Group Riding Guidelines

Why do we ride as a group?

To have fun
To get fitter
To socialise
To share the joy of cycling with others

Riding as a group requires consideration, compromise, skill, and continuous focus.

The club does not have rules for riding in a group, but we encourage safe behaviours, and principles that lead to safe, enjoyable rides.

Safe Behaviours

Safe

Relaxed
Loose
Confident
Calm
Talking
Pointing
Moving predictably
Focused
Fed & watered
Clear thinking
React progressively

Unsafe

Anxious
Tense
Unsure
Afraid
Unnecessary shouting
Vague hand signals
Swerving, erratic
Daydreaming
Bonked or dehydrated
Panicking
Overreacting

If you see something, say something.

Be aware of how your behaviour affects others.

If you don't know something, ask.

If we don't ask, how do we learn?

Introduction to Group Riding

This 5 minute video gives a good illustration of VCJ's primary mode of group riding, a double pace line, changing anti-clockwise.

Signals and Calling

We use hand signals to help the riders behind you avoid pot holes or obstacles in road. If you are at the front of the group, it is your responsibility to look far enough ahead so you signal and manoeuvre your bike safely around obstacles.

Make your hand signals as precise as possible. Point directly at the obstacle using a finger rather than your hand.

If an obstacle is seen late, sometimes it is safer to ride through it than swerve around it and risk a collision.

If an obstacle could cause damage, or an accident, then call it out verbally, in a calm tone, including where the obstacle is, for example, "hole left".

Riders at the front and back of the group should indicate when the group is turning, so vehicles ahead and behind are aware.

Remember, we share the road and the countryside with others, and so try not to over-call or shout, using hand signals where ever possible.

Calls vary, but here are some you might hear on a VCJ ride:

"Car up" - beware there's a car ahead of the group
"Car back" - as above, but the car is approaching from behind
"Slowing" or "Stopping" - the riders in front are slowing down or stopping. Often accompanied by an outstretched arm and hand.
"Hole left" - there's a pot hole in the road to the left
"Gravel" - there's loose road surface that could be slippery