Safety and Etiquette
Calls & Signals
Communication is key to a safe group ride. Warning others of potential hazards such as pot holes and signalling changes of direction using established hand signals and verbal warnings. Most of these calls and signals are obvious and familiar to club riders but there are certain regional and club variations.
It may sound complicated at first but you will soon get used to it and it adds a whole new dimension to cycling becoming a real team event. You will learn to communicate, support and trust each other and you will find it one of the most enjoyable elements to riding in a club. If in doubt, ask a fellow rider.
Calls
- Car Up
- There's a car approaching from (up the road) behind the group.
- Coming Through
- The car is overtaking.
- Car Down
- There's a car approaching from (down the road) the opposite direction.
- On the Left (On the Right)
- An obstacle to the left (or right) that needs to be avoided.
- Hole
- There is a hole in the road!
- Gravel
- Loose surface, particularly on a corner or at a junction.
- Walker / Runner
- There's a pedestrian on the carriageway ahead.
- Bike Down
- There is a cyclist approaching from the opposite direction.
- Bike Left
- There is a slower cyclist ahead that the group is likely to pass.
- Slowing
- Potential hazard ahead, control speed (but don’t brake sharply) with gentle braking, no sudden movements.
- Stopping
- There is a hazard we can’t ride round or junction, traffic light etc. Don’t brake sharply, this is a moment for coming to a halt as a group.
- Easy
- Riders on the front are setting a pace too fast for the group.
- Single Out
- The group needs to ride single file. Inside riders should allow a gap to form immediately ahead of them for the rider ahead and to the outside (right) to slot into.
- Clear
- Called at a junction when there is nothing coming and you're sure it is safe to continue.
- Car Left / Car Right
- At a junction this indicates that there is a car coming from either the right or the left.
- Long Left / Long Right
- At a junction this indicates that whilst it may be safe to pull out there is a car approaching so extra caution is required.
Hand Signals
WORK IN PROGRESS
We don't need everyone in the group pointing out the same hazards or signals. The leading pair should and a few others echoing this is sufficiant so if you are a beginner or unsteady then is far safer for you and the group to keep both hands on your handle-bars.
The purpose of these shouts and signals is that the riders can continue to ride at a steady pace and can ride round the smaller obstacles without constantly having to brake. Sudden braking and movement is the most dangerous action for you and the group.
The thing you are most likely to see is where riders point down in the direction of a hole or other obstacle in the road.
If the rider on the left points to their left, it means there is something to their left that they might have to ride slightly to the right of to pass – and if you are behind them then you will have to take the same line if you also want to avoid it! Similarly the rider on the right might indicate a similar obstacle to their right.
You will also see a rider pointing or waving behind their lower back. If they are pointing right (the most common) then it indicates that the whole group will have to move to the right to overtake an obstacle such as a parked car or pedestrian.