Club Ride Etiquette
Bad Weather
Please put on mudguards during the winter when roads are more wet and muddy. It will help keep you, your bike and your fellow riders in the group, clean. Fitting a mudflap to the rear guard helps riders behind even more so please consider adding one if possible.
If you are unable to fit mudguards then at the ride leader’s discretion, an appropriate remediation measure will be implemented. This could involve riding at the back of the group, buying fellow riders coffee and cake at the coffee stop or doing the group’s kit laundry until the weather improves
Be Predictable
Group riding requires extraordinary attention to cycling in a very predictable manner. Others expect you to consistently ride in a straight line, at a constant speed, and to clearly signal changes. Pedal smoothly at a cadence and speed that are consistent with those around you.
Communicate
Communication is a requirement of safe cycling. Participants make a positive contribution to a ride when they provide respectful feedback, reminders and instructive dialogue regarding cycling etiquette and safety. It is incumbent on all of us to offer courteous input regarding mistakes and riding habits that are dangerous.
Ride as a Group
The Club Run is a group ride, no one should be dropped. Where there’s space, we should ride in two lines side by side as compact as possible. Try to keep the group together (unless on big climbs where it may naturally split) by maintaining a constant effort and tempo with minimal surging, keep your position in the group, riding behind the riding in front and level with the rider next to you. If you notice the pace is too high, shout “Easy” or similar to inform the riders at the front and let those riders drop back rather than stretch the group. If you are riding close to others, please continue to look ahead to anticipate any hazards, don’t overlap wheels and hold your line round bends especially when riding side by side.
Changing Positions in the Group
Change positions with the group dynamic and/or ride leader instructions. If moving up the group, do so on the right of the group when there is space to do so safely, informing others and do not sprint off the front of the group. If there is a gap in front of you to the next rider as someone has moved, please move up and fill it.
Courtesy
Keeping a tight group of two files allows drivers to overtake more easily than a group which is spread across the road. Consider going single file on narrow or busy roads where it is safe to do so but where encouraging overtaking would not be dangerous. If there is a build up of traffic behind, consider pulling over to the side of the road in a space large enough to fit the whole group to allow the vehicles to pass.
Announce Hazards
When riding in a group many cyclists may not have a good view of the road surface ahead because of the riders in front of them. It is important to indicate hazards by pointing to them and by shouting “Hole!” or “Glass!” or “Rock!” etc. As cars approach, shout, “Car back!” or “Car up!” and then move quickly as far to the left as is reasonable.
Supplies
As a member of the club you are required to carry enough food and drink with you for the duration of the ride. You are also expected to carry all the required tools necessary to be able to perform ‘the usual’ roadside repairs. It is recommended that spare tubes are carried on all rides.
Keep the Group Informed: If you decide to leave the group and ride on your own, inform the ride leader, or another rider, so that people don’t waste time looking for you.
Move Fully Off the Road When You Stop
Insure individual and group safety, and do not interfere with traffic.
Provide Camaraderie and Support
Remember we are a social club. Watch out for your fellow cyclist before, during and after the ride. Help make newcomers feel welcome by introducing yourself. Don’t immediately ride off to join up with your old cycling buddies. Instead, spend a portion of the ride with the new cyclist.