By Barbara Jacobs and Amy Juodawlkis
On a group ride, there are some cycling customs and etiquette points CRW expects riders to follow, for the safety and enjoyment of all. Riding safely in groups requires a mature and positive frame of mind. This guidance applies to all CRW group rides. Riding in a pace line or drafting requires skills and rules in addition to these basic guidelines (we will cover those in future articles).
In general:
- Always ride smart, ride safe.
- Communicate with other riders around you.
- Maintain your personal space, avoid close proximity to other bikers.
- Avoid sudden sideways movements; be predictable and always hold your line.
- Be considerate of slower and faster riders around you
- Be careful, signal, and let others know when you are slowing or stopping.
- Learn how to safely pass and be passed, both critical skills.
- Remember that we are riding for fun!
Let’s begin with some essentials:
- Get the info in advance: Before you join a group ride for the first time, read the ride description to find out how long and difficult the ride will be, average speed, what the route is like, if there are planned refueling stops, and other important info. Contact the ride leader directly if you have any questions not covered in the ride description.
- Come prepared: Make sure you have adequate hydration and snacks for the whole ride, as well as a spare tube and the tools needed to change a flat or deal with other roadside mechanicals. Look at the weather forecast and make sure you have the right clothing for the ride. A fully charged cell phone, credit card/cash, and medical cards are essential. Upload the ride route to your device (phone or bike computer).
- Respect the ride leader: Most organized group rides have a designated ride leader. This person is usually one of the most experienced riders in the group. Their job includes keeping the group together, safe, and harmonious. Follow the leader’s instructions and take your cues from them, as different group rides may have slightly different practices. Bonus suggestion: Thank your ride leader! CRW cannot exist without theses volunteers’ hard work and dedication.
- Follow the rules of the road: This includes stopping at traffic lights and stop signs, and riding single file or two abreast (when safe to do so).
While on the road the following are important:
Communication: Talking and signaling to group members about your intentions and possible obstacles is important. Below are standard terms and ways hazards are communicated, but you may hear and see some variations in style or terms, depending on the group. Repeat the warning for those behind you.
Signal and vocalize (loudly) upcoming turns, stops, or issues in the road;
- Turns: When the route turns, use hand signals appropriate for a left-hand turn or a right-hand turn. It is also a good idea to call out, “right turn” or “left turn,” as appropriate.
- “Slowing!”: There is something causing them to slow down. This could be a traffic light, slower bikes, or some road hazard.
- "Stopping!”: Planning to stop. This could be a stop light or major road hazard, so you must be prepared to stop.
- “Rolling!”: Moving again after a stop. This is your cue to check if it is safe for you to also proceed. (Do not use “Clear,” as each rider must decide when it is safe to get moving again.)
- “On your left”: Rider is passing you on your left side. You should never hear “On your right.” Riders should be riding towards the right side of the roadway unless passing, so there should no room for anyone to pass on the right. NEVER PASS ON THE RIGHT.
- “On your wheel”: If you catch up to a rider ahead, and suspect they may not be aware you are now behind them, let them know.
- “Car up”: Beware of an approaching vehicle and stay to the right/get in single file. When you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the approaching vehicle and to alert others.
- “Car back”: Vehicle coming up from behind. Move to the right/get in single file as safely possible to allow them to pass. Repeat the call so others ahead of you are aware.
- Obstacles to the side: Call out the specific obstacle, while tapping your hip or waving your hand in toward your body, on the side of the obstacle (e.g., mailbox, parked car, etc.). Be prepared to avoid these hazards without swerving into other riders.
- “Car right (or left)”: A car is turning onto the roadway from the group’s right (or left).
- “Runner (or walker) up”: A pedestrian is in the roadway; give as wide a berth as safely able, to avoid collisions.
- Obstacles on the ground: Point out and vocalize obstacles on the road that could cause flat tires or crashes if not avoided. For example, “Hole!,” “Bumps!,” “Glass!,” “Road kill!”, etc. Be prepared to avoid these hazards without swerving into other riders.
- “Crack”: There is a crack parallel to your direction of travel. These cracks can catch your wheel and cause a spill. Many riders will wave their left or right arm forward and back with their palm facing their body to let riders behind know which side the crack is on. Pass the warning back while signaling with one hand if you can. Spot the crack and move over if needed, as smoothly as possible to avoid it.
- “Gravel”: Gravel on the road, or on the side of the road; signaled by waving hand, palm down, over the side with the gravel. Ride around the gravel, when possible, although you may be able to ride through it safely if you hold a straight line. Gravel in a corner warrants caution when turning. Slow down and keep the bike more upright by pushing with the outside hand as you steer through the turn.
Positioning: When riding close together, it is important to position yourself and your bike properly to keep everyone safe:
- Never overlap wheels with another rider. This is dangerous and could lead to a crash.
- Hold your line – do not make any sudden movements, changes in speed, or deviations in your trajectory. Be predictable, so the riders around you feel comfortable and everyone can ride safely.
Passing: Passing on a bicycle is a two-way process. Generally, the person passing has primary responsibility for a safe pass; however, both the “passer” and “passee” have a few simple responsibilities to make a pass safe and friendly.
The passee(s) should:
- Be aware of approaching riders (look behind and listen!); consolidate to single file to allow a safe pass;
- Acknowledge calls to pass; saying “Thank You” is a GREAT way to do this!
- Maintain a steady speed and hold a consistent line - do not suddenly slow down or speed up as you are being passed, and do not swerve.
The passer(s) should:
- Check the road behind to ensure no approaching vehicles, making sure there is enough room to safely pass.
- Call “Passing on you left” after the other rider has acknowledged your presence.
- Move left to allow adequate space as you come around as you smoothly accelerate to your previous speed to make the pass.
- Allow plenty of room before pulling back in to the right to not cut off those being passed.
Be a cycling ambassador: As a club, we travel along the roadways and through the many communities along the way. Please do not hog the road; let local traffic get through safely.
The above rules of cycling etiquette have grown out of the need to keep everyone on the road safe while enjoying our wonderful sport. Thank you for adhering to these guidelines when you join a CRW club ride.
Some information for this article was taken from the Giant Website - https://www.liv-cycling.com/global/campaigns/road-cycling-etiquette/26307 and Bike MS: 2013 Cycling Etiquette http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/DocServer/Bike_MS_Cycling_Etiquette.pdf
Check out the CRW Code of Conduct for additional information.
