Cycling with a group, as opposed to cycling alone, requires special cycling skills. Safety has to be one of the major concerns of group riding. However, there is a certain cycling etiquette, or rules of the road, which need to be followed for safety.
ROAD RULES
a) Ride SINGLE file. Leave at least one to two bicycle lengths between you and the rider in front of you. Leave more space when going downhill or passing through path gates.
b) Ride predictably, keeping a consistent pace and by not slamming on your brakes. Be alert for pedestrians, especially children and pets who might dart in front of you.
c) Ride with BOTH HANDS on the handlebars.
d) When stopping at intersections, always stop BEFORE the crosswalk. Make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians before you cross their path. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
e) Don’t bunch up at lights, or when the leader has stopped for any reason. STAY IN LINE and don’t pull up next to another rider or “scoot” ahead.
f) When passing, ALWAYS pass on the LEFT and call out: “passing on your left “
g) Move OFF THE ROAD when stopping due to mechanical problems, to regroup, etc. Don’t block driveways, pedestrian pathways, sidewalks, doorways, etc.
h) In case of a flat or breakdown, ask another cyclist to ride ahead to alert the leader of your breakdown.
HAND SIGNALS (use only when it’s safe for you take a hand off the bars)
a) Right turn: right arm straight out to right.
b) Left turn: left arm straight out to left
c) Slowing or stopping: left arm diagonally down, palm open to the rear
d) Road hazards: point down to left or right
VERBAL WARNINGS (Verbal warnings can be helpful if the rider behind you is momentarily distracted but be aware that other noises such as traffic may drown out your voice).
a) “Car/Bike/pedestrian up” = Object approaching from opposite direction
b) “Car/Bike back” = Object approaching from rear
c) “Slowing” or “stopping” (important for unexpected stops when your hands are on the brakes)
d) “Hole right/left” “bump” “gravel” “glass” “rough road” “door”
RIDE LEADERS
Ride leaders choose the ride route and destination. Be sure that the ride description is within your skills before you go on the ride. A ride leader might hand out route map. If you know an alternate route, and would like to share it, suggest it to the leader “privately”. Remember that the ride leader is always in charge of the ride and the final decision-maker as to the route. Please respect the decisions of the group leaders at all times.
CELL PHONES, EAR BUDS, ETC.
Talking on your cell phone or wearing headphones or earbuds while riding a bicycle is dangerous to you and the other riders. If you must make a call, or receive a call, while on a ride, do so only when the entire group has taken a stop for rest, lunch, etc., and make your call as brief as possible.
HOW CAN YOU GET TO KNOW OTHER CYCLISTS WHEN RIDING SINGLE FILE?
We suggest that you get acquainted with other cyclists by arriving early for a ride, socialize during breaks and at lunch stops, linger at the end of the ride. It is usually not safe to ride next to another cyclist and chat. If you are carrying on a conversation with another cyclist while riding it means you are riding too close to that person and you are not paying 100% attention to the road.
POINT, DROP, SWEEP
Most group rides have a leader “point” in front and depending on the group size, a “sweep” in the rear. It’s important for riders to stay between the point and the sweep.
In larger groups, when the ride leader is making a turn he/she might ask the rider who’s directly behind him/her to “drop” and signal the direction to the other riders. If you don’t want to be a drop, do not ride directly behind the ride leader. If you are a drop, drop at least one to two car lengths before the turn. As soon as a rider is within your view, signal right or left turns by an outstretched arm and hand, pointing in the direction the rider should go. Do not leave your post as a “drop” until the sweep arrives and verbally tells you it’s okay for you to proceed.
LEAVING A RIDE
You can usually tell shortly into the ride if the speed of a particular group ride is beyond your capabilities. Please excuse yourself from the ride or drop to a slower group if possible as soon as you know that you cannot maintain the group’s speed. Making the whole group wait for you frequently to catch up spoils the ride for everyone else. If you leave a ride, for any reason, be sure to let the rider leaders, especially the sweep, know that you are leaving. Otherwise they might ride around needlessly looking for you.
THINGS TO BRING ON A GROUP RIDE
a) cel phone with GPS – In case you lose or must leave the group this will help you find your way.
b) A helmet (and wear it)
c) Lights Front & Back ( this is a legal requirement)
d) Water – At least two full bottles or a hydration pack filled with water.
e) Spare inner tubes and a patch kit
f) A good working bicycle with tires in good condition and inflated to the appropriate psi (pounds per square inch). Make sure that nothing is hanging (loose straps, loose equipment, etc.)
g) A good working bicycle frame pump
h) A multitool or Allen wrench set
i) Money for lunch or entrance fees where appropriate
j) A bicycle lock (when required)
k) Personal identification (enclose information on an “emergency contact”)