Communicate clearly and consistently
- Use verbal warnings to announce hazards: Announce common hazards like “hole”, “gravel”, “bump”, and “stick”, to alert fellow riders. Use “car up,” “car right,” or “car back” to indicate approaching vehicles.
- Pass verbal warnings through the group: If someone else says “hole,” echo that so that riders in the back receive warnings.
- Use hand signals when possible: Pointing to holes, turn signals, single file, and slowing notifications.
- Communicate before taking action: Anticipate when slowing, stopping, or turning will occur and communicate before taking action when possible.
Ride predictably
- Hold your line: Ride in a straight line and avoid sudden movements. This allows riders behind you to anticipate your actions.
- Avoid overlapping wheels: Never overlap your front wheel with the rear wheel of the rider ahead. A slight side-to-side movement from the lead rider can cause a collision.
- Maintain a steady pace: Keep a consistent speed, accelerate smoothly, and avoid sudden braking when possible.
Group dynamics
- Manage gaps: Avoid creating large gaps in the group. As a general rule, you should ride within 1-2 feet of the cyclist in front of you at all times.
- If a gap forms, the rear riders should gently accelerate to close it.
- If the gap in front of you is greater than 6 feet, call out “gap” to have the group slow down for you to catch up.
- If you notice the gap closing, aim to soft pedal (pedaling without minimal to no force) or lightly tap the brakes. Unnecessary heavy breaking can cause safety issues and gaps to occur further behind.
- Side-by-side riding: Group rides often ride two abreast. You should match the handlebars with the rider next to you.
- Preventing gaps when restarting: Gaps often occur when restarting from a stop. Small gaps at the front accordion into larger gaps at the back.
- Leading into a stop, switch into an easier gear when possible.
- While stopped, pay attention to the restart.
- When restarting, focus on keeping the gap small instead of immediately clipping in. If you are not quick at clipping in, set your foot on top of the pedal and pedal with the other foot to rejoin the group before clipping in.
- Hands on the handlebars: Keep your hands on the handlebars in reach of the brakes at all times while riding and always be ready to stop if needed. Do not use aerobars (triathlon bikes, etc) or devices (phones, cameras, etc) while riding.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Awareness is key to keeping the group safe and together.
- Be aware of what’s going on behind you—glance back on occasion. If any significant gaps (more than 6 feet) form, call out “gap” to slow the riders ahead of you.
- Look before you swerve around any sudden road obstructions (eg, parked cars or traffic pylons) to avoid colliding with the person next to you.
Road safety
- Stop at red lights: We will stop at all red lights and wait for the light to change. Additionally, we will anticipate red lights and slow in advance to avoid splitting the group at a light when possible.
- Slow and stop at stop signs: Approach stop signs with caution and be prepared to stop if cars are present. Proceed as a group when the intersection is clear. Call “rolling” when the intersection is deemed safe to proceed, call “clear” when the intersection is clear of cars and pedestrians, or call our cars in specific directions.
- Ride narrow: The group should ride narrow within reason. This means riding within 1-2ft horizontally of the rider next to you when possible.
- Anticipate parked cars: Parked cars with recent movement, brake lights, turn signals, or hazard lights should be called out with specific caution. Anticipate that these cars might be pulling out or doors opening and notify other riders.
- Riding single file: Some roads require riding single file. Ride leaders will indicate this verbally and by holding one finger above their head. Communicate and file together in a single line. Switching back to two abreast will be signaled with two fingers in the air.