Group Ride Rules & Etiquette

Why ride in a group.

Riding in the slipstream of another cyclist requires 30% less energy than the rider on the front is using. Sitting further back in a group that is riding two by two will save even more energy. This means that a group of cyclists of equivalent fitness and ability can cycle further and faster for longer than any single individual. Crucially that means that for club rides with a mix of fitness levels, stronger riders can spend more time ‘working on the front’ enabling others to cycle further than they would be able to on their own.

Riding in the Group

Along with all the advantages of riding in a group there are a few extra skills and practices specific to group riding so please read on to make the most of your time on the bike and look after your fellow club members. All riders have a duty of care to themselves and the others in the group and take full responsibility for their actions and use their own judgment as to what is best for their own and the group’s safety in any particular situation.

The Rules

• Follow the Highway Code, obey the Law and respect other road users.
• Groups will have a maximum of 15 riders. Please help ride leaders stick to this rule.
• You must wear a helmet. Followers of Sikhism are exempt if they are wearing a turban.
• If you decide to leave the ride early you must tell another rider and make your plans clear.
• Always ride a well maintained bike. In winter this includes full mudguards.
• Use front and rear lights at night and when riding in poor light conditions.
• Nobody will left behind without dicussion and their explicit agrement.

Group Ride Protocol

• Ride two abreast when safe to do so. This is both British Cycling best practice and specified in the Highway Code.
• Call out and point to hazards and pass it up and down the line so all riders are aware. See Calls & Signals for more information.
• Always carry spare inner tubes, tyre levers and a pump. For more information on the tools you should carry see Bike Safety.
• Always carry a phone and some ID.
• Don't swap groups without the Ride Leaders approval when the ride has been split when larger than 15.
• Single out when called upon by the leader or those on the front. Some examples of when this might be appropriate include: On large A Roads, to let a car pass, to pass a line of parked cars, to pass horses.
• On climbs riders go at their own pace and regroup at the top. Overtake other riders on the right.
• When approaching horses from behind, single out and always call to let the horse and rider know we're there. Do not ring bell! If a horse becomes particularly spooked there a few things you can do to help the situation: cover flashing lights, soft pedal to reduce the noise of freewheeks, dismount bikes and stand still.
• If a mechanical is called the group should continue and only pullover where it is safe to do so, in a field entrance, layby or on a straight section of road.
• Follow the wheel of the bike infront. For experienced riders this is usually about half a wheel but if that feels too close then give your self up to a metre.
• Don’t look at the wheel of the bike in front of you. Look beyond the rider ahead and further down the road.
• Don't keep checking the route or the speed on your head unit. It is the responsibility of the ride leader and those on the front to navigate. 
• Hold a steady line, avoid any sudden changes of direction and check behind you before changing your position within the group. Small unexpected movements can quickly ripple through a group and cause accidents.
• Don’t brake suddenly.
• Don’t overlap wheels.
• Don’t keep looking at the person next to you when you’re chatting. 
• Consider the riders around you.
• It is best not to wave on vehicles from behind even when you think it’s safe to do so. It is the sole responsibility of the driver in the overtaking vehicle to make this decision.
• Get comfortable taking a bottle from a cage. If you find this difficult then why not practice somewhere where it is safe to do so.
• Before you take a hand off the bars, move the other hand onto the tops; this is more stable if you’re unlucky enough to hit a pothole or have to avoid one.
• If you intend to take both hands off the bars then move to the back of the group. If you want to remove a gilet or extract food from a bag and feel confident doing it on the move then that’s fine but it doesn’t need an audience. Even the pros get this wrong sometimes and it doesn't end well.

About the Bike

• Drop handlebars are required for group rides.
• No tri-bars, clip-ons, spinacci or bar ends.
• Your bars must have bar plugs.
• During winter (November to March) you must have mudguards fitted to your bike. More on Mudguards
• Flat bars no wider than 40cm may be acceptable on Sunday Rides at the ride leader's discretion.
• Mountain bikes are allowed on gravel rides but should ride at the back of the group on road sections.
• E BIkes with drop handlebars are permitted providing they conform to UK/EU regulations.

Riding on the front

When you’re on the front you’re the eyes and ears for the whole group so it’s extra important that you concentrate on the road ahead. Read the road to anticipate potential hazards well in advance and convey information to the rest of the group with calls and gestures. Sometimes it's helpful to think of the group as a single vehicle with those on the front driving.

Don't get out of the saddle and accelerate away. After junctions or slowing for tight corners it's important to increase the speed gradually and only after the group comes back together. This is exactly the opposite of what you would do in a race; the constant chasing on for riders toward the back of the group will make it much harder for them to keep with the group.

No half wheeling. We encourage everyone to ride on the front once they are comfortable with group riding and when you're on the front you ride at the speed that you feel comfortable with for as long as you’re able. If you find you are constantly half a wheel ahead of the person next to you, you’re going too fast. If you find yourself constantly half a wheel behind the rider next to you, don’t go into the red trying to get level with them; it’s their responsibility to slow down slightly.

Always call and indicate turns and junctions no matter how obvious they may seem.

Hold a steady line and avoid any sudden changes of direction. Be aware of what is ahead, potholes parked cars, walkers etc., start making your move with time to spare and always shout back to let everyone know!

... and when you're on the back.

The riders on the back also have responsibilities. Stay alert. Those on the front won't be aware of the situation at the rear of the group. Riders towards the rear have a responsibility to keep the group informed about: riders being dropped, vehicles queueing behind the group etc.

The rider on the outside rear must use and maintain hand signals when the group is turning until the manoeuvre is completed. On narrower roads it's important to warn of cars behind calling “car up” as it approaches and “coming through” as it starts to over take.

And Finally

No set of rules and guidance can cover every eventuality and the facts on the ground, what you know and can actually see should always govern your actions. We all have a duty of care for our group and other road users. When riding with the club, you represent both the club and the wider cycling community. Good etiquette, concentration, communication and consideration help ensure that everyone enjoys safe, friendly and successful rides.