Places We Pedal Blog

Road Group Ride Safety

March 26, 2008 on 5:14 pm | In Road | No Comments

Group Road Cycling:

Support your group! Riding in a group is different than riding alone. Your riding behavior affects those riding around you. You are now part of a group relying on each other. YOU will, at one time or another, become the “eyes and ears” of the GROUP. As you want to be safe, please keep your group safe. Be compassionate to fellow riders and users of the road. Don’t get self-absorbed. You are more than a rider. You are an ambassador, defender and leader in your own right.

Our Main Points:

RIDE SAFELY
OBEY THE LAW
RIDE RESPONSIBLY
INTERACT WITH TRAFFIC POSITIVELY

Safety Essentials:

HELMETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL GROUP RIDES. You will be asked to not participate in the group if you are not wearing a helmet.
Bring a bike that is ready to ride. Schedule a tune up at the shop if you’re not certain of your bike’s road-worthiness.
Bring appropriate clothing, food and liquids. It is also recommended you bring some money for a store stop and a cell phone for emergencies.

The Law:

Observe all vehicular traffic laws. A bicycle is a vehicle with the same privileges and restrictions as a car.
As a courtesy to motorists, ride to the right of the road. Do not cross the yellow line.
Stop at all stop signals and stop signs.
Use appropriate hand signals to indicate turning and stopping.
If you have any questions, please ask the ride leader.

Responsible Cycling:

‘Call out’ all road hazards & point to them as they come.
Ride single file when a vehicle approaches from the rear.
Call out “car back” to signal to the group to assume single file formation. This is especially important on extended climbs.
Wait your turn in traffic as a group. Do NOT create your own curb lane by passing on the right of stopped traffic. If a light turns yellow on approach, call out “light!” & “braking”, bringing the group to a safe stop. Otherwise, a rider further behind in the group will feel urged to run a now red light. This is a dangerous and illegal maneuver.
Unless you are all the way in the back of the pack, do not abruptly grab your brakes. Call out “Braking!”, then brake slowly.
When overtaking riders, call “passing on your left” and then pass.
Be safe. Don’t ride over your ability.
Do not litter.

Interacting with Traffic:

Be aware. A moment of inattention can result in an accident. Make others aware of what you see.
Be predictable. Show your intentions by signaling and saying what you intend to do then slowly and deliberately make your move.
Be nice! You determine how drivers and other cyclists will interact in the future. Yes, confused drivers may make bad decisions. Please take their confusion into consideration before you respond.
Cyclists, as well, will also make what seem to be bad decisions. Show wisdom.

Please read our Group Riding Philosophy for more inspiration!