Riding In Groups Safely

From ibikeu Wiki

Due to some recurring problems on large group rides by Midnight Ridazz, the issue of guidelines for riding in groups has been hotly discussed. This is an evolving issue and with all guidelines there are contexts where things change, but these points should provide useful information for keeping every in the group safe. Group riding can be loads of F.U.N., however no one wants to come home broken. So lets look out for each other out there.

General Riding Behavior

• Ride sensibly and predictably, be aware of the cyclists around you.
• Hold your line. This means to not suddenly change your path of travel, and when going through turns stay roughly equal distant from the curb through the turn, so as to not shift and clip the wheel of others riding through the turn next to you.
• Call out, communicate hazards to the cyclists around you. It is often best to be verbal as well as point out hazards for people who may be too far back to hear you.
  • This can include but is not limited to:
    • Glass in the road
    • Potholes
    • Cars
    • Debris
• If possible avoid sudden stops or changes in speed. If you must stop, it is best to signal that you are moving to the right and pull over to the side when it is clear. If for emergency or some reason you must stop or suddenly slow down in the middle of the road, call it our loud and clear to those around you to avoid a potential pile up.
• Keep an appropriate pace to the other riders in the group. If you are on social bike ride with beach cruisers, it is not good form to smoke everyone with your track bike with aero wheels. If you want to go fast there are plenty of group rides where that is encouraged.
  • If there is a reason you must increase your speed over other riders, it is best to move to the far left of the group and it is considered courteous to call out "on your left," to riders you may be passing so they are not startled when you suddenly over take them.
• Leave no rider behind. If someone has an injury, a mechanical problem, or just a flat, make sure they are okay or are with a group already taking care of things. If it is something serious and people are already on the scene to help, it is a good idea to ride up ahead and communicate to the leaders the situation if they are not already aware.

Links

Sexy has outlined in his user page his guide to organizing rides, which includes topics of safety concerns in group riding.