How to ride in a group - Etiquette and Hand Signals
How to ride in a group - Etiquette and Hand Signals
We want all riders to enjoy the fun, motivation and camaraderie
As such below are some tips for riding safely in a group and some simple hand signals to look out for!
Try and avoid half wheeling!
Half wheeling is where half of your bike is overlapping with half of someone else's bike. This can be dangerous, as if the bike in front of you needs to swerve to avoid a hazard, you may not see it and they may catch you - it could even cause a crash. Ideally position yourself behind or right alongside another club mate.
Hand Signals
Your club mates will wherever possible try and signal what's going on in the road ahead, so that of you are behind you can prepare accordingly! Some key signals are listed below!
Slowing Down
As our friends at cycling weekly describe it - raising your arm to the side and making as if to pat an invisible dog.
Hazard in the road
Point at the hazard and where it is! Really helps to add a shout in here too if you can - e.g. "hole left" so riders know to move right.
Moving Out
Sometimes we need to move out further into the lane of the road or to go around an obstacle. Pointing or gesturing with a bent arm behind your back to where the group needs to move to avoid the danger will mean ample warning is giving to all the riders in the group in particular the ones further back
The classy stuff
We get it - everyone needs to blow their nose, spit out a fly or even pop for a comfort break on a ride. When on the move, blow your nose or spit away from your other riders, being mindful of the wind!
If you need the loo, just shout! Let the ride lead know and they will find a convenient place to pull in.
