1. Introduction

Whatever your interest in cycling, riding safely is of paramount importance. And riding in a group is radically different from riding alone, it only works if all cyclists act consistently and stay alert.  If we all understand our responsibilities, both within the group and generally, it will help protect us and our fellow cyclists. 

2. Before the Ride

• Have emergency contact details in case of emergency, preferably on your phone lock screen.

• Be prepared: Bring water, snacks and/or gels, money, ID, and a mobile phone. Carry basic repair gear: pump, 2 inner tubes, tyre levers, and a multitool (preferably with a chain splitter).

• Check your bike: It should be roadworthy with working brakes and serviceable tyres which are correctly inflated; lights are recommended. Mudguards are appreciated in wet conditions

• Helmets are MANDATORY. Mitts/gloves and eye protection are strongly recommended.

• Dress appropriately: Prepare for changing weather.

• Download the route from the website or WhatsApp group and know your ride leader.

• Riders with a known medical condition are to ensure that a) they are fit to participate in the ride, b) they carry any necessary medication, and c) an accompanying rider or ride leader has sufficient knowledge of the condition to keep them safe in the event of an incident.

• Choose the right group for your riding style: Speak to a Ride Leader if you're unsure which group suits your pace and experience.

• Ensure you have access to the contact details of your ride leader (The WhatsApp group is good for this).

3. On the Ride

• Respect the group (and Ride Leader) - be aware the Ride Leader is there to help keep the group safe and riding as a group! Be prepared to follow instructions from the Ride Leader.

• Ride together, club rides are not races! We ride at a steady, sustainable pace and regroup after climbs, tricky descents and at junctions. Be prepared to ride slightly slower than normal to keep the group together (i.e. don’t go off the front continually).

• When regrouping, stop safely off the road if possible, particularly at junctions. At junctions, ensure that the safe use of the junction for other road users isn’t compromised (by a large group of cyclists!) – stop before the junction if necessary.

• Ensure groups remain independent of each other. i.e. Each group’s members should start together and finish together, aside from members breaking away to get home towards the end of the ride (let the ride leader know). Groups should not form into a supergroup. If one group starts closing on another group it should either a) slow down a bit to keep the groups separate or b) wait for a safe opportunity to pass, at which point the slower group should soft pedal for a while to allow the faster group to move ahead.

• Slow down and always give priority to horses. Call ahead “coming by”. Single out, avoid squeaky brakes and loud freewheels.

• Where possible, traverse junctions as a group (e.g. crossing a main road together). Move off together.

• On a shallow descent, the front rider should keep pedaling to avoid those behind having to brake.

• Narrow and/or steep descents can be dangerous. The group should spread out and ride in single file (single out), with the leading rider reducing their speed if needed to keep things safe. Regroup afterwards.

• In general, maintain a speed commensurate with the road and weather conditions, single out if needed, especially on narrow, busy or blind sections of roads. Take special care at busy junctions and be prepared to use a pedestrian crossing if needs be.

• No one gets left behind: If someone is struggling, ease up. Let the ride leader know if you need to stop or leave the group. Consider having a lanterne rouge in a group to check no-one is left behind.

• If you observe someone becoming significantly fatigued or unwell, inform the Ride Leader immediately.

• Ride predictably: Hold your line, avoid sudden braking or surges, and don’t overlap wheels. Never undertake and only overtake other riders when safe to do so, giving warning when necessary (eg “On the right” – overtaking on the right hand side). Don’t pull in too quickly in front of the rider you have overtaken, causing them to take avoiding action.

• Ride in formation: Two abreast (if you’re comfortable doing that) when safe, single file on narrow or busy roads. Outside riders ease off to slot in when singling out. Riders should be aware of the position of other riders within the group and ride accordingly. Look ahead or at the rider in front of you.

• Group size: Ideally 6 riders, generally no more than the BC recommendation of 8 riders max per group. Know your group size!

• Communicate clearly: Use hand signals and verbal calls to warn of hazards, changes in pace, or group actions. This is vital and will keep everyone safe if done properly.

4. Common Calls & Signals

• “Stop!” + arm vertical in the air if possible – only for emergencies

• “Car up”/ “Car back” – Vehicle approaching from ahead/behind

• “Hole left” or “Hole right” / Pointing – Hazard on the road

• “Slowing” and “stopping” / Patting down – Slow down, prepare to stop

• “Single out” – Move to single file. Outside riders ease off to slot in when singling out.

• “Mechanical” / Hand up – Rider needs to stop

• “On the right” – when overtaking someone on the right

• “Rider(s) off the back” – alert the group that someone has been dropped from the group

• “Gap” – warns that a gap is forming between riders

• “All up” – Group is back together

• “Regroup” – the group should come back together after (say) a climb or steep descent

• “Horses” or “Walkers” if they’re ahead

• “Coming by” – to let horse riders know you will be passing them

• Hand behind back pointing away from the hazard (move backwards & forwards) – Move in the direction of the pointing hand to avoid the hazard/obstacle

• Hand pointing down, moving from side to side – obstacle across the road (e.g. a speed ramp).

• Directional signals – Indicate turns to other road users

5. Group Courtesy

• Respect others: Be courteous to fellow riders and all road users. No shouting or gesturing at drivers.

• No half-wheeling: Keep pace with your partner, don’t charge ahead.

• Rotate the lead: Share the effort at the front and communicate pace changes.

• Support new riders: Everyone, but specifically ride leaders, should help them feel welcome and safe.

• If you need to leave the group, let the ride leader know.

6. Mechanical Issues

• Everyone in the group stops to help. Riders should be able to fix basic issues like punctures.

• For major problems, ensure that the affected rider has a clear recovery plan (e.g., has called someone to be picked up), agree the plan before the group continues onward.

7. Club Kit & Identity

• Wearing club kit helps with visibility and group cohesion. It’s encouraged on all rides.