ROAD CAPTAIN MANUAL
By: Paul Daak
Copyright 2011 Paul Daak
Smashwords Edition
This free ebook may be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared for non-commercial purposes, provided it appears in its entirety without alteration, and the reader is not charged to access it.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that the author has no knowledge of, or control over, your actual riding conditions or the traffic laws in your area. Nor does the author have any knowledge of, or control over, the skill level of the participants in your riding group. Therefore the author assumes no liability for the outcome, or for any accidents or mishaps that may occur during any rides you participate in.
This book is only a guide. Lawful conduct and common sense must be applied while operating any motor vehicle. You are solely responsible for your action.
Introduction
As members of our organization our goal is to "ride and have fun" with our fellow members. But we also want to be safe during our rides. In order to accomplish our goals we need to be organized and have appropriate and qualified leadership. For this leadership we will rely on our Road Captains.
Being a member of the Road Captain team is one of the most important jobs in our organization. There are many responsibilities associated with the job. This manual is provided to anyone interested in learning about and participating as a team member. It will cover the duties and qualifications necessary for participation.
Table of Contents
- Objectives
- Head Road Captain
- Team Member Positions
- Road Captain
- Assistant Road Captain
- Sweep Road Captain
- Ride Meeting Place and Time
- Pre-Ride Briefing
- Hand Signals
- Basic Motorcycle Hand Signals
- Riding Formations - Two Up
- Riding Formations - Staggered
- Riding Formations - Single File
- Traffic Lanes
- Lane Changes
- Split Riding Groups
- Passing
- Emergency Stop
- Emergency Supplies
- Rider Responsibilities
- Vehicle Accident
Objectives
As a member of the Road Captain team you will share the following responsibilities for the duration of each ride that you help lead.
+ Providing a safe and enjoyable ride for all riders in the group
+ Mentor less experienced riders through education and training
+ Promote a safe relationship between the group and all other motorists on the road
+ Ensure compliance with all traffic laws
+ Lead the group to its destination in an organized and disciplined manner
+ Provide assistance to other members of the group as needed for mechanical break down or first aid
+ Demonstrate maturity with a "lead by example" attitude
Head Road Captain
The Head Road Captain is an elected position filled by a majority vote of the organization's members. This position is not necessarily the lead rider in the group rides. The primary responsibilities are:
+ Maintain communication with the Activities Officer and assist in coordinating group events
+ Assist in planning the routes for group rides
+ Organize the Road Captain volunteer team
+ Conduct periodic team meetings as needed
+ Provide training to team members as needed
+ Ensure team members are properly equipped to lead rides
+ Provide training to group members who desire to join the Road Captain team
Team Member Positions
Road Captain team members are selected by the Head Road Captain and approved by the primary officers of the organization. There are three basic positions in the team and each has its own set of responsibilities. Each team member must be able to accept any of the positions as needed for the rides they participate in. These positions are:
+ Road Captain
+ Assistant Road Captain
+ Sweep Road Captain
Road Captain
Different Road Captains will be assigned by the Head Road Captain to lead rides based on their availability and knowledge of the route. The primary responsibilities are:
+ Preplan the route for each assigned ride including gas and rest stops along the way
+ Provide a detailed route plan to the Assistant and Sweep Road Captains
+ Carry cell phone, basic tools, and first aid kit
+ Conduct a pre-ride briefing for all riders
+ Ensure all ride participants sign in on the attendance sheet (this task may be assigned to another team member)
+ May assign ride positions as needed for less experienced riders
+ May refuse participation to riders who are impaired, unruly, unequipped for the ride, riding an unsafe motorcycle, non-members refusing to sign the waiver, or for any unsafe activity
+ Lead the group in a safe, lawful, and organized manner
+ In charge of the group until reaching the final destination
+ Ensure the safety of the group at all times during the ride
Assistant Road Captain
Assistant Road Captains are essentially the same as Road Captains. In large groups there should be multiple Assistant Road Captains. They are positioned appropriately throughout the group during rides. The primary responsibilities are:
+ Assist the Road Captain as needed and assigned
+ Know the route and be familiar with road conditions
+ Carry cell phone, basic tools, and first aid kit
+ Be observant and inform the Road Captain of circumstances that could affect the safety and outcome of the ride
+ Take over as Road Captain in the event he/she becomes unable to continue
+ Take over as Road Captain in the event the group gets split in traffic and until able to rejoin as a group
+ May leave the group to assist a rider with emergency needs such as mechanical break down, injury, or illness
Sweep Road Captain
The Sweep Road Captain is the last rider in the group during rides. In large groups there could be more than one Sweep Road Captain. The primary responsibilities are:
