Safe Group Riding

These guidelines are here to help our riders enjoy our club rides, and be as safe as possible. What we do on our rides affects all of us and also the reputation of our club. So here goes for some guidance.

Some basics first:

• • You are responsible for your own safety, for being properly equipped, legal and insured. However, we do insist that everyone wears a helmet.
  • Follow the Highway Code – it’s worth giving yourself a refresh to check out the latest guidance.
  • Be respectful to other road users and pedestrians.

Before the ride:

• • Download the route from the club website onto your GPS device, if you have one. (It is not compulsory to download the route, but it is surely sensible)
  • Keep a check on the WhatsApp group in case of last-minute changes from the ride leader.
  • If you are new to the club, introduce yourself to the ride leader and get their WhatsApp number.

Top 10 when out on the road:

1. 1. We ride together – it’s safer and more sociable!
   2. Take care not to be a hazard: be aware of your position in the group and the riders around you, and ride steadily. Pick a riding line that is safe for riders behind you to follow.
   3. Please don’t be tempted to race off at the front, this merely breaks up the group. The Club Ride is a group ride, NOT a race. You will gain more respect by helping other members of your group than by dropping them.
   4. If you decide to ride off ahead of the group, or take an alternative route, we will assume that you no longer wish to remain with the group ride and will leave you to your own devices!
   5. Ride steadily, keeping the group compact, and ride as close to the rider in front as you feel comfortable doing. The steadier we ride, the more confident we will be with this.
   6. Ride in single file or two-abreast according to road and traffic conditions.  This is safer and more efficient than a group which becomes ‘spread-out’.
   7. On busy roads break into smaller groups, as directed by the ride leader, to allow traffic to pass safely. We suggest a max of 6, then leave enough of a gap for cars to move into.
   8. Re-group as soon as its safe to do so. On long climbs, the group may become fragmented so, if ahead, stop at a safe place at the top to regroup. Coming up to a junction, prepare to stop: so that the group comes back together and no one is lost or left behind!
   9. Follow the directions from the ride leader (they will sometimes modify the route, change coffee stop etc. on the fly)
   10. If you wish to leave the group ride, or get lost, let the ride leader know asap (whenever you have a signal if you’re lost)

Communication is key:

• • Stopping: Show a flat palm or shout “stopping”
  • Slowing: Give the ‘patting the dog’ sign or shout “slowing”
  • Potholes: point ahead of time or shout “hole”
  • Gravel: can be dangerous, so shout “gravel”
  • Cars on narrow lanes: “car up” if a car is coming towards the group from behind; “car back” is more obvious!
  • Shout “Ease up” if you see a gap forming in front of you, before its too late – gaps can form quickly and before you know it, you’re off the back!
  • Call out to horse riders or pedestrians on the road if approaching them from behind so that they know you are there and the horse isn’t startled as you pass.
  • Pass the message on – tell the riders in front and behind
  • If passing another cyclist, especially at speed, then ensure they know you are there and call out to them “passing on your right” … never pass someone on the side near the curb!