Group rides the UK way: the drop-off system explained

How it works

How does the drop-off system work?

Also called the second-man or marker system, it is the method IAM RoadSmart sets out for its groups’ ride-outs. It replaces two habits IAM RoadSmart says groups should avoid: riding in a tight convoy and stopping on the road to regroup.

The payoff: every rider rides at their own pace without the risk of getting lost, even with no mobile signal, and nobody speeds to catch up.

Sources IAM RoadSmart: group organised rides manual (PDF)

• 1. Approaching a change of direction, the leader signals to the rider behind to stop.
• 2. That rider pulls over past the junction, somewhere visible, safe and legal, and points the way.
• 3. The rest of the group follows the marker’s direction without stopping.
• 4. The back marker slows on approach; the marker pulls out just ahead of them.
• 5. Whoever is now behind the leader marks the next junction.

Default rule: at a junction with no marker, carry straight on. At roundabouts the exit is always marked, so if you cannot see the marker on the approach, be ready to go round again.

Who does what

What do the leader, markers and back marker do?

IAM RoadSmart asks that every rider knows who the leader and back marker are and how to recognise them on the road. A distinctive jacket or bike helps markers avoid pulling out too early.

Sources IAM RoadSmart: leader and tail-end rider principles (PDF)

Marking a junction

Where should a marker stop, and where not?

The marker decides, with one rule from IAM RoadSmart’s manual: never compromise your safety, or anyone else’s, by stopping in a dangerous place. Getting lost is better. Stay on the bike, ready to move off, until the back marker arrives; if they never appear, do not move, because someone will come back for you.

The Highway Code says you must not leave a vehicle in a dangerous position or where it causes unnecessary obstruction, and tells you not to stop within 10 metres of a junction, on a bend, near the brow of a hill or at a bus stop. That usually means marking on the exit road, a little way past the junction.

Sources IAM RoadSmart: when you are the marker (PDF) Highway Code, rules 242 and 243

• Do: stop past the junction, on the exit the group should take, where following riders see you early.
• Do: stay in the saddle and point clearly.
• Don’t: stop in the junction itself, on a bend or just over a crest.
• Don’t: wave other traffic on. A marker guides the group, not the traffic.
• If riders from the group take a wrong turn, don’t chase them: wait for the back marker and tell them.

Lost the group?

What should I do if I miss a marker or get lost?

Arriving at a junction with no marker, where the route is not straight on, usually means a wrong turn. IAM RoadSmart’s manual says to ride back to the last place you saw a marker, where the back marker may be waiting. They wait 10 minutes, then carry on along the route so as not to hold up the ride.

Plan for it at the briefing: a rendezvous point and time, and the leader’s and back marker’s mobile numbers in every phone. Group positions help too: with Premium, MotoLert, coming soon to iPhone, will show the group’s positions on the map, refreshed every few seconds. They need an account and a mobile signal; the drop-off rules work everywhere.

Sources IAM RoadSmart: if you get lost (PDF)

Before you set off

What should a drop-off briefing cover?

Five minutes is enough. DVSA suggests that a group should ideally be no more than five riders; IAM RoadSmart says large groups disrupt traffic and should be split, and plans no more than 90 minutes on the road between breaks.

Explore this topic How to organise a group motorcycle ride

Sources IAM RoadSmart: the briefing (PDF) DVSA: riding a motorcycle in groups

• Everyone is responsible for their own safety and for riding within the law.
• How the drop-off works, and the leader’s signal for the next marker.
• Who the leader and back marker are, and how to spot them.
• How many bikes are in the group, so markers can count them through.
• Rest stops, fuel stops and the final destination; plan fuel around the smallest tank.
• If separated: a rendezvous point and time, plus the leader’s and back marker’s numbers.
• Anyone leaving early tells the leader or back marker.
• Any hand signals the group will use.

On the road

Staggered or single file, and how big a gap?

IAM RoadSmart recommends a staggered formation on the open road when you are near other riders from the group. DVSA describes it as one rider in the right-hand third of the lane and the next in the left-hand third, never side by side. On national speed limit roads, or twisty roads with limited visibility, DVSA says to ride in single file.

On faster roads, the Highway Code asks for at least a two-second gap to the vehicle in front, at least doubled on wet roads. When overtaking, never assume you can follow the bike ahead past: there may only be room for one.

Sources DVSA: staggered formation and single file Highway Code, rule 126 Highway Code, rule 163

Signals

Which signals should a UK group use?

The Highway Code sets three arm signals, for when indicators are not used or to reinforce them: moving in or turning left, moving out or turning right, and slowing down or stopping. They should not be used for anything else, and signalling never gives you priority.

Group signals for fuel, a hazard or a comfort stop are a club convention, not a legal code: DVSA recommends agreeing them at the briefing. Keep them few and pass each one back down the line. When filtering, rule 88 asks motorcyclists to take care and keep their speed low.

Sources Highway Code: signals to other road users Highway Code, rule 88 DVSA: agreeing hand signals

Paperwork

Do I need to tell the police about a group ride?

Usually not. In England and Wales, section 11 of the Public Order Act 1986 requires written notice to the police, at least six clear days ahead, for a public procession held to support or oppose someone’s views, publicise a cause or campaign, or mark or commemorate an event. A charity run or memorial ride can fall into that list.

Scotland has its own rule: written notice to the local council and the police at least 28 days before any procession in public. If your ride could count as a procession, check with the police force where it starts.

Sources Public Order Act 1986, section 11 Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, section 62