Riding Safely in a Group

We all know that safety is always everyone’s responsibility but newer riders, with fewer miles in their legs are likely to find what follows particularly helpful   . You’ll find this information  permanently available on our website: Rides, Races and Events, then choose Social Club Runs.

You may also find this GCN film helpful:  How To Ride In A Group Of Cyclists  Alternatively, try this film from British Cycling: How to ride in a group | Ride Smart 

Riding safely in a group
Club runs are social events and are not disciplined training rides / chain gangs. However, there are rules which all riders must follow for their own safety and that of other road users.

Communication
This is the number one priority. If you are three or four riders back from the front of the group you may not be able to spot an up-coming hazard.
Therefore, it is essential you communicate clearly (and loudly) with your fellow riders – especially if you are at the front of the group.

Cars, lorries, junctions and horses
It is particularly important on minor roads, where the width of the carriageway may be an issue, to alert everyone to passing traffic / junctions etc with the following verbal warnings.
“Car front” or “car up” means a vehicle approaching from the front.
“Car back” means a vehicle approaching from behind. If riding two abreast, you should normally go into single file, with the rider on the outside slotting in behind the one nearest the verge.
“Slowing” means what it says – generally used when approaching a junction.
“Clear” – means it is safe for following riders to proceed at a junction. However – you MUST BE CERTAIN the road is clear when making this call; and following riders still have an individual responsibility to check for themselves.
“Moving out” – means a pedestrian / jogger / parked car / skip etc in the road. Also indicate by putting a hand behind your back and pointing to the left or right.
“Horse” – self explanatory (but see additional note below).

Road surfaces
Potholes are a particular hazard when out in a group as riders back in the pack may not be able to see them. Therefore, there are a number of verbal instructions and hand signals which should be used.
“Hole” – self explanatory . This should be accompanied by pointing down at the hazard as you pass on the left or right.
“Gravel” – risk of skidding.  Also indicate by putting an arm down at 45 degrees with the palm of the hand facing down and waving from side to side.
“Slippery” – indicating mud, leaves etc on the road surface.

Moving within the group
Do not to overlap your front wheel with the back wheel of the rider in front. It there is a touch of wheels more likely and both riders are then likely to fall. Instead ride alongside or behind.
Try to ride smoothly and at a constant speed. Avoid slowing unexpectedly and never brake harshly, except in an emergency.
If you wish to come alongside a rider, let them know by saying “on your left” or “on your right.”
Be aware that when standing on a climb, the bike will briefly decelerate, which may come as an unpleasant surprise to the rider behind. If you want to stand, always push hard on the pedals for a second to create a small gap to the rider behind.

Horses
When approaching horse riders from behind; please shout “hello” or “bikes behind” when you are  about 30m away. Wait for an acknowledgement (shout again if you don’t get one), and then pass slowly and widely.
You should also slow for horses on the opposite side of the road.

Group size and etiquette
Your ride leader will determine the group size. In general, groups will have a maximum of 10 riders.
More than that; and groups of the same speed will split into two and ride with a 100-200m gap.
Riders should not roll off the front and establish significant gaps. If a ride is too slow for you, then please move up to a faster group next time.
Rides which split up on hills should regroup at the top.
Riders are asked to keep an eye out for – and bring to the attention of the ride leader – anyone struggling off the back of the group or suffering a ‘mechanical’

Ride leaders
All club runs will have a designated ride leader, who picks the route, the duration of the ride, regulates the speed and is responsible for ensuring WVCC is ‘well represented’ on local roads.
The ride leader will also support / instruct / encourage new club run riders to be aware of their responsibilities to ride safely at all times.
Ride leaders may choose to share the day’s route before setting off.