Maryland Vulcan
Riders


Rules of the Road

 

The last part of the Mission Statement of the VRA states that;

"Promote the image of the Vulcan Riders Association and motorcycle riders in general through involvement in public functions and charitable events and through demonstrated responsible motorcycling."

Road Rules have not been written into the By-Laws of the VRA due to the myriad of different road laws to be found across international, state and city boundaries. These rule are presented as a guideline to chapters and Road Captains to help ensure safe activities and demonstrated responsible motorcycling.

l.) Ride in a staggered formation as road conditions permit.

2.) Rider will stay within the posted speed limit.  At no time should a leader ride above those limits.  This will ensure that all members are enjoying the ride and are safe.  Due to the fact that some of the roads are new, members should feel safe when riding with the club.  One of the Sgt At Arms (or an officer) will remind the leader if he/she exceeds the limits.

3.) There will be no blocking or running lights during MD VRA rides.  This has proven to be an unsafe and illegal maneuver.  If the group gets separated the lead will ride until a safe location to wait for remainder of club catches up.

4.) Execute signals and turns properly

5.) Do not fool around (horse play) when riding with the group. Any member observing another member fooling around when in formation should discuss it with that member and attempt to clear up the situation. If it should persist, bring it to the attention of the Road Captain or Sergeant at Arms

6.) The Road Captain shall have the unchallenged right to terminate a members participation in a given ride or event for the clubs safety or image. Upon request of the Road Captain, the President may suspend the member pending the lodging of official charges against the member.

7. ) Riding Positions :

a.) While on any run, the Road Captain or his assistant will ride in front. The President may ride alongside or just behind the Captain depending on the formation in use. In the absence of the Road Captain and the assistants, whoever the Captain appoints will ride point.

b.) The Sergeant at Arms will ride at the rear unless otherwise decided by the Captain. The Sergeant at Arms will be responsible for holding a lane open while making a lane change. He will also assist any member who may break down or fall behind. The Road Captain and the the Sergeant at Arms will operate as a team and watch for problems within the group.

c.) Line up for a ride as follows: Road Captain, then members, non-members and bringing up the rear the Sergeant at Arms. Once you are in position keep it for the remainder of the ride.

d.) The Road Captain will give instructions to all riders prior to the start of a ride. This will include, if known, the name, address, and phone number of the destination. When you arrive at the destination point check in with the Road Captain.

e.) Each member shall make it his business to know the route to be taken.

8. ) Use common sense at all times :

a.) Anticipate your next move and those of the group.

b.) We are all aware of the proper safety procedures and the need for them. Let us exercise caution at all times and obey all traffic regulations.

c.) With regard to remaining alert, as one of a group, you must remember that the Road Captain from time to time will be giving a hand signal to execute a maneuver (pass slow moving vehicle, make a turn, etc.) He will be taking into consideration the size of the group and the distance necessary to get the club from one lane to another safely. Each members assistance in executing the maneuver safely and smoothly will be of great assistance.

The Sergeant at Arms will help the group by getting out into the lane following the Road Captain's signal. By doing this he will help secure the chance to execute the maneuver freely and safely. Stay in position during any lane change or direction maneuver.

9.) Leaving the Group

If stopped, let your intentions be known to the Road Captain or the Sergeant at Arms. The convoy will be pulled into the nearest and safest rest area and the Road Captain and/or members he designates will return to the stopped rider. After ascertaining the problem, the Road Captain will then decide to get the group on its way as soon as possible and make arrangements to have the stopped rider and his bike taken care of.

10.) Fuel Stops

Get to know your machine's cruising capacity with regard to fuel. Running out of fuel or making fuel stops with large groups is time consuming. Therefore everyone will arrive for the rides with a full tank of fuel and will top off their tank at every fuel stop, no matter how small the amount. This will avoid staggered fuel stops and possibly save time.

11.) Bike Maintenance

Maintain it carefully, this is considered a must. Because one failed to check for loose wires, shorts, dead batteries, worn tires, or worn chains/belts, this can take away from the pleasure of the club ride. Bike maintenance will be the responsibility of each member. Bring necessary tools and parts for your machine.

12. ) Wearing Apparel

It is strongly urged that riders wear protective clothing when riding.

Adherence to these guidelines will provide for a long, successful and safe riding season.

If you need to write someone with a specific question, please see the contacts page to find the appropriate address. Please use the mailing list / newsgroup for general bike / club questions.