The importance of signals and calling out hazards.
During a recent trip to Africa, I was amazed by the wildlife but was also interested in seeing how many of the animals actually were similar to Bike North. For safety, animals like elephants, zebra, giraffe, monkey and lion stay together in groups. Travelling together provides additional security from predators.
Bike North group rides also makes us more visible and provides a higher degree of safety from the predators we occasionally see on the road. The animals alert each other to hazards in the wild and can sometimes create a great deal of noise if there is danger. Individuals don't hear a warning and decide whether it's important, they just repeat the call and warn others in the group.
On Bike North rides, it should be the same, with every rider passing on calls to protect each other. Bike North has developed a range of signals for use on Bike North rides. Do you know them?
These are also available under "Membership" on our web site. In addition to signals, these warnings can be called, especially if you want to keep your hands on the handlebar.
If you are riding on a Bike North ride, you want to be warned of hazards, so you are obliged to pass these on to protect your fellow riders.
As we start 2026, let's learn from the animal kingdom and help protect fellow Bike North members by identifying hazards and either signaling them, calling, or both.
Brian Lynne
Rides Coordinator
0408 617 801 |