Many club members have never ridden in a group before joining the club, which is one reason why we ask that your first ride with us is on the Saturday ‘non-drop’ Ride.  Other members will give you advice on what to do.

The first priority is safety.  When in a group, we may ride very close to each other, maybe within a foot or less of the person in front.  This is so we can benefit from their slipstream.  This requires trust – you will want to know that the person in front of you rides in a predictable way.

View the British Cycling ‘Ride Smart’ video for group riding.  In practice, we change the rider at the front more frequently than they recommend.  Stephen Roche gives his tips on RCUK, so have a look at that as well.

Some riders worry about riding two-abreast.  This is perfectly legal but you need to concentrate, just as you would if driving, looking to anticipate changes in pace and direction.  If a car comes up behind the group it is better to ‘file-up’ as soon as it is safe to do so – there is no sense in deliberately annoying the motorist who is, after all, driving a ton of metal.

To be safe and also efficient, you need to ride consistently, without sudden moves to the left or right, or sudden braking or acceleration.

You need to communicate e.g. to let others know that you are moving past them, or that you need to stop, or that it really is time for a coffee.

You also need to use hand signals, indicating turns and hazards, such as potholes or parked cars.  This excellent page from Road Cycling UK hand signals tells you all you need to know.

Good group riding and road manners matter because they help ensure swift and safe progress.  They also help to ensure club harmony.  A member who rides carelessly, perhaps cutting in and forcing others to swerve, should not be surprised if they receive some direct feedback!  Riders also need to do their share of the work.

Road Cycling UK has their view on etiquette, as does British Cycling for Sportives, but it applies to any group ride, and these are good places to start.

Many club members ride in daylight with a flashing rear light, especially on cloudy days, and may also use a front light.  Hopefully, you also realise you need lights at night.  It does not help other riders if the lights are so bright that they burn the retina and melt the road…  Please angle lights towards the road, not up into the eyes of fellow riders and at night, have the light on solidly, not flashing.

It’s going to happen – sooner or later, you will encounter a driver who is not best pleased with your road position, your speed or your choice of cycle clothing.  You will also, undoubtedly, encounter a driver who thinks you need no road space other than the gutter.  Here’s some advice on how to deal with these problems in a better way.

Remember also that we often ride in the club jersey, so you are identifiable.  You are also vulnerable and in an argument with a car, van or lorry – you will lose.  If you’re in a group, you are all vulnerable, so think twice before escalating incidents.

Accidents can happen when you’re riding alone or with others, so try to avoid them in the first place and then deal effectively with them when they happen.

First, make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you are likely to be back.  This is especially important if you ride solo. Make sure you ride to the conditions e.g. slow down before wet / gravelly bends. If you’re riding in a group make sure you alert people to hazards such as potholes, stones, dead badgers etc.

Second, read the advice in the following British Cycling article:  Dealing with an accident.

Third, make sure you have adequate third party and legal insurance through British Cycling or an alternative provider .

It is helpful to have first aid training but you can also learn from other club members if you are present at an accident.  St John’s Ambulance provide online advice and have a free app – get it on your iphone or Android phone.

Here is some basic advice:

IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH A CYCLING CASUALTY

1. Manage the scene of the incident and put your safety first, then deal with the casualty
2. Keep the casualty warm, make them comfortable and give them reassurance
3. If you feel able, provide first aid
4. Make a decision about calling 999 for an ambulance – if you do call, the operator will help you assess the need for this
5. You can remove the casualty’s cycling helmet if they want that
6. Do not remove gloves on injured fingers – they make be supporting broken bones
7. Avoid giving the casualty drinks in case they need an operation.  You can moisten their lips with some water
8. If they complain of any back or neck pain, keep them still and in the same position as they could be at risk of spinal injury

Anyone who has spent time lying on the ground waiting for an ambulance will tell you that reassurance is really important, so keep calm and talk to them, let them know their bike is safe, call someone for them if necessary and continue to keep yourself safe.

• The route and expected pace groups are posted for every club run and we try to include a coffee stop on longer rides.
• Club run numbers can vary depending on the time of year, weather, etc. which may require some last minute adjustments to ride groups, pace or route.
• If you’re not used to riding in a group please speak to the person leading the club run that day. It soon becomes second nature by following the common sense guidelines below.
• Usually ride in pairs, two abreast. This makes it easy to “single out” when required.
• Ride close to the rider in front of you, less than 1 metre. This gives you a slight “draft” from them, making it easier for you and also causing less of an obstruction to other road users.
• Maintain a steady, confident line and do not “half-wheel” (overlap wheels) with the rider in front.
• As your forward view is limited, it’s essential that obstacles and potholes are pointed out and quietly communicated down the line. The front riders will point out appropriate hazards, such as holes, parked cars, joggers, horses, sharp bends, gravel, etc.
• Slow down for horses and give them plenty of room. If approaching from behind call out in good time to warn them. It safer for them AND us.
• We often ride on roads that are narrow, or will need to “single out” to allow cars to pass. The riders at the back of the group are responsible for cars overtaking from behind by calling “CAR UP”. Conversely, those at the front are responsible for cars approaching from the front by calling “CAR DOWN”. Ensure everyone knows what’s happening.
• To “single out” – usually the rider on the left moves forward and the rider on the right drops in behind.
• If you need to stop, call out “stopping” or “slowing” so the riders behind do not crash into you.
• If you puncture or suffer another mechanical failure call out accordingly, the group will wait and assist.
• At junctions and roundabouts give clear warnings and indications of other traffic, so the group can move smoothly. Such calls are “Clear”, “Clear left/right”, “Car left/right” etc. as appropriate.
• Do not overtake on the left without warning the rider first. “On your left”
• Everyone climbs hills at different rates, please wait and regroup at the top so no one is dropped.
• Please wear club kit.