The Basics of Road Cycling in Groups - A Few Head Pointers!

Over the last few weeks while I have been adding cycling clubs within Queensland it has become known to me that their are several things that you need to be aware of while riding a bike. Now, these rules are relatively simple, but the amount of times that I have been on a bike and riders haven't signaled of followed road rules are far to frequent. So here is a list of cycling Etiquette that I found on the www.gapcycling.org.au website.

Bunch Riding Rules and Etiquette

• Riding 2 abreast - Pair off in formation of never more than 2 abreast. Certain roads might require single file. Some double lane roads without a shoulder dictate that it is better (and legal) to sit in the middle of the lane rather than have vehicles squeeze past.
• No Half wheeling - Half wheeling is when the person next to you rides with their front wheel slightly in front of yours and the speed gradually increases as you try to level up. Ride beside the person next to you, not in front of them.
• Pedal on downhills - The leaders of the group should never coast on the downhills as this leads to the group behind bunching up and causes unnecessary braking.
• Fill the gap - If there is a gap next to you, then signal for someone to fill the gap from behind, or you can peel off to the rear of the bunch.
• Loud and clear calls - As the people behind can’t generally see where they are going, the leaders have to be the ‘eyes’ of the bunch. Point to all obstacles (holes etc) and communicate the problem in a loud, clear voice.
• Constant pace -Keep the pace smooth and steady, particularly on up-hills. Avoid surging when you come to the front of the bunch

 

• Road rules -Obey all road rules, including stopping at red lights.
• Re-group - If the group splits after lights or longer climbs slow down or in some cases stop to allow the bunch to regroup.
• Be predictable in all actions - Avoid sudden braking or changes in direction. To slow down move gently out into the wind and sit up a little to brake without braking hard.
• Ride Leaders - Follow the directions of the ride leader
• Echelon changing - Most of our rides involve the rotation of riders by a simple echelon formation. This generally means the person leading on the outside right moves forward to inside left and the person behind them becomes the new leader on the right side. If you’re not sure how this works then take note and watch the people in front of you. Always retire to the back of the bunch. Everyone can have a turn on the front even if only for a short time. Always change when it is safe, particularly when riding 2 abreast safe spots may need to be found so to avoid getting motorists upset
• Aerobars - Whilst riding in a bunch, no athletes are to be down on their aerobars (regardless of their ability/experience).
• Bike skills - If you are not confident of your bike handling ability or feel that the pace is too fast for you to do a proper turn on the front of the bunch then request to stay at the back of the bunch and call people to change in front you. The ride leaders would encourage you to have a turn even if only to learn techniques for changing positions in the bunch.
• Clean bike - Keep your bike well-serviced, clean and with good tyres. An un-roadworthy bike is a danger to everyone in the bunch.

Now, if all cyclists can follow these rules, I am sure that their would be far less accidents while riding in a group. Riding in groups is fun and fast and thats why I do it. If you are not confident enough to be riding at fast speeds than focus on increasing you skills a little.

I grabbed this article from my Sports Clubs Directory. I thought that it might benefit my readers.

The basic message is, make sure you are confident riding your bike, before cycling in a group ride / bunch.