Group riding. The recipe of disaster.

Example picture of bikers riding together in Genting Highland, Malaysia

A social blast with mates is a real temptation for new riders, but the mob mentality group riding can encorage may create an environment not suited to them.

Group riding has become a cause of accidents, and in 2005 it became a real issue. You'd get more than 20 blokes riding together at a pace only one was happy with. That is a recipe of disaster.

Without doubt the worst riding I see is group riding. I don't think it could be covered in learner training, but any rider who has passed their test should think about.

So what to do? Only ride with those sympathetic to your limitations. Ideally avoid large group, and certainly avoid riding with people whose pirority to show you how much faster/more reckless than you they are. If you want to ride with someone, pick a mate you can trust who's happy to ride at your pace. If you're following, avoid the temptation to fixate on them; look through, not them. Be aware that following a rider who knows where to positon themselves will mean they block your view if you're too close. Make your own decisions and think and ride for yourself.