Bolton Triathlon Club guide to group riding

This guide is not intended as a set of rules. Most of it is (or should be) common sense.

There is an obvious risk of injury when riding at speed in a group whilst sharing the road with other motorists.

This just aims to make everyone aware of what is needed in terms of equipment to ride and give an insight into the behaviour of a group.

Don’t worry about not getting it most of it you pick up on the road.

Equipment and Attire

Roadworthy Bike: This includes brakes, gears, tyres etc.

Helmet: (Although not law we would request all club members to wear a helmet on

ALL group rides, NO helmet NO group ride.)

Glasses: Though not compulsory for group rides it is advised for people to wear

glasses (with appropriate light transmission). Stops bugs and stones from blinding you!

Team Kit: Also if you have it and conditions suit wear team kit with pride!

Extras: Ensure you bring adequate hydration and food.

General Considerations

Basically obey the rules of the road, a few examples some more obvious than others!

Group Riding Etiquette

RIDE LEADERS

Keep an eye - and ear - open for what's going on behind you - if you keep hearing

things like "EASY" and "OFF THE BACK" - slow the pace down a little!

Ensure the group communicates what is happening up and down the line.

Inform other people of the intended route If you feel the group is too big, split it up

and ask for volunteers to lead the smaller groups. Be it due to size or pace.

HINTS FOR RIDERS

The key one is watch the ride leader and the people closest to you. Going downhill,

they may want to slow down. Going uphill, they may stall.

And don't forget, when riders get tired, concentration is lost.....

Group riding the pace should be constant or adjusted smoothly as a unit but it isn’t

always the case.

Safety Cycling Tips

Here are some tips on cycling etiquette, or rules of the road, which should to be

followed for safety. Here are the key ideas:

Teamwork

Give a helping hand, watch for problems (loose straps, loose equipment), and help

each other to be safe and enjoy the ride.

Be Predictable

Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other

riders expect you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate

differently. If you know the person in front of you like the back of your hand then

ride close to their wheel but if your not used to riding behind someone or the pace

of the line is changeable then keep a safe distance back. Use your own judgement

but air on the side of caution.

Communicate

Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with members of the group and with

other traffic.

Hand Signals - Hand signals for turning and stopping, and parked cars.

Verbal Warnings - Along with hand signals, verbally warn cyclists behind you of

your changes in direction or speed. The lead rider should call out "left turn," "right

turn," "slowing," stopping," etc. Announce a turn well in advance of the intersection,

so that members of the group have time to position themselves properly.

Announce Hazards - When riding in a tight group, most of the cyclists do not have

a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes,

gravel, grates, and other hazards. Indicate road hazards by pointing down to the

left or right, and by shouting "hole," "bump," etc., where required for safety.

Everyone in a group should be made aware of hazards. However, not everyone

needs to announce them.

Change Positions Correctly - Generally, slow traffic stays left, so you should try

to pass others on their right. Say "on your right" to warn the cyclist ahead that you

are passing.

When riding as a group a “draft pack “ often forms where each rider takes his or

her turn on the front (unless your name's Ian Harvey!). The time at the front can

vary but each person should stick to the time decided for the particular ride then

pull off to the right when safe to do so (i.e. Look over your shoulder to watch for

traffic) the line should pass on their left and they should rejoin at the back.

It is considered impolite and potentially dangerous to move out of position and ride

up the inside of the pack. Riders may not expect you to be there. It also can be

dangerous to cut into the middle of the pack when peeling off the front. This is

acceptable if planned to “protect” someone or if traffic dictates it is safest and a

gap is created for you.

Watch For Traffic Coming From The Rear - Even when you are occupying the

proper lane position, it often helps to know when a car is coming. Since those in

front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it is the responsibility of the

riders in back to inform the others by saying "car back." Around curves, on narrow

roads, or when riding double, it is also helpful to warn of traffic approaching from

the front with "car up."

Watch Out At Junctions - When approaching junctions the lead rider will alert

those behind to the change in speed. Each cyclist is responsible for deciding that

the way is clear before entering the intersection, it is the leaders responsibility to

dictate the pace so that the group is reformed.

(It is a shame to break a group of similar abilities just because the people at the

back got caught by the lights.)

Leave A Gap for Cars - When riding up hills or on narrow roads where you are

impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars between every three or four bikes. This

way motorists can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually

move around the entire group.

Move Off the Road When You Stop - Whether you are stopping because of

mechanical problems or to regroup with you companions, move well off the road so

you don't interfere with traffic. When you start up again, each cyclist should look

for, and yield to, traffic.

Ride One Or Two Across - Ride single file or double file as appropriate to the

roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by law. Even where riding

double is legal, courtesy dictates that you single up when cars are trying to pass

you if the lane is wide enough for them to safely do so.

Two At The End - For safety and as a courtesy, if the group spreads out, the last

two people should adjust their speed to ride as a pair. If either should need

assistance they will have a helping hand.