Group Riding Tips
The tips below pertain to all riders, whether riding individually or in groups, but they are especially important to remember when in a group, since it’s easy to get caught up in socializing or in hurrying to catch up with your friends.
Stay Alert:
Momentary inattention is the number one cause of accidents -Be aware of what is in front of and BEHIND you, watch your line, and keep your hands near your brakes.Make Your Own Decisions:
Stop at all stop signs and lights on your own. What’s clear for someone else might not be clear for you.Ride in a Predictable Manner:
It’s especially important to keep a straight and consistent line so other riders and drivers can predict where you’re going.Share the Road:
Ride no more than two abreast, AS IS REQUIRED BY LAW. Ride single file in traffic or on trails. Leave room for cars, pedestrians, and others at intersections or places where you pull over.
Take turns in small groups when going through an intersection so other users also have a chance to proceed.Leave Space Between Yourself and Others:
Leave enough room when riding to be able to dodge obstacles without putting others in danger. Remember also that other riders might not be comfortable if you come too close.Always Pass Others on the Left and Call Out When Passing:
It’s safer to pass on the left since road debris or potholes are more commonly on the shoulder. Also, most riders will not be expecting you on their right.Announce Obstacles and Approaching Traffic:
Call and point out obstacles and traffic for others behind you.
Riding Tips
Paceline Safety & Etiquette
Picking a safe paceline
- Look for smoothness—no jerky or accordion-like movements
- No abrupt swerves, turns, or braking
- “Feels” safe
Being a safe leader (remember the group behind you!)
- Ride further from the right edge (18-24”) than when solo
- Look further ahead to anticipate obstacles and gradually move around them with greater clearance
- Both call out and point out hazards
- Signal turns, slowing, stops sooner – the faster, the sooner
- “Powerstroke” BEFORE standing AND announce!!
Being a safe “follower”
- REMAIN ALERT—don’t over-relax—always keep hands near the brakes
- NEVER USE AEROBARS WHEN IN A PACELINE (OK when leading)
- Ideal gap about 12”-18”; more than 24” loses draft (except over 25mph the wind shadow will extend to 36”)
- Don’t lock focus on rear wheel of rider ahead—look through knees at road and at road ahead
- NEVER OVERLAP THE WHEEL of the rider ahead of you
- ANTICIPATE slowing, turning, accelerating
- Control speed by slightly drifting out of the draft or by feathering (barely touching) the brakes more than by discontinuing pedaling
- If too big a gap occurs, close it gradually—not by sprinting ahead
- “Powerstroke” BEFORE standing
- Don’t look behind by turning your head—unless you have trained yourself not to do so, you will automatically drift left or right. A mirror will solve this problem.
