RetroActive ScooterClubs Riding Protocols.(adapted from the Minions SC, Spokane, WA)


These protocols have been adapted from the riding rules of the Minions SC of Spokane, Washington. These protocols are set forth to establish a common standard of riding behavior for the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Please review these protocols. If they don't work for you, please don't ride with us. Group riding is a lot of fun, but it requires situational awareness, discipline, and good riding techniques and manners. If you repeatedly or intentionally fail to follow these protocols during a ride, you will be told to leave the ride. While this may sound harsh, it's nowhere near as harsh as the injuries and damage that can be caused by a 'joker in the deck' who refuses to ride with a sense of consideration for the other riders.


1. During rides, there will be a ride leader and assistants who will ensure the ride goes smoothly. Please listen to them and obey their instructions.


2. Come ready to ride. The RetroActive Scooter Club doe's not operate on 'scooter time'. When we say we leave at a certain time, that's when were leaving, not 5, 10, or 45 minutes later. Our rides often have a time constraint, like movie times or appointments. If you want coffee, snacks, or a bathroom stop, arrive in enough time to address those needs before our departure.


3. Have enough fuel. We plan our rides on the assumption that all riders start the ride with near-full tanks, and fuel stops along the route will be planned accordingly. Do not show up running on fumes, and expect us to make an unscheduled fuel stop just for you.


4. Ride within your comfort zone as you are responsible for yourself and to those around you. Don't let the pack intimidate you. If you feel uncomfortable with the speed or pack formation, give yourself more room and/or slow down.


5. Ride in two rows, and try to stay in your row. Don't swerve back and forth. If you are new to riding in a pack, ride in the right hand row as it will give you more room to turn.


6. Ride staggered to the scooter on the row next to you. Avoid riding directly beside them. This provides space in case either of you needs room to make a turn, avoid an obstacle, or if the group needs to go single file.


7. Look and signal before changing lanes in the pack. Turn signals are ok, but pointing usually gets other's attention quicker.


8. Signal when you turn with the group, so the people behind you know that the pack is turning.


9. Keep a safe stopping distance between you and the scooter in front of you. A good rule is to allow 2 to 3 seconds of space.


10. Pay attention to what is happening at least several scooters in front of you to anticipate obstacles or turns.


11. Do not ride next to the ride leader. Stay several feet behind, even at stops. They need the room to react and set up turns.


12. Do not race head of the ride leader. The pack may turn at any time, and leave you to find your own way home.


13. Do not assist in blocking traffic at intersections. The ride marshals and selected riders will do this. If an intersection is not blocked, stop.


14. Others behind you may have heavier loads or brakes not as good as yours so brake slowly.


15. Bring your own tools, extra cables, and spark plugs with you on the ride. Don't expect others to have them.


16. If you feel you are going to crash into the scooter in front of you veer to the outside, but be sure not to cross into traffic.


17. If a rider goes down, all bikes must stop, and signal to warn approaching bikes.


18. When a scooter breaks down, all riders must stop while the situation is assessed.


19. If the problem is routine and can be fixed in less then 15 minutes, the repair will be done. If the scooter has a breakdown that isn't practical to fix on the road, or is reoccurring, the group will make sure the broken down scooterist can find transportation home, then continue riding.


20. And finally, if you do something stupid that causes damage and injury to others, immediately apologize and accept the consequences. You ride with the club with the understanding that you are able and willing to accept financial responsibility for any damage or injury you cause