Staggered Formation

Staggered Formation

Staggered formation is multiple bikes riding in the same lane while alternating positions in that lane. The lead rider takes the left side of the lane and the second bike takes the right side of the lane. This pattern continues as necessary for the group. Riders should maintain their relative position in the lane during the ride. Riders should avoid “rubberbanding” as much as possible. Rubber banding is the tendency for the group to continually stretch out and contract as riders allow the 1 second intervals to vary significantly. Especially in heavy traffic this makes it very difficult to keep the group together as cage (car) drivers will tend to split the group.

Note: This pattern of riding is discussed in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation document QUICK TIPS: MSF’s Guide to Group Riding.