IMPORTANT: Order of the Phoenix Riding Rules

The purpose of riding in an organized group is to provide the additional safety that an organized group generates. When a group rides in an orderly fashion, riders provide fellow riders with sufficient space to operate safely, allows for emergency and evasive maneuvers, and the organization of the formation itself discourages cars and other vehicles from attempting to break up the group possibly causing a hazardous situation.

The Phoenix’s riding rules which were adopted from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are as follows:

1. All motorcycles will be kept in a safe working condition. Motorcycles with malfunctioning lights, brakes or worn tires (less than 2/32 tread) will not be permitted to participate in Phoenix ride.

2. All motorcycles shall be fully fueled prior to arriving at the Phoenix designated ride assembly area.

3. No alcohol or narcotics will be consumed. Any rider or passenger who consumed or appear to have consumed alcohol or narcotics will not be permitted to participate in a Phoenix ride.

4. All traffic laws will be strictly enforced.

5. When riding in a group formation, motorcycles will be ridden in a staggered formation.

6. One rider will be designated as the Lead Rider, who will occupy the lead left position. The Lead Rider is responsible for planning, mapping and coordinating the ride. If the Phoenix has a large group riding, it may be necessary to have two or more Lead Riders so that the riders can be broken into groups. Preferably groups of six motorcycles with the equivalent of 50 yards between the groups.

7. Each group will have a Sweep Rider, who will occupy the last position in each group. The Sweep Rider is responsible for keeping all riders in formation. Should a rider need to leave the group for an emergency only the Sweep Rider will stop to assist.

8. Any rider who elects to drop out of a ride, i.e., they do not desire to complete the planned ride due to time constraints, prior commitments, etc., will notify the Sweep Rider before doing so.

9. The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for keeping the peace, enforcing the Phoenix and Charter Rules, collecting of monies for tolls, etc.

10. Passing - The procedure for passing is as follows:

a. Four Lane Highways and Freeways - The Lead Rider will initiate the lane change by signaling for the change. All riders will turn on the appropriate turn signal while remaining in their lane. The Sweep Rider will secure the lane when it is safe to do so. The Lead Rider will then initiate the lane change once the Sweep Rider has secured the lane. Only after the Lead Rider has initiated the change will the rest of the riders follow.

b. Two Lane Highways - When there is a need to pass a vehicle on a two lane road the Lead Rider will first bring everyone to single file. Then when it is safe to pass the Lead Rider will pass. All members are now responsible for their own safe pass. Do not pass the person in front of you and do not pull out to pass until the rider in front of you has passed and entered the proper lane. Once the vehicle is passed return to the stagger formation. Make sure you are riding fast enough to insure the rest of the group can safely move back into the proper lane. Once you verify that all have successfully passed the vehicle resume the group’s normal riding speed.

11. Hand Signals

a. Single File Formation - Lead Rider extends left hand index finger upward above his/her head. All riders will utilize the same hand signal to relay the message to the riders in the rear.

b. Double File Formation – Lead Rider extends two fingers of the left hand upward above his/her head. All riders will utilize the same hand signal to relay the message to the riders in the rear.

c. Pull Over - Pat your helmet. This signal is in case an individual needs to pull over. Pull over in an area which is safe and affords the best visibility of motorist traveling in the same direction.

d. Turn Signal On/Off - Pinching your thumb and fingers together repeatedly.

e. Right/Left Turns - Use your blinker and/or the correct hand signal.

f. Road Hazard Right Side - Point with right foot extended.

g. Road Hazard Left Side - Point with left foot extended.

h. Slow Down - Using your left hand move in a downward motion, palm open.

i. Quick Stop – Using your left hand move in a downward motion, fist closed.

j. Tighten Up - Closed fist pumping up and down. Only the lead bike will start this signal.

12. Group Riding Positions

Lead Rider Member
Shepherd Member
Shepherd Member
Sweep Rider Sweep Rider

13, Group Riding Officials and Duties

a. Lead Rider - Shall plan and coordinate the ride and become familiar with the ride routes before the ride through route or road map reconnaissance. The designated Lead Rider is in charge of the ride and will lead the ride. No rides will be ridden over the posted speed limit to enhance the safety of all the participants in the ride. The Lead Rider shall plan, coordinate and conduct the ride with the assistance of the Sweep Rider to help monitor and control the group formation.

b. Sweep Rider - Shall be the last rider in the group to monitor the group. It is the duty of the Sweep Rider to stay with any rider that has dropped out of the ride due to mechanical or personal problems so the group can safely proceed. The Sweep Rider works closely with the Lead Rider to help control the group formation.

c. Shepherd - Shall greet new riders into the group and serve as mentors. Shepherd are responsible for explaining to new or prospective members about Phoenix’s mission, Bylaws, and Ride Rules, and making all new or prospective members feel welcomed to Phoenix and riding group. The Shepherd shall be paired for the first two to three events and rides to insure that new or prospective members are able to assimilate with Phoenix. They should also be available to explain and answer questions regarding the Order of the Phoenix.