+ Assist the Road Captain as needed and assigned
+ Know the route and be familiar with road conditions
+ Carry cell phone, basic tools, and first aid kit
+ Be observant and inform the Road Captain of circumstances that could affect the safety and outcome of the ride
+ Assist the Road Captain by clearing the lane for lane changes
+ Take over as Road Captain in the event the group gets split in traffic and until able to rejoin as a group
+ May leave the group to assist a rider with emergency needs such as mechanical break down, injury, or illness
Ride Meeting Place and Time
It is the responsibility of the Activities Director to schedule all group rides. The meeting time and place will be determined and announced to the organization's membership before each ride. The Road Captain team members assigned for that ride will meet at that location 30 minutes prior to departure. During this time they will:
+ Review the ride route with each other
+ Receive ride position assignments from the Road Captain
+ Greet ride participants as they arrive
+ Distribute ride route instruction sheets to riders as needed
+ Circulate the attendance sheet for riders to sign in
+ The Road Captain will conduct the pre-ride briefing
Pre-Ride Briefing
A few minutes prior to departure of each ride the Road Captain will conduct a briefing for all riders in the group. This task may be assigned to any of the Assistant or Sweep Road Captains. The objective of the meeting is to:
+ Introduce the Road Captain team to the group
+ Review the ride route
+ Provide information about gas and rest stops along the way
+ Discuss expected hazardous road conditions
+ Discuss expected traffic conditions
+ Discuss expected weather conditions
+ Give preliminary instructions for roadway emergencies such as break down or rider illness
+ Review riding formations
+ Review and stress the use of basic hand signals
+ Assign rider positions as needed
Hand Signals
Hand signals are used for the safety of the riders in the group and, in many instances, to alert other motorists of the group's intent to move about in traffic. Proper electric turn signals are to be used in conjunction with hand signals when it is appropriate to do so. The signals should be given in a timely manner, not so early that they are meaningless, and not so late that they are no longer necessary.
Hand signals are generally initiated by the Road Captain and then subsequently passed back by all other riders in the group. They are to be used by all riders in the group unless giving a signal becomes dangerous for the rider. The Road Captain will be observing the other riders in the group to see that the signals are being passed back. Upon seeing the signals continue he/she may resume two-handed riding.
If a road hazard exists and the Road Captain fails to point it out by giving the appropriate signal, all other riders may (and should) give the appropriate signal for the safety of the riders behind.
Riding Formations
Different conditions require different group riding formations. In our organization we use the following three basic riding formations.
Two Up
When staging for departure the riders should form a double line. This two up formation may not be possible at all times if there are any trikes in the group. Trikes, motorcycles with sidecars, and other three-wheel vehicles should assume the center of the lane alone. Upon departure the two up formation can be maintained until the group speed reaches about 30 mph.
Riders should always maintain at least a two-second spacing behind the rider directly in front of them.
Two up formation is useful in keeping the group together through signal-controlled intersections in city traffic.
Staggered
When the speed of the group reaches about 30 mph the riders should automatically transition into a staggered formation. If the speed is likely to continue at a higher rate the Road Captain may elect to give the hand signal for staggered formation.
Staggered formation is the standard formation for most general group riding. It gives riders the best view of the road ahead as well as the riders in front of them. All riders should refrain from pulling along side another rider at the higher speeds because it would restrict the ability to swerve as needed to avoid road hazards.
The Road Captain, being the lead rider, should assume the left side of the lane. Rider number two should assume the right side of the lane about one second behind the lead rider. The number three rider should be in the left side of the lane about two seconds behind the lead rider. The number four rider should be in the right side of the lane about two seconds behind the number two rider.
This "odd to the left" and "even to the right" pattern should continue to the last rider of the group. As the group speed increases so does the spacing between the riders.
Single File
From time to time the group may encounter roadway or traffic conditions that make it difficult or dangerous to maintain a two up or staggered formation. Narrow winding roads and construction can make it necessary to ride single file.
That does not mean that all riders must stay in the middle of the lane. Single file riding means that the entire lane is yours to ride left, center, or right, as you need for safe maneuvering.
When transitioning into single file formation riders may need to momentarily slow down in order to maintain the two-second spacing between them selves. When transitioning back into staggered or two up formation they may need to progressively speed up to re-establish the two-second spacing.
