A Guide to Group Riding - Helpful Hints for New Cyclists (and a useful reminder for the more experienced)

Before you begin

As a club we want to support and encourage our members and our guests to ride safely and enjoyably, respecting their fellow riders and other road users but please note that all riders take part in the group rides at their own risk. Individual riders are not insured by the club so we advise that you consider joining either Cycling UK or British Cycling as membership of either includes third party insurance.

You are responsible for your safety so ensure your bike is in a safe and road-worthy condition and that you are confident riding on the open roads. Experienced riders will usually help with mechanical issues, but we would ask all riders to be able to fix basic problems such as punctures. Always carry some spare inner tubes that are the correct size for your wheels and enough tools to get you out of everyday problems including tyre levers, a pump and spanners or Allen keys.

Helmets must be worn on all club rides and mudguards must be fitted during winter months (October to March).

Appropriate lighting and high visibility clothing should be worn when necessary.

Carry personal details such as name, address, emergency contact phone number and some money. Carry drinks and food, even on short rides. The food can be some form of high energy bar to get you to the next café stop.

Etiquette for Riding in Groups

• Please follow the highway-code at all times- remember that we share the roads with others.
• Please respect all other road users including drivers, pedestrians, runners, dog-walkers and horse-riders. Where appropriate to do so, allow drivers to get past you on narrow roads.
• Ride steadily. Keep a steady line and constant speed while in a group. Any sudden change is magnified as it reaches riders at the back and so can have dramatic consequences. Stay reasonably close to the wheel in front, but at a safe distance and avoid breaking sharply.
• Never ride more than two abreast. Ride two abreast where it is safe to do so but always be prepared to single out when necessary. Ride immediately behind the rider in front – do not overlap either forwards or sideways.
• Ride together as a group following and passing on instructions from the group leader. Communicate within the group and advise if a rider is off the back or has a puncture.
• Riders should not go ahead of the group and leader unless instructed to do so.
• Point to or call out potholes or other obstructions to warn riders behind you.
• If a rider has a puncture or mechanical problem, the group will wait nearby in a safe location, unless the leader advises otherwise.
• When approaching a hill anticipate the gradient and change gear in good time. The leader may suggest that riders take a hill at their own pace and meet at the top and allow the slower riders to rest.
• Do not “wave through” a following vehicle that is waiting to overtake – let the driver make this decision.
• Do not react to bad driving incidents with gestures or provoke retaliation.
• Let others know if you are unable to keep up, have a problem or have decided to leave the group. Always pass the instructions along; if a rider cannot keep up, the leader needs to know.
• No ride is too long when you have good company.