Safety and Etiquette
Communication is key to a safe group ride. We communicate to others potential hazards such as pot holes, parked cars or pedestrians using established hand signals and verbal warnings.
We don't need everyone in the group pointing out the same hazards or signals. The leading pair should and a few others eching this is sufficiant. If you are a beginner or unsteady then is far safer for you and the group to keep both hands on your handle-bars.
Car Up
There's a car approaching from behind the group ride. This is frequently followed by coming through
Car Down
There's a car approaching from the front of the group ride- it’s coming down the road.
On the Left / On the Right
There is an obstacle on the left or right that requires the group to manoeuvre.
Gravel or Hole
There is a hazard in the road
Walker / Runner
There's a pedestrian on the road ahead
Bike ahead
There is a slower cyclist ahead that we are likely to overtake; or one approaching us in the opposite
direction
Slowing
Potential hazard ahead, control speed (but don’t brake sharply to a standstill, this is a moment for
gentle braking, no sudden movements)
Stopping
We are going to have to stop safely as a group, there is a hazard we can’t ride round or junction, traffic
light etc. (but don’t brake sharply, this is a moment for braking to a halt as a group)
Single-Out
Important manoeuvre where the group needs to become a single line (whilst still keeping the same speed), for example let a vehicle past. To go from double file to single file, the inside rider, nearest the side of the road, should maintain their speed (or speed up a little) while the rider on the outside eases off, and tucks in behind. Remember to make space in front for the rider to come in.
ClearThis is called at a junction when there is nothing coming and you know you can pedal through. If,
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however, it is unsafe to proceed into the junction, then announce the danger (e.g. "Car Right") or the
action ("Stopping") loudly and as soon as possible.
Car Right / Car Right
At a junction this indicates that there is a car coming from either the right or the left. Easy Aimed at the riders pon the front that their pace is splitting or about split the group