you from having to take the riding portion of your motorcycle license test.
The card may also score you a discount on motorcycle insurance. Ask your H-D® dealer and insurance provider for details.

What You Will Need:

For the New Rider Course, you'll need a valid automobile driver's license or learners permit, and have the ability to ride a bicycle.

For the riding portion, the H-D® dealer will provide you with a motorcycle suited for the course. You'll have to bring:

A heavy, long -sleeve shirt or jacket
Jeans, chaps or leather pants
Over-the -ankle sturdy footwear
Full-fingered gloves
A helmet that meets DOT requirements
Eyewear

Price:

The H-D® dealer where you sign up for the course will determine the exact cost and schedule.

But here's the general idea:

Price ranges from $ 195 - $ 350
Course is typically scheduled over 5 days
Attendance is mandatory for each session

Back to the Top

Skilled Rider Course

The Skilled Rider Course runs 1-2 days entirely on a practice range. Built on the curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) Experienced Rider Course Suite, it's taught by devoted MSF and H-D® Certified Instructors.

The course focuses on improving these skills:

Control at low speeds
Risk management
Limited space maneuvers
Cornering judgment
Swerving and stopping quickly on straights and in curves
Multiple curve maneuvers and surmounting objects

When you're done, you'll earn a Skilled Rider Course pin and patch set, and a MSF Experienced Rider Course completion card that may qualify you for a discount on motorcycle insurance.

What You Will Need:

A street-ready motorcycle (your own or rental)
Motorcycle endorsement, permit or license (check with the H-D dealer for details)
Proof of valid motorcycle insurance

For comfort and protection on the practice course, please bring:

A heavy, long-sleeve shirt or jacket
Jeans, chaps or leather pants
Over-the-ankle, sturdy footwear
Full fingered gloves
A helmet that meets DOT requirements
Eyewear
The dealer where you sign up for the course will determine the exact cost and schedule

Back to the Top