Safety and Etiquette
Group Riding
First Things First! Before setting off on your bike always check your brakes, gears, spokes, tyres etc. Always carry a spare inner tube, tyre leavers & a pump. And make sure you know how to change your inner tube should you puncture. Carry a mobile phone!
Riding
Try to hold a steady line. Do not make any sudden moves, unless forced to. You should always be aware of what is ahead, potholes parked cars, walkers etc., start making your move with time to spare. Always shout back and let everyone know! Let people know when a car is coming. ‘car up’ (behind you) or ‘car down’ (coming towards you)
The closer you can get behind the cyclist in front the more shelter you will get the more energy you will save, when you are ‘holding a wheel’, always keep your front wheel slightly to the right of theirs then if they do flick you have somewhere to go, and always have hands, preferably, on your brakes but certainly within a finger’s movement from them.
If you need to slow down, ease back gradually. Do not stop pedaling and sit up and never hit the brakes. When cornering the idea is to spread your weight evenly across the bike – push your bum back in the saddle and your hands forwards into the bends of your bars and relax. Where possible keep pedaling, the momentum helps your balance. If you cannot keep pedaling point your knee into the corner and keep your outside leg straight. Try not to brake whilst cornering brake before you hit the bend.
Get comfortable with having a drink. Taking a bottle from a cage is a very common cause of accidents.