Ride in a Staggered Formation

During the ride the group will encounter straight sections of road and curvy sections. In the straight section, the lead rider should take a position in the left third of the riding lane. This will give them the best ability to see around traffic ahead of the group and to monitor oncoming traffic or debris in the road ahead. The next or second rider will ride approximately one second behind the leader and in the right third of the lane. The third rider continues the trend riding in the left third of the lane one second behind the second rider and two seconds behind the leader. The riders behind that continue the pattern until the group is complete and staggered accordingly.

Courtesy of Hamleshmotah.com

In a curvy section of road each member should ride in a single-file line approximately two seconds apart. The spacing and lane position can be adjusted accordingly for safety, but this should give each member time to adjust to any other traffic and changing conditions. One thing to note is that riding side by side should never be done as it doesn’t allow either rider the option to move carefully within the lane to avoid other traffic or road debris. There will be a too much opportunity for the riders to contact each other. In conditions with limited visibility or other constraints, consider which of the formations (staggered or single-file) will provide the safest condition for the riders and choose it accordingly.

Source: motorcyclelegalfoundation.com