Group Etiquette
Some basic group ride rules, guidelines and etiquette
Be considerate of the other riders and arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early. Remember that the scheduled ride time is the time the ride will leave the parking lot.
Make sure your bicycle is in proper working order BEFORE you arrive.
We do expect you to have the basics skills of cycling (shifting, pedaling, braking, riding a straight line, etc).
A good cyclist is pedictable,they ride at a steady pace and in a straight line. Pay attention to where you are and who is around you. Weaving and wandering over the road will quickly get you in trouble. Steady also applies to the pace. Don't slow down or zoom ahead unexpectedly, this creates a "yo-yo" effect. Small changes in speed at the front of the group are like power surges at the back.
Ride two abreast at all times, especially when first departing. Obey all rules of the road (red lights, stop signs, hand signals, the yellow line and riding on the right). Cyclists are considered “Annoyances” by other drivers and “Vehicles” by Police/Sheriff departments; you can be ticketed and we have been stopped (in Byron).
If there is a large turnout; we may break the ride into smaller, more manageable groups to allow cars more opportunities to pass safely. We may go single file from time to time for safety or other reasons. We'll make every attempt to create a safe ride; nevertheless, you ride at your own risk.
Please wait for stragglers - if the group gets separated at intersections, soft pedal until they catch up. Remember, this is a group ride so you might want to consider riding "as a group".
We cannot control the actions of the drivers on the road and I can’t tell you how to behave on a bike. Nevertheless, if you act in a manner that puts the safety of our group at risk, we will ask you not to ride with us. "CAR BACK" is not a suggestion, it’s a warning; and it means move quickly to the right side of the road. Yelling at drivers and one-finger salutes are not techniques that improve our public relations with the motorized population; although, we have found that waving and smiling does help.
If you have never been on a group ride, let us know. A quick “hello, my name ….” is a nice ice breaker. We want you to enjoy this experience; we don’t want you wandering around lost in the dark. 12 miles into a 60 mile ride is not the time or place to find out you’re not ready for this and don’t have a route map.
For all you saddle sore veterans out there,introduce yourself to the newcomers. Let them know about the group, club, events, etc. If a rider is having trouble, help them out; you may need the favor returned one day.
Be a responsible host. If you bring a guest, especially one that is new to group rides; watch out for them. If they have trouble during the ride (either physical or mechanical) assist them, ride with them and make sure they get back home. You can make or break their interest in cycling in their first ride out. If you make this ride a pleasant experience,it will give them a reason to come back - we typically refer to this as "a good thing ..."
We encourage everyone to set training goals and seek their personal best; however, you must understand your own limitations. Pick a ride that is within your capabilities. If you’re not sure, start with the Wednesday ride; it’s 23 miles at 13 to 15 mph and is purposely design to help new riders and the returning casual riders get back their fitness.
And finally, please show respect to the communities we ride through by not littering; GU packs don’t take up a lot of room in your pocket.
Riding Techniques
Ride Smoothly Remember that the safety of a group of riders depends on the actions of each rider. Riders must ride smoothly and predictably to avoid collisions. Keep in mind that someone is probably very close behind you. Don't brake hard unless you absolutely must and then call out to warn other riders. Glance over your shoulder before you move out of your line. When you are out on your own, you can do anything you like. The dynamics of the pack are more complicated. A pack of experienced riders that ride together often moves like a unit. It only takes one rider to disrupt the flow. There is another advantage to riding smoothly: you save energy and feel fresher at the end of the ride.
Intersections Sometimes the whole group can't make it through the intersection without getting split up by cars. The bikers that make it through in the first wave should try to slow up a bit to let the second wave catch up before picking up the pace. Occasionally, bikers take unnecessary chances with cars just to avoid getting dropped by the people who got through the intersection first. Give them a break.
Stay to the Right When riding, stay to the right of the road unless you are riding double or are passing. This will allow others to pass on your left without going into the lane of oncoming traffic. This is particularly important on the hills where the pack breaks up. Too often, riders will climb near the center line forcing faster riders to ride in the lane of oncoming traffic in order to pass. If you are getting passed on the hills, move over to give them some room. Stay out of the lane of oncoming traffic. Cars travel fast and can appear suddenly. Try not to pass on the right. If you must, give an "ON YOUR RIGHT" signal.
Dealing with Cars SHARE THE ROAD - Nearly all the roads we ride on carry auto traffic as well as bicycles. We are adamant about our right to ride these roads but we have an obligation to ride in a manner than keeps conflicts to a minimum. The vast majority of the drivers are considerate of bikers. We tend to focus on the few that we exchange words with before they speed into the distance. Try to remember the ones that stop so that you can make a left turn. Most of us also drive.