All riders should follow these common sense guidelines for riding formations unless otherwise directed, by use of appropriate hand signals, from the Road Captain.
Traffic Lanes
As mush as possible the group will occupy a single lane of traffic. The Road Captain will select the appropriate lane based on multiple factors. Some of the factors are:
+ Traffic congestion
+ Direction from a traffic officer or flagman
+ Merging lanes
+ Roadway conditions
+ Entering or exiting highways
In normal highway riding, with three or more lanes of traffic in one direction, it is usually best to avoid the far right lane and the far left lane. In the far right lane you will likely have to contend with other vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. In the far left lane you may find that you are blocking vehicles traveling at higher speeds. Remember that we always adhere to the legal posted speed limit in our group rides.
Lane Changes
The Road Captain will decide when it is necessary to change lanes. Lane changes should be executed well in advance of when they are needed. Frequent and sudden lane changes should be avoided as much as possible.
Lane changes should be initiated by the appropriate hand signal from the Road Captain in conjunction with the proper electric turn signal on his/her motorcycle. All other riders should give the same signals as soon as they can do so safely.
In Ideal Conditions
Upon seeing the signals for the lane change the Sweep Road Captain should give the same signals and then, as soon as it is safe to do so, clear the target lane by moving into the center of that lane. The intent of this maneuver is to prevent other motorists from blocking the other riders' ability to change lanes.
When safe to do so all other riders should make the same lane change and resume their positions within the group. Once the group has completed the lane change the Sweep Road Captain will resume the appropriate position in the lane.
In Less Than Ideal Conditions
If there are several riders in the group, or if traffic is somewhat congested, it may not be possible or practical for the entire group to stay together when changing lanes. Keep in mind that at highway speeds 15 motorcycles will occupy at least 1/4 mile of roadway. It might be necessary for some riders to change lanes in front of another vehicle while others go behind.
In some traffic situations it is not practical for the Road Captain to wait for the Sweep Road Captain to clear the lane before initiating a lane change. In such cases the Road Captain should give the appropriate signals and then begin changing lanes when safe to do so. All other riders should then follow the Road Captain as soon as it is safe to proceed.
Split Riding Groups
It is possible, and very likely, that at some point during a ride the group will become split into two or more smaller groups. Traffic control signals other merging vehicles contribute to being split up. And this is more likely to occur if the group is larger than smaller, but can also happen to groups of only two or three riders. It is important not to get upset or frustrated when this happens. And it is not necessary to split lanes or make any dangerous or unlawful maneuvers in order to catch up or avoid being split. The Assistant and Sweep Road Captains will be there to take the lead until the groups can rejoin into one.
The Lead Road Captain may, if and when safe and legal to do so, direct his or her group to slow down or pull over and stop, allowing the trailing group(s) to catch up.
If the group consists of many riders it is practical to divide it into two or more smaller groups at the beginning of the ride. Each group will depart at a different time, a few minutes apart, with its own Road Captain team. Smaller groups are easier to lead and to keep together on the road.
Passing
From time to time it may become necessary to move into the lane of opposing traffic in order to pass a slow moving vehicle or to avoid road hazards. This is a maneuver that would obviously be initiated on a road with a single lane in the group's direction of travel. It is vital that passing only be done where it is legal and when safe to do so.
When the Road Captain determines it is legal and there is sufficient room for the group to safely pass, he/she will indicate the intent to pass by the use of appropriate hand and electric turn signals. He/she will then move into the lane of opposing traffic and accelerate past the slower traffic. He/she will continue in the opposing lane, as long as it is safe to do so, thus making room for the subsequent riders to pass and then move back into their lane.
As each rider passes and moves back into their lane they should continue their accelerated speed leaving room for riders behind them to pass and move in. The Road Captain will then move back into the proper lane.
If there are numerous motorcycles in the group the passing maneuver should be done in groups lead by the Assistant Road Captains.
Moving into the lane of opposing traffic to pass slower vehicles can be very dangerous and should be done only when necessary. In many cases it would be better to travel at a slightly slower speed to maintain safety and to keep the group together. Arriving at the destination a few minutes late is better than not showing up at all.
Emergency Stop
In the event a member of the group needs to make an emergency stop for break down or illness, the Assistant Road Captain behind that rider or the Sweep Road Captain will pull over to provide assistance. All other riders will maintain their position in the group. The Road Captain will lead the group to a safe location and wait for contact from the distressed rider. If the distressed rider needs additional assistance, other riders can be sent back as needed. Once the situation has been stabilized the distressed rider may rejoin the group.
