Road Safety Rules
The following is a list of rules created by the BCMC road captains and the safety committee. The rules pertain to all sponsored Blue Comet rides and events.
1. Road Captains are in charge of rides and safety. They will ride in front and back of the group.
2. All riders will ride in staggered formation, two seconds minimum spacing. Also keep up with the bike in front you. (Don't Lag back)
3. All rides will be conducted at a safe speed.
4. The group will stay together at all times. If you have to leave the group, notify the lead road captain.
5. All riders will have their headlights on low beam during the ride: helmets and eye protection must be worn.
6. Hand signals will be designated by the road captains and used when turning, passing. or pointing out objects in the road etc.
7. When passing, stay in riding-order, one after another.
8. The group will stop approximately every 60 miles for gas and other needs.
9. When stopping to park bikes, try to keep them together. If there is space to park, fill it - don't leave gaps. Cars may attempt to pull in and hit your bike.
10. If a rider pulls over, the group will continue to keep going and the back road captain will pull over to assist. (The group will pull over at the next safe place.)
11. When passing, the lead road captain will signal that the group is going to pass and then the back roadcaptain will pull into the passing lane, prior to the group, to slow down and prevent any vehicles from coming up on the group. The group will then be able to start passing. After the front road captain pulls out to pass, the group will then follow him.
12. If the group becomes separated by a stop sigh, traffic light etc. we will re-group at a "safe" location down the road.
13. All riders will be given specific instructions and directions on the route and destinations that the group is going, prior to departing.
14. All motorcycles are required to have current inspection, tags and insurance for all club events.
15. At the start of the ride, make sure your tank is full and your bladder is empty.
How Fast & How Far
When traveling down the road at 60mph did you know you are moving at 88 feet/second ?
When traveling in a group - keep your distance. Maintain close ranks but at the same time keep a safe distance to allow each rider in the group time and space to react to hazards. A close group takes up less space on the highway, is easier to see and is less likely to be seperated, however it must be done safely.
Don’t Pair Up. Never operate directly alongside another rider. There is no place to go if to avoid hazards.
Staggered Formation - The leader rides in the left side of the lane, while the second rider stays one second behind in the right side of the lane. The third rider maintains in the left position, two seconds behind the first rider. The forth rider would keep a two second distance behind the second rider. This formation keeps the group close and permits each rider a safe distance from others ahead behind and to the sides.
The distance of separation is determined by your speed.
Below is a chart of distance you travel in ONE second. This is the distance from the rider traveling next to you.
Therefore you can determine you safety distance when traveling in a group. The average car length is 15 feet, therefore the chart breaks down the speed to car lengths.
20 MPH = 29 feet/second = 2 car lengths
30 MPH = 44 feet/second = 3 car lengths
40 MPH = 58 feet/second = 4 car lengths
50 MPH = 73 feet/second = 5 car lengths
60 MPH = 88 feet/second = 6 car lengths
70 MPH =102feet/second = 7 car lengths
General Rule: Maintain One car length for every 10 mph of speed