Communications Avoid shouting at motorists or using nonstandard hand signals. I know, sometimes it is just too much to ask. But it doesn't help, and it can make enemies of the motorists.
Riding Double Riding two abreast is fine when the traffic is light and traffic can be seen well in advance. Sooner or later, a car will overtake the pack and the riders should be prepared to single up to allow the traffic by. The rider on the left should drop behind the rider on the right. The line of riders on the right will have to spread out to allow room for the riders moving in. This means the riders in the front must speed up and the riders in the rear slow up.
Stay in your Lane Stay out of the lane of the oncoming traffic at all times. Cars approach too fast for safety and drivers do not expect a rider in their lane. Avoid riding three abreast for this reason. It places the rider on the left too close to the oncoming traffic. Stay out of the right hand turn lane when you are at an intersection waiting for the traffic to clear. This allows traffic to turn right while the pack is waiting for an opening.
Signal Turns Riders should always signal turns. Let the traffic know what to expect. Signal like you mean it. Some rider's signals are so anemic that they could go unnoticed. All riders in a pack should signal. One or two people in a pack of twenty or so is not very convincing to drivers. It can lead to confusion.
Left Turns Left turns are one of the more dangerous maneuvers for a bike in traffic and should be done with care, following the rules of the road. Remember, the car behind is anxious to get around and may be tempted to pass. Begin the turn well in advance. Signal the turn and when the traffic behind is clear, move to the left hand side of the lane. Do not pull in front of a car expecting it to slow down for you. Stay on the left of the lane as you approach intersection and turn left when the oncoming traffic is clear. Before turning, glance over your left shoulder-a car may decide to pass you on the left as you turn.
Stopping Every once in a while, the pack needs to pull over while someone adjusts a brake or visits nature. Move to the side of the road and out of the lane of traffic. There is no excuse for causing congestion when we are not even riding. This seems obvious, but a surprising number of people camp out in the lane of traffic when the pack comes to a stop.
Pedestrians Don't surprise pedestrians. When overtaking them (or other cyclists) call out "ON YOUR LEFT" (or RIGHT) well in advance. Be a polite as possible so that you don't sound like you are forcing them off the road. Let them know where you intend to go and then be ready for them to jump in front of you; sometimes they will. If the lead rider spots a pedestrian approaching the group on the same side of the road, they should call out "WALKER UP" so that the entire group is aware of the hazard. The group should move out from the right side of the road to allow the pedestrian room to get by.
Be considerate of the other riders and arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early. Remember that the scheduled ride time is the time the ride will leave the parking lot.
Make sure your bicycle is in proper working order BEFORE you arrive.
We do expect you to have the basics skills of cycling (shifting, pedaling, braking, riding a straight line, etc).
A good cyclist is pedictable,they ride at a steady pace and in a straight line. Pay attention to where you are and who is around you. Weaving and wandering over the road will quickly get you in trouble. Steady also applies to the pace. Don't slow down or zoom ahead unexpectedly, this creates a "yo-yo" effect. Small changes in speed at the front of the group are like power surges at the back.
Ride two abreast at all times, especially when first departing. Obey all rules of the road (red lights, stop signs, hand signals, the yellow line and riding on the right). Cyclists are considered “Annoyances” by other drivers and “Vehicles” by Police/Sheriff departments; you can be ticketed and we have been stopped (in Byron).
If there is a large turnout; we may break the ride into smaller, more manageable groups to allow cars more opportunities to pass safely. We may go single file from time to time for safety or other reasons. We'll make every attempt to create a safe ride; nevertheless, you ride at your own risk.
Please wait for stragglers - if the group gets separated at intersections, soft pedal until they catch up. Remember, this is a group ride so you might want to consider riding "as a group".
We cannot control the actions of the drivers on the road and I can’t tell you how to behave on a bike. Nevertheless, if you act in a manner that puts the safety of our group at risk, we will ask you not to ride with us. "CAR BACK" is not a suggestion, it’s a warning; and it means move quickly to the right side of the road. Yelling at drivers and one-finger salutes are not techniques that improve our public relations with the motorized population; although, we have found that waving and smiling does help.
If you have never been on a group ride, let us know. A quick “hello, my name ….” is a nice ice breaker. We want you to enjoy this experience; we don’t want you wandering around lost in the dark. 12 miles into a 60 mile ride is not the time or place to find out you’re not ready for this and don’t have a route map.
For all you saddle sore veterans out there,introduce yourself to the newcomers. Let them know about the group, club, events, etc. If a rider is having trouble, help them out; you may need the favor returned one day.
Be a responsible host. If you bring a guest, especially one that is new to group rides; watch out for them. If they have trouble during the ride (either physical or mechanical) assist them, ride with them and make sure they get back home. You can make or break their interest in cycling in their first ride out. If you make this ride a pleasant experience,it will give them a reason to come back - we typically refer to this as "a good thing ..."
