CLUB RIDE ETIQUETTE

This guidance sets out the general ride etiquette that we expect from members of the club. We would encourage all riders to follow the etiquette at all times as it is aims to keep you and other riders safe and present a positive image of cycling to other road users. It is especially important when on club rides or when you are wearing the Velo club jersey

There is separate guidance for joining a ride.

General ride etiquette

1.     Always be aware of your surroundings, look out for potential hazards and call them out either with hand gestures, vocally or both to warn other cyclists in the group or other road users following you. Commonly used phrases used for calling out hazards include:

  • Hole - for pot holes

  • Car up - for a car approaching from the front

  • Car Back - for a car approaching from the rear

  • Car left or right - usually used when approaching a road junction

  • Slowing - when the rider is applying the brakes to slow down

  • Stopping - when the rider is slowing down to an expected stop

2.     When riding in a group show courtesy to that group by riding at a pace that works for the whole group and take care not to lose riders by accelerating too quickly and void forcing the pace through actions such as half wheeling

3.     The group should ride no more than two abreast and should single out on areas of road with solid white lines and narrow lanes to allow motorists room to pass safely. Try and avoid being the person in the group that is riding in two’s when everyone else is singled out

4.     When in a group never cross wheels with the bike in front and ride at a distance from the bike in front that is comfortable for your capabilities.

5.     Avoid riding too close to the centre line or verge and when in a group, subject to your capabilities and confidence, try to keep a tidy shape by staying “on the wheel” of the bike in front and avoid an excessive gap with rider to your side.

6.     Try and avoid any sudden changes of direction or sharp braking without first warning people around you.

7.     Be thoughtful to other road users especially while in a large group and try to ensure you minimise your impact upon them without compromising your safety and the safety of others around you. Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Keeping groups small and compact to allow cars to pass quickly and safely

  • Don’t block the road at junctions or when a member of the group is dealing with a mechanical issue

  • Be courteous to other road users at all times but avoid actions that may cause confusion such as waving cars through

  • Stop at stop signs and red traffic lights and follow the rules of the road

10.  Slow down when passing other vulnerable road users such as

  • Pedestrians, especially where the elderly, infirm or children are present;

  • Horses;

  • Where livestock or dogs are loose on the road or verges

11.  Give plenty of room to other road users when passing. The amount of room you give will often be determined by road conditions and the relative vulnerability of the other road user

12.  Take your rubbish with you and dispose of it considerately

Finally, remember, most situations which cause conflict with motorists (for example) are not deliberate acts of aggression. Please bear this in mind and avoid reacting to such situations with aggressive hand gestures or verbal abuse. Remember, most of us are motorists too and we are all prone to making mistakes and bad judgement.