(adapted from www.bikeleague.org)
Be Predictable
- In a group, your actions affect those around you, not just yourself
- Riders expect you to continue straight and at a constant speed
- Signal your intention to turn or slow down before you do so
Use Signals
- Use hand signals to indicate turns and point out hazards to others
- Left or right arm straight out to indicate left or right turn
- Left arm out and down with palm to the rear
Give Warnings
- Ride leaders should call out turns and stops in addition to signaling
- Announce turns before the intersections to give riders a chance to position themselves
- Try to avoid sudden stops or turns except for emergencies
Change Positions Correctly
- Slower moving traffic stays to the right; faster traffic to the left
- Pass slower moving vehicles on the left; announce your intention to do so
- Announce passes on the right clearly as this is not a usual maneuver
Announce Hazards
- Most cyclists in a group do not have a full view of the road.
- Announce / point out glass, gravel & potholes and other hazards
Watch for Traffic from the Rear
- The last rider should frequently check for overtaking cars
- Announce “car back” clearly and loudly
- It is also helpful to announce “car up” on narrow / winding roads.
Watch Out at Intersections
- Leaders should announce slowing or stopping at intersections if necessary
- Cyclists should not follow others through intersections without scanning
- Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if you must stop, signal
- Never regroup at an intersection – either before or after – depending upon safety.
Leave Room for Cars / Share the Road
- On narrow, winding roads avoid a long string of riders, which drivers can’t pass (Drivers can pass 2- 4 riders easily, not a large group)
- Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of every cyclist (a ‘Thank you’ waive for courtesy is great PR!)
Stop Off the Road
- When stopping for mechanicals or regrouping, always move off the road
- Only if conditions permit should you move back onto the road as a group
Ride to the Right - Always!
- It is illegal to ride more than two abreast (practice being close and comfortable)
- Never approach the center line — even on quiet, country roads. (An oncoming vehicle will perceive riders in the middle of the road as dangerous or arrogant.)