Page 8 - Operating a motorcycle
P. 8
pter 2 Handling a Motorcycle on the Road
Zigzag formation
The zigzag1 formation is the term used to refer to a specific layout
of a group of motorcyclists riding in one traffic lane (see illustration).
The safest and most responsible way to travel safely in a group is in
a zigzag formation.
How do you travel in a zigzag formation?
1. The odd-numbered motorcyclists travel in the left third of the
lane and maintain a two-second safety margin between bikes.
2. The even-numbered motorcyclists travel in the right third of the
lane and also maintain a two-second safety margin between bikes.
3 1
2 seconds
4 2
2 seconds
Position, role and responsibilities
Each motorcyclist in the group has a specific role to play and specific
responsibilities, depending on where he or she is positioned within the
formation. These responsibilities may vary depending on the group,
and each member is given his or her own role to fulfill.2 Before riding
in a group, you must clearly define each rider’s role and responsibilities
and the procedure to follow when passing. During the ride, increase
the safety margins between bikes if driving conditions so require (poor
weather, traffic, bad road surface conditions, etc.).
1. Under section 483 of the Highway Safety Code, drivers of motorcycles or mopeds driving in groups of
two or more in one traffic lane must drive in zigzag formation.
2. Most motorycle associations have internal rules that are usually revised by its members at the start of
every season and explained to new members.
110 | Operating a Motorcycle
Zigzag formation
The zigzag1 formation is the term used to refer to a specific layout
of a group of motorcyclists riding in one traffic lane (see illustration).
The safest and most responsible way to travel safely in a group is in
a zigzag formation.
How do you travel in a zigzag formation?
1. The odd-numbered motorcyclists travel in the left third of the
lane and maintain a two-second safety margin between bikes.
2. The even-numbered motorcyclists travel in the right third of the
lane and also maintain a two-second safety margin between bikes.
3 1
2 seconds
4 2
2 seconds
Position, role and responsibilities
Each motorcyclist in the group has a specific role to play and specific
responsibilities, depending on where he or she is positioned within the
formation. These responsibilities may vary depending on the group,
and each member is given his or her own role to fulfill.2 Before riding
in a group, you must clearly define each rider’s role and responsibilities
and the procedure to follow when passing. During the ride, increase
the safety margins between bikes if driving conditions so require (poor
weather, traffic, bad road surface conditions, etc.).
1. Under section 483 of the Highway Safety Code, drivers of motorcycles or mopeds driving in groups of
two or more in one traffic lane must drive in zigzag formation.
2. Most motorycle associations have internal rules that are usually revised by its members at the start of
every season and explained to new members.
110 | Operating a Motorcycle
