Charles River Wheelers

Before You Roll

A quick safety check for CRW riders joining a ride from the field. Read this before the group departs.

I’m Registered Rider Guidelines Emergency: Call 911

60-Second Ride-Start Check

  • 1
    Register for the ride.
    Every rider should be registered before rolling.
  • 2
    Helmet on. Bike ready.
    Check tires, brakes, wheels, water, ID, phone, and flat-repair supplies.
  • 3
    Know the plan.
    Listen to the safety talk. Know the pace, route, regroup points, and whether this is a led or show-and-go ride.
  • 4
    Ride predictably.
    Hold your line, avoid sudden movements, and do not overlap wheels.
  • 5
    Communicate.
    Signal turns, lane changes, hazards, slowing, and stopping. Pass calls through the group.
  • 6
    Be courteous.
    Follow traffic laws, ride leader instructions, and the CRW Code of Conduct.

On the Road

Group riding basics
  • Maintain safe spacing from other riders.
  • Stay aware of riders beside and behind you.
  • Move smoothly and predictably.
  • Do not use aero bars in a group.
  • Avoid portable music players while riding with the group.
Passing and being passed
  • Call “on your left” before passing.
  • Pass only when there is room and the road is safe.
  • Hold your line when another rider passes you.
  • Do not surge, drift, or cut back too soon.
Traffic and road hazards
  • Call and point out holes, debris, sand, glass, tracks, and parked-car doors.
  • Use “car back” and pass the call forward when appropriate.
  • Move single file when needed to allow safe passing.
  • Use road civility. A friendly wave helps.
Paceline note

Paceline riding requires skill and shared consent from the riders involved. Do not join a paceline unless you are comfortable, experienced, and the group has agreed.

If Something Happens

Serious injury or immediate danger?
Call 911 first. Keep riders out of traffic if it is safe to do so.
Then:
  • Notify the ride leader.
  • Help the rider only if you can do so safely.
  • Preserve the ride roster/registration information.
  • Use the CRW incident reporting process after the immediate situation is stable.

Learn Group Riding Basics

Watch these before your next ride. Do not watch videos while riding.

How To Ride In A Group — An Introduction Global Cycling Network How To Ride In A Group Of Cyclists Global Cycling Network How to Ride in a Group British Cycling — Ride Smart Ride Smart Playlist British Cycling

Suggested external videos should be reviewed by the Rides & Safety Committee before publication.

CRW Resources

Rider Guidelines Group Riding Guidelines Ride Types Ride With GPS Policies & Guidelines Contact CRW

This page is a quick-start safety aid. The official CRW policies and guidelines remain the controlling references.

© Charles River Wheelers, a 501(c)3 Organization

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