We encourage everyone to set training goals and seek their personal best; however, you must understand your own limitations. Pick a ride that is within your capabilities. If you’re not sure, start with the Wednesday ride; it’s 23 miles at 13 to 15 mph and is purposely design to help new riders and the returning casual riders get back their fitness.
And finally, please show respect to the communities we ride through by not littering; GU packs don’t take up a lot of room in your pocket.
Riding Techniques
Ride Smoothly Remember that the safety of a group of riders depends on the actions of each rider. Riders must ride smoothly and predictably to avoid collisions. Keep in mind that someone is probably very close behind you. Don't brake hard unless you absolutely must and then call out to warn other riders. Glance over your shoulder before you move out of your line. When you are out on your own, you can do anything you like. The dynamics of the pack are more complicated. A pack of experienced riders that ride together often moves like a unit. It only takes one rider to disrupt the flow. There is another advantage to riding smoothly: you save energy and feel fresher at the end of the ride.
Intersections Sometimes the whole group can't make it through the intersection without getting split up by cars. The bikers that make it through in the first wave should try to slow up a bit to let the second wave catch up before picking up the pace. Occasionally, bikers take unnecessary chances with cars just to avoid getting dropped by the people who got through the intersection first. Give them a break.
Stay to the Right When riding, stay to the right of the road unless you are riding double or are passing. This will allow others to pass on your left without going into the lane of oncoming traffic. This is particularly important on the hills where the pack breaks up. Too often, riders will climb near the center line forcing faster riders to ride in the lane of oncoming traffic in order to pass. If you are getting passed on the hills, move over to give them some room. Stay out of the lane of oncoming traffic. Cars travel fast and can appear suddenly. Try not to pass on the right. If you must, give an "ON YOUR RIGHT" signal.
Dealing with Cars SHARE THE ROAD - Nearly all the roads we ride on carry auto traffic as well as bicycles. We are adamant about our right to ride these roads but we have an obligation to ride in a manner than keeps conflicts to a minimum. The vast majority of the drivers are considerate of bikers. We tend to focus on the few that we exchange words with before they speed into the distance. Try to remember the ones that stop so that you can make a left turn. Most of us also drive.
Communications Avoid shouting at motorists or using nonstandard hand signals. I know, sometimes it is just too much to ask. But it doesn't help, and it can make enemies of the motorists.
Riding Double Riding two abreast is fine when the traffic is light and traffic can be seen well in advance. Sooner or later, a car will overtake the pack and the riders should be prepared to single up to allow the traffic by. The rider on the left should drop behind the rider on the right. The line of riders on the right will have to spread out to allow room for the riders moving in. This means the riders in the front must speed up and the riders in the rear slow up.
Stay in your Lane Stay out of the lane of the oncoming traffic at all times. Cars approach too fast for safety and drivers do not expect a rider in their lane. Avoid riding three abreast for this reason. It places the rider on the left too close to the oncoming traffic. Stay out of the right hand turn lane when you are at an intersection waiting for the traffic to clear. This allows traffic to turn right while the pack is waiting for an opening.
Signal Turns Riders should always signal turns. Let the traffic know what to expect. Signal like you mean it. Some rider's signals are so anemic that they could go unnoticed. All riders in a pack should signal. One or two people in a pack of twenty or so is not very convincing to drivers. It can lead to confusion.
Left Turns Left turns are one of the more dangerous maneuvers for a bike in traffic and should be done with care, following the rules of the road. Remember, the car behind is anxious to get around and may be tempted to pass. Begin the turn well in advance. Signal the turn and when the traffic behind is clear, move to the left hand side of the lane. Do not pull in front of a car expecting it to slow down for you. Stay on the left of the lane as you approach intersection and turn left when the oncoming traffic is clear. Before turning, glance over your left shoulder-a car may decide to pass you on the left as you turn.
Stopping Every once in a while, the pack needs to pull over while someone adjusts a brake or visits nature. Move to the side of the road and out of the lane of traffic. There is no excuse for causing congestion when we are not even riding. This seems obvious, but a surprising number of people camp out in the lane of traffic when the pack comes to a stop.
Pedestrians Don't surprise pedestrians. When overtaking them (or other cyclists) call out "ON YOUR LEFT" (or RIGHT) well in advance. Be a polite as possible so that you don't sound like you are forcing them off the road. Let them know where you intend to go and then be ready for them to jump in front of you; sometimes they will. If the lead rider spots a pedestrian approaching the group on the same side of the road, they should call out "WALKER UP" so that the entire group is aware of the hazard. The group should move out from the right side of the road to allow the pedestrian room to get by.
posted by CGC at 9:11 AM
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