General group etiquette

• Pick the right ride. Start with a slower group if you are not sure

• Respect the ride leader’s decision. They may not ride at the front, but are in charge for the day

• Ride two abreast when it is safe to do so, this way the group is a more compact unit, can be seen better, discourages close passing, and allows traffic to pass quicker.

• Keep together in one group unless agreed otherwise at the start of the ride.

• On approach to a junction, the group needs to gently reduce its pace. A rider from the front may push ahead briefly to scout for oncoming traffic and manage the group through the junction accordingly. Ride through the junction as directed. When pulling away from junctions, the front riders must hold the group at a steady pace to allow all riders to catch up, then they can gently build the pace back up to the designated rolling speed. Do not blast off the front of the group unless you have been given permission by other group members.

• All riders must stop for a mechanical or puncture in the group (except the advanced group).

• If the ride becomes “split” due to a climb or a junction, then the lead group should slow down to allow the riders to catch up. If you feel inclined or are a strong enough rider, go back down the hill and provide a bit of support for those still riding up.

• Do not allow other riders in the group to be dropped off the back, make sure the pace is kept at a level that all can cope with. Everyone in the group is responsible for not dropping riders. Please make a call to the riders at the front to ease off if there are any riders dropping out of the back. If you are struggling to keep up, then shout up! The group needs to know so the pace can be slowed. Strong riders should show consideration for weaker riders.

• Do not clear your nasal passages unless the coast is clear behind you!

• Avoid responding to bad behaviour or abuse from motorists. Be courteous wherever possible and do not damage the club’s good reputation.

• Tri-bars / Aerobars should not be used during group rides.

• Inform someone in the group if you are turning back early from the ride for any reason. A nominated rider should stay at the back of the group to ensure no one gets dropped on climbs, junctions or descents.

Communication whilst riding in a group

Communication is key to a group ride. Roads are full of potholes, signs, parked cars, animals etc. Visibility is limited for a cyclist in a pack so riders at the front and back of a group should point out hazards to other riders and the group are responsible for passing the information up and down the group.

Hazard calls are as follows:

• Inside | middle | outside – for any pothole or debris in the road 

• Ramp – for speed bumps.

• Car Forward – on-coming car ahead

• Car Back – car approaching from behind

• Car Passing – car is overtaking the group.

• Gravel – loose gravel on the road.

• Mud – mud on the road.

• Pedestrians – pedestrians walking on the road

• Keep left / right – riders need to keep to the left or right hand side of the road to avoid a hazard approaching.

• Out – riders need to move out into the road to overtake a parked car etc.

• Singles – riders are to move into single file with the rider in the prime position (on the right) falling in behind the rider in the secondary position.

• Doubles – riders are to move back into paired formation.

Hand signals

It is not imperative that all cyclists in the group point out the same hazards. As long as a few do then this is normally sufficient (and the leading two always should). If you are a beginner and unsteady then it is far safer to keep your hands on the handle bars than to point things out. The purpose of hand signals is that the riders can continue to ride at a steady pace and can ride round smaller obstacles without constantly having to brake (as sudden braking causes most accidents). In addition to the standard cycling hand signals, we have:

• Pointing to ground – pot hole or obstacle on road

• Pointing to ground moving right and left – speed hump/sleeping policeman

• Pointing to ground in waving motion – gravel or bad road surface

• Left hand pointing to right behind lower back – parked car or hazard on left causing group to move out

• Right hand pointing to left behind lower back – obstruction on right hand side of road meaning group needs to move to left

• Hand extended up as if you are about to ask a question – we’re stopping

• Arm flapping up and down as if you are trying to fly – we’re slowing down

To be safe, it is important to ride smoothly, don’t over react, avoid hard braking, be alert to what is going on ahead, and anticipate what traffic will do. Inexperienced riders who panic and touch a wheel may crash or cause a crash; you can avoid problems by practising these simple rules:

STAY ALERT HOLD YOUR LINE DON’T OVERLAP WHEELS DON’T LOOK BACK RELAX!