Etiquette for Group Cycling

Group cycling can be a blast, or it can be very frustrating.  Here are some reminders (or maybe new information for cyclists who haven’t ridden in groups very much).  When in doubt, ask the ride leader for instruction, and don’t be offended if the ride leader or other experienced riders give you tips to ride safely in the group. NO ONE wants to go down, and small errors in communication or movement can be very expensive to bodies and equipment.

1.       Communicate!  It is impossible to communicate too much.  The first cyclist in line should signal turns well in advance as well as caution the group of approaching danger (car up! Warns that a car is approaching, right turn, left turn called out verbally and signaled with left arm for left turn, and right hand for right turn.  Waving straight ahead when not turning, and holding hand up or down to signal slowing or stopping. Calling out stopping, car right, car left).  The cyclist in front is the point man with a lot of responsibility to protect the group.

a.       Likewise, the last cyclist in line protects from the rear (car back! Echoes calls from the front by saying what they heard the lead rider say, “right turn” ensures that all riders in the group hear the call. 

b.      All riders are responsible to echo directions and to point out danger.  For instance, when a rider ahead of you points down to their right, they are pointing out danger such as pothole, road kill, etc.  They are signaling to let you know to avoid that line.

2.       Be Smooth! Small movements can have a big effect.  Sudden moves to the right or left, or sudden slowing without letting the riders know you are slowing can cause a domino effect.  Make gentle changes in speed and direction, and always know where riders are around you.  Keep your head on a swivel!  Look over your shoulders and don’t be afraid to reach out to touch a cyclist gently on the side to let them know you are there, especially if you are in their blind spot.  Overlapping wheels without others knowing you are there is a great way to get side swiped.

a.       Accelerate gently.  Pretend that you are connected to the group by a silk thread, and don’t snap it by racing ahead to take your turn at the front. If you have been sitting in the draft you have been using 30% less energy than the riders ahead of you.  The temptation is to give it the gas, but that will put a gap between you and the lead rider who has been working for you.  Look at your speedometer before you move to take the lead and match the speed to keep the group together.

3.       Use your strength for the good of the group – In cycling, everyone accomplishes more together.  When you are particularly fit and you are having a great day, use your strength to stay on the front, or to pace up riders who’ve been gapped.  Likewise, don’t be afraid to sit in.  It is better to take advantage of the draft than to be a hero on front for awhile and then to bust off the back. 

Group cycling is a blast when it is well choreographed, but that takes great communication.  You can’t over-communicate in a group, because it’s just when you take something for granted, like thinking “everyone knows which way we’re turning”, that you’ll have a pile up.  A few of us have been in those, and they’re no fun; bandages and dollars are used very quickly when riders and bikes go down.

Until the next group ride . . . “Rides on Two Wheels”
*If you want to connect for a great group ride, check out Champion City Cycling  in Springfield, OH on facebook, or send a note to jeff.gtre@gmail.com.