Group Ride Etiquette

I thought it would be a good idea to put together some guidelines for participating in group bike rides particularly for those with little experience with riding in groups.  These are not "rules" per se, but instead tips on how we interact on group rides inorder to maximize safety while enjoying ourselves at the same time. For more information on cycling safety check out the online BikeSense Manual.  To request one please send me a Facebook message or an email to ValleyVeloRiders with the subject "BikeSense Manual" and instructions on how to get it to you.

Group Riding Guidelines and Etiquette

1. Be predictable. Ride in a safe, straight and consistent manner. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking.

2. Communicate verbally and/or with hand signals.

• Obstacles or hazards on the road may not be easily seen by the rider behind you. Call out and point to road hazards.
• Always indicates turns with appropriate hand signals.
• Give a verbal warning for automobiles coming from behind. For example "Car Back or Trcuk back" are suitable warnings.
• Give verbal warnings if you or cyclists ahead of you are slowing down (Slowing) or if coming to a stop. (Stopping).
• When passing other cyclists pass on the left and offer a verbal warning of "On your Left".
• Give verbal indication to cyclists behind when going through an intersections. If no vehicles shout "Clear" and if there are vehicles coming shout "Car Up".     Motorists see cycling groups a single unit so try to cross or tturn as a group when signalled to do so by a motorist.
• Warn pedestrians if approaching from behind. Use a bell, horn or verbal indication far enough in advance so as to not startle them. Indicate verbally with a     "Passing on the Left" or "On your left".
• Warn of upcoming railroad crossings. This is usually communicated with a downward arm left to right waving or a verbal "Tracks ahead".

3.  Ride single file unless riding on a wide shoulder or bike lane.

4. Always wear a helmet.

5. Always obey all traffic laws.

6. Insure that your bike is in a road worthy state to insure yours and other riders safety.

7. Carry identification.

8. If you run into mechanical difficulty, flat tire, chain off etc. call out to riders ahead so that communication can be passed to the ride leader so he/she can stop the group and wait or offer assistance.

9. It is recommended that you carry a spare tube and a patch kit. You do not necessarily have to be prepared to fix your own flats as others with expperience can assist you. It is a good skill to learn in case you are riding alone.

10. Communicate with the rest of the group to insure that no cyclist is left behind.

11. Riding at nights requires front and rear lights as well as reflective clothing and/or reflective material on the bikes. The idea is to be visible to others.