Group Riding

This Case raises serious issues and has serious implications for all those who ride in a group. Whilst we at 1st Class Rider Training would never condone the example given in this case of Ken Clark riding at 85mph in a 60mph limit, I am sure I do not need to explain how this could be applied to any kind of group riding activity, including our own tours, ride outs or even during motorcycle training.  I would urge any interested party to take a few minutes to sign the petition and pass it on to anyone else you may think it may effect.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Lead-Biker-Fined/

Motorcyclists at the head of a group of riders will face stiffer penalties for speeding under a crown court ruling.

Being the lead rider in a group is an aggravating factor making you partly responsible for speeding offences of those behind you according to the decision.

The ruling can be applied in any future cases where two or more motorcyclists riding together are accused of speeding. The head rider might be only a few mph over the limit but could be given the same penalty as the worst offender behind.

Road traffic solicitor Robert Dobson said: “Any crown court decision can be stated in future cases. This is potentially a very dangerous judgement for motorcyclists.

“Riders in a group change position frequently.

“If you are riding at the front any group at excess speed, then the very fact you’re at the front is an aggravating factor.”

Ken Clark, 49, reached 85mph on his Yamaha R1 while leading a group of three riders on the 60mph A272 near Rogate, Sussex, last June.

The speed is within the usual threshold for a fixed penalty of three points and a £60 fine.

But Chichester Crown Court ruled he should receive the same penalty as a following rider accused of going 103mph.

Barrister notes on the ruling given to Clark after the hearing state: ‘Although his was the lesser speed, [the bench] found it an aggravating feature that he was the lead motorcyclist, was setting the pace and he knew that the other two motorcyclists would want to catch him up and would be speeding to do so.’


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2 thoughts on “Group Riding”

  1. The country has gone mad……… what the hell have motorcyclist’s done now? I know I am paranoid but are these arse holes out for us or what.

    One of the most important bits of advise I give to people is to ride at there own pace if they are following me I will firmly tell them, “Don’t play catch up or keep up” not because I am riding at warp speed but because we all have a different idea of what is fast. It seems a very draconian rule to bring this in as you could be out for a ride on your own and because a bike is behind you, and closing the gap you could find your self in real trouble……… Jail…… its a possibility we have all seen the rice rocket riders out there 150!!! not an issue for some, but if this rule were applied then the fact that you could in some way be associated with him is quite scary.

    The next step is to have a contract between riders, signed and sealed that they are out and riding at there own pace and in no way trying to catch up or keep up.

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