ABSTRACT
Many riders feel that they belong to the greater collective of motorcyclists. When out and about this sense of belonging is often demonstrated by acknowledging other riders with a wave, nod or flash of the headlights. It is also demonstrated in the number of forums, clubs and events for motorcyclists discussed in Chapter 5. This social aspect is taken further by some riders by riding as part of a group. This can be seen as an extension of the rider belonging to a collective and having a sense of belonging. Rider identity can be amplified by this sense of belonging such that the rider is not just another road user but a motorcyclist who is using the road. When riding specifically with a group, the rider is actually operating in the social group of the immediate riders but also within the greater social group of all motorcyclists. This group riding in some ways is a paradox as the actual riding of a bike is generally a solo activity with limited opportunity for communicating. When a rider is within a group environment, the dynamics of riding may change. The rider is no longer a solo road user making choices but rather the rider becomes a part of the collective of the group and this may affect the riding choices that are made.
