(This article is in response to some questions asked prior to the Road Safety Forum held in Armidale during the 2025 National Rally)

Motorcycling is a pastime that many of us take up for a whole host of reasons. Riding can be done in a solo environment or riding with a group. Group riding does place us in potentially dangerous situations where we must not only consider our own safety but be aware that poor decisions on our part may place others at risk.

Let us deal with some facts surrounding motorcycling. We are more than 30 times more likely to be fatally injured in a crash than if we had the same crash in a car. We are 41 times more likely to be seriously injured in a crash than if we had the same crash in a car. So, what advantages do we have?

SPACE - a motorcycle takes up far less lateral space than any other vehicle short of a bicycle. We also need to be conscious of space behind us and of course in front. Contrary to popular belief a car will easily out brake a motorcycle and can corner faster as well. So, novice motorcyclists and advanced riders utilise positioning on the road to not only create space from a hazard but provide increased vision, so that they are in a position to manage risk earlier than others.

For those that have not had the benefit of recent training. We talk about 3 lateral positions in our lane. Left position is the same space used by a car’s passenger side wheels, the Middle position is the centre of our lane and the Right position is the same position as the driver’s side wheels of a car on the same piece of road.

Watch the attached video and you will see how easily a motorcycle is hidden on the road.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_kpL4f4MXI So proper positioning on the road makes us more easily seen as well as giving us a better view of what is going on around us.

So, there are basically two forms of group riding. A group can ride in staggered formation or single file. Those that favour staggered formation often quote that it is safer! Allegedly riders get a better view forward. They ride closer together although not in line. Lead rider near the right position of the lane, second rider near the left position of the lane and it continues on. The vast majority of staggered ride formations I have seen put the rider 2 one second behind rider 1 which means rider 3 is actually two seconds back from rider 1. FAR TOO CLOSE!!

Single file on the other hand allows each rider to position him/herself for best vision, to see and be seen. However, SAFETY must always be the priority, so he/she can create a buffer from hazards. For example, rider 1 observes a car coming towards them, as it approaches, they buffer it and move from the right position to the left position to create as much space as possible from the hazard (car). After the car passes each rider they move back to the right position.

Why the right position? It gives the rider a great view along the road and behind. It makes the motorcycle easier to be seen by vehicles on side streets. However, we do not want to stay there if there are vehicles approaching. We need to use our advantage, move away from things that are potentially dangerous.

Riding in single file with a three second gap to the rider in front provides substantial view to the front, remember a motorcycle takes little space on the road. Allows the rider to position on the road, in either the right, centre or left positions, so they can enter a corner wide and finish tight, negotiate a crest safely etc etc. It gives a better view, allows them to manage risk earlier.

Riding in staggered formation puts the riders near the centre line at risk in some circumstances and the riders near the kerb much harder to be seen or for that matter for the rider to see that car waiting on the side road, the child running onto the road etc. The only time it is probably acceptable to form a group into staggered formation is approaching and stopping at traffic lights to enable the whole group to get through a change of traffic lights.

Remember when riding we need to manage risk. Staying in one position on the road and restricting our view is not managing risk. If some of these concepts seem strange or even alien to you, maybe it is time to consider some advanced training.

Remember safe riding doesn’t happen by accident!

Terry McCarthy #40625, 

Ulysses Road Safety Committee – Tasmania Representative.