GGCC Tips

The Fundamental Rules of Group Riding


It’s always more fun to ride in a group than going out
alone. However, riding with someone or riding in a group
requires some attention and adherence to some basic rules.
Follow them and you’ll be safe, but more importantly the
others in your group will be safe too.


01 Always wear a helmet. 
No excuses for anybody.


02 Make sure your bike is in good working order - especially
your brakes and your lights - especially if you
are out in the twilight.


03 Drive smoothly and calmly. 
It’s not a race! Don’t
change direction suddenly - cars may be coming in
the other direction or other cyclists may be passing.


04 Stay the right distance from the bike in front – half
a bike length is about right. 
In this way you can enjoy the significant benefit of the slipstream created by the
bike ahead of you. Don’t let gaps open up, and
don’t overlap wheels with the bike in front.


05 Point out potential danger. 
For example potholes, rocks, and other objects on the road should be indicated
to those behind you. These signals should be
fed back through the pack so that those at the back
know what to expect.


06 Signal and say when your turning, moving out,
slowing or stopping - so that other cyclists and cars
will know your intentions. If your group uses hand
signals, get the group to explain it after you’ve been
out a couple of times. It’ll help you become a better
member of the group.


07 Change positions correctly. A common mistake
from beginners to a group is to stop pedalling just
before pulling off the front. Keep a steady rhythm
on the pedals until you have moved off, from the
front. And after pulling off, soft pedal and let the
group pull through - but keep moving or else you’ll
create a gap - and that’s not good either.


08 Climbing. 
If you need to stand, shift up a gear to
compensate for the slower cadence and stand up
smoothly keeping a steady pressure on the pedals.
This will keep you from moving backward relative
to the rider behind you. Apply the opposite technique
when changing to a sitting position.


09 Descending. 
If you are leading, keep pedalling!
Riders to the rear will accelerate faster downhill
as slipstreaming becomes more effective, especially
at higher speeds. If you are following, back
off a couple of bike lengths to compensate for the
greater slipstream effect.

10 Ride easy and stay relaxed.  
It’s not only easier, it’s safer
too. Too much tension can cause small bump movements
to move the front wheels immediately and this
may cause an accident. If you are relaxed, it’s much
easier to absorb the bump without losing control.

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