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The Oz HOG ride rules are prepared by experienced members of the club and are developed in the interest of SAFETY. It is essential that all riders abide by them.  They assist you to enjoy the ride and ensure that as a club we conduct the ride in accordance with the road laws and avoid disruption to other road users and members of the public. 

It is the responsibility of ALL club members to remain constantly aware of the prevailing club ride rules and to have personally familiarised themselves with the ride route detailed in the club newsletter prior to attending any ride. RIDER SAFETY IS OUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY

THE PRINCIPLE RIDE RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

·   Ensure your bike is mechanically ready for the ride. Any problems put your safety at risk and will inconvenience others. Get any problems you may be having sorted before the ride.

·   Conduct your own bike safety check before departure from home.  Check oils, brakes, belt tension, lights, turn signals, tyre tread depth, tyre pressures & personal rider equipment. Fill up with fuel before arrival at the ride meeting point.

·   Parking on the footpath is a privilege. Please ensure that your bike is always parked safely, close to or adjacent to the kerb, not obstructing pedestrians on the footpath or entry into any premises.

·   New riders should contact the New Member Liaison and arrange to meet not later than 30 minutes prior to the departure time to attend a new rider briefing & club introduction.

·   The ride is conducted under the control of the Road Captain, the nominated marshals & Out-rider team.  Never overtake the Road Captain.

·   On highways or major roads always ride in staggered formation, follow & pass on hand signals to denote the formation nominated by the Road Captain.

·   The ride Marshals or Out-riders will from time to time leave the formation to patrol the ride or provide direction at major intersections. Do not follow them or fill their spot, as they will re-join the formation after they complete their allocated tasks.

·   As the ride forms up or if a rider pulls out of their position en-route ride up in your line to fill the gap, not across.

·   Use head checks, turn signals & where appropriate hand signals to provide warnings of change of direction or hazardous road conditions.

·   Maintain a safe ride distance from the bike in front of you in your lane in the stagger, based on two (2) seconds for dry conditions and extend this space to three or four (3/4) seconds if wet.

      Note: This timing is gauged by selecting a fixed point the bike in front of you is passing and counting in thousands the time it takes you to arrive at the same point.  Get into the habit of regularly checking this timing.  Safe riding in any formation requires continual concentration!

·   If the ride enters a narrow or windy road the road captain will hold up one finger to signal adjustment to single file. Allow space for varying rider skills and to give yourself space to select your own ride line.

·   Riders must only occupy one lane and always keep to the left of dual-lane highways unless overtaking. (Centre lane to be used on three lane highways).

·   Watch your mirrors at all times in case traffic lights or other obstructions split the ride group.  Do not panic, the Road Captain will slow the lead group and the last rider of the lead group should slow to keep both groups in sight in case they make a turn.  The lead rider of the split group should progressively bring the remainder of the pack back in touch with the lead group.

·   If you have the need to stop during the ride and do not need assistance, wave the following riders on and ensure that you are well off the road when you stop.

·   If you do require assistance indicate to the Tail-End Charlie by raising your hand in the air and he/she will stop to assist.

·   Riders who intend to break away early from the ride home to take an alternative route should advise the Road Captain and ensure that they are positioned at the rear of the group immediately in front of the Tail-End Charlie.

·   Riders in doubt about any aspect of the ride should ask the Road Captain or an appointed road marshal for assistance. Confusion is a serious breech of safety.

Our mutual objective as Oz HOG members is to ride SAFELY and have fun. These guidelines are produced in the interest of safety and must be adhered to by all riders when participating in all official HOG events .