Emergency Supplies
Each member of the Road Captain team should carry basic emergency supplies. Among them is a cell phone.
While Road Captain team members are not medical doctors, they should have a basic first aid kit with the following supplies.
+ Assorted adhesive bandages
+ Assorted gauze pads
+ Antibacterial spray or ointment
+ Gauze rolls
+ Non-allergenic tape
+ Scissors
Each rider is responsible for his/her own motorcycle. But in times of need, Road Captain team members should be able to assist with emergency repairs by having the following items available for use.
+ Electrical tape
+ Zip ties
+ Hex & Torx wrenches
+ Tire pressure gauge
+ Flat head screwdriver
+ Philips screwdriver
+ Pliers & wire cutter
+ Adjustable wrench
+ Small flashlight
Optional Additional Items
+ Reflective safety vest
+ Road reflectors
+ Work gloves
+ Kickstand pad
Rider Responsibilities
Road Captain team members should lead by example and meet the responsibilities expected of all other riders. Every rider should:
+ Maintain their motorcycle in good operating condition
+ Maintain a valid M-1 license endorsement
+ Maintain proof of adequate liability insurance
+ Know and adhere to all of the organization's riding procedures
+ Wear all legally required safety equipment
+ Be able to dress up or down according to possible changes in the weather
+ Show up for each ride with a full tank of gas
+ Be mentally alert and not impaired by drugs and/or alcohol
+ Be familiar with the route
+ Listen to and follow the instructions of the Road Captain
Every participant in our group rides, rider or passenger, member or non-member, has the obligation to be polite and act responsibly at all times. Anyone who disrupts the ride or becomes unruly may be asked to leave the group and ride on their own.
Any participant in our group rides, rider or passenger, member or non-member, who becomes intoxicated or otherwise impaired during the ride will not be allowed to continue riding with the group.
Misconduct during a ride shall be reported to the primary officers of our organization who will subsequently take appropriate action as prescribed by the organization by-laws.
Vehicle Accident
In the event of an accident on the road, involving a member of our group or anyone else, we want to do everything we can to provide aid to the victim(s) and assist emergency personnel prior to their arrival. In order to do this effectively and efficiently it is necessary to approach this mission with organization and training.
There are several things that need to be addressed at the onset of an accident or when you first arrive upon it. Assuming the Road Captain is not involved in the accident, he/she will take the responsibility of coordinating our group by assigning tasks to appropriate individuals. If the Road Captain is not able to function as the coordinator the responsibility will go to the Safety Officer. If the Safety Officer is not able to function as the coordinator the responsibility will go to the first Assistant Road Captain and then down the line from there.
In as much as possible, it is intended that the tasks listed below be assigned to teams and not to individuals. Though the tasks need to be tended to simultaneously, if manpower is limited, the coordinator may (and should) elect to prioritize them in the order listed.
1. Protect the Scene
+ Make the scene safe for you and everyone else present. This may include preventing or extinguishing a fire.
+ Place vehicles that are not involved in the accident in a position that stops or diverts traffic around the accident scene. Leave the involved vehicles and other wreckage where they are.
+ Protect the persons involved, particularly the injured victims.
+ Warn oncoming traffic of the accident ahead. (Especially important on blind curves)
+ Protect the scene. Skid marks, debris on the roadway, broken vehicle parts, etc. are all important evidence for accident investigators. Do not move objects unless necessary for safety.
2. Call 911
+ Notify authorities of the location and nature of the accident. It might be necessary to relocate to a different area to obtain cell phone reception.
+ Speak calmly and clearly. Your call will not be effective if your speech cannot be understood.
+ Relay information between the 911 operator and the person in charge.
+ If possible stay on the line - do not hang up.
+ Be ready to recall 911 if needed.
3. Triage
+ A - B - C [Airway - Breathing - Circulation (blood flow)]
+ Determine the extent of the injuries of the victims.
+ Do not move the victims unless necessary for safety.
+ Determine which victims need care in which order.
+ Do not waste time tending to victims if they are obviously dead.
4. Tend to the Victims
+ Administer first-aid. Follow the direction of the person assigned to triage.
+ Administer CPR if needed.
+ Control bleeding if needed.
+ Do not remove a helmet unless absolutely necessary.
+ Provide comfort to those who are not injured or need minimal first-aid.
5. Assist Emergency Personnel
+ Continue your assigned task until relieved by emergency personnel.
+ Take on another responsibility if assigned by emergency personnel.
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