Safe Group Cycling

Club riding is probably safer than going it alone. MCBC rides will take you on the least traveled, safest routes.  If you get into trouble, there will be someone around to help out.  On the other hand, the bike-to-bike collision is a very real hazard when many bikes ride close together.  Also, your view of the road can be restricted.

Following are basic safe cycling rules you should apply to when riding with a group of fellow club riders:

Announcing Hazards:  When riding in a tight group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes, gravel, grates, and other hazards.  Indicate road hazards by pointing down to the left or right and by shouting “hole”,”bump”, etc. where required for safety.  “Car up” “car back”, “dog up”, etc., are pretty straightforward warnings to the group that are your important contribution.

Be Predictable:  Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to ride straight, at a constant speed unless you indicate differently.

Communicate:  Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with members of the group and with other traffic.

Hand Signals:  Basically, you point to where you’re going (just like a car).  Hand down means you are slowing or stopping.

Verbal Warnings:  Along with hand signals, verbally warn cyclists behind you if you are stopping, turning etc.

Change Position Correctly:  Slower traffic stays right, so you should try to pass others on their left.  Say “on your left” to warn the cyclist ahead that you are passing.  If you need to pass someone on the right, say “passing on your right” clearly since this is an unusual maneuver.

Safe Drafting:  You’re really testing your reaction times if you follow another cyclist closer than two to three feet.  Even that distance requires extra attention.  Personally, most of us would rather keep a ten-foot gap and enjoy the scenery.

Move Off the Road When You Stop:  Don’t interfere with traffic.  The lead rider should pull forward in the stopping area so the other riders can pull in behind.

Ride One or Two Across:  Ride as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by law. Always single up when cars are trying to pass you if the lane is wide enough for them to safely do so.

Leave A Gap for Cars:  When you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars between every three or four bicycles.  In this way motorists can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal around the entire group.

Be ALERT At Intersections:  The lead rider should say “slowing” or “stopping” to alert those behind to the change in speed.  While it is courteous to announce the condition of the intersection to the following cyclists (“clear”,”car right”, etc.) each cyclist is responsible for verifying that the way is really clear before entering the intersection.

Teamwork:  Give a helping hand, watch for other members’ problems (loose straps, loose equipment, tire condition, etc.).  It’s what makes club riding special.  Especially be considerate and helpful to new and inexperienced group riders.

Finally, wear a helmet and carry an ID with emergency information.  It’s a shame, but it’s necessary!