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With the popularity of cycling rising and the number of participants joining organized group rides increasing, there has been an increase in unsafe riding that has resulted in several cycling accidents. This pattern is very unusual for group rides that involve, for the most part, experienced riders. When you participate in a group ride, you should remember that the most important thing is safety! The following important safety instructions are meant to educate and expand on group ride guidelines that all participants should know and adhere to.

Obey traffic laws! Most cycling routes should be selected because of safety. Early morning traffic is light, the roads are new, there are adequate bike lanes, and there is a minimum of stop signs and traffic lights. However, when we come upon a stop sign or traffic light, the group is encouraged to obey traffic laws and be prepared to stop. This is the biggest complaint from non-cyclists about how we ride. If we as a group can demonstrate that we are capable of obeying traffic laws it will go a long way towards improving the communities perception of cycling. Additionally, riding 2+ abreast on roads without a shoulder or bike lane has the potential to impede traffic in both directions, it reflects poorly upon cyclist, and increases the potential for conflict and/or an accident. When someone yells, “car back”, this is an immediate safety warning and you should make an effort to move over and let the car(s) pass. If we expect motorist to respect us and out rights to road access, then we must give them the same respect and consideration. Haven’t you noticed that we are at a serious size disadvantage?

Group rides are NOT races! The purpose of most organized group rides is to give “experienced” cyclists the opportunity to ride safely in a friendly atmosphere. I say “experienced” because these rides are generally not indicated for “newbies” and it can be very unsettling when any new, inexperienced rider shows up. It doesn’t take long to identify them. Most riders in local groups have been together for years. Because of this, they feel comfortable with each other’s skills that are recognized as a safe “predictability factor”. Collectively, however, group dynamics has the potential to incorporate several individual agendas for riding as these groups get larger. Some enjoy the socialization aspect of riding together, others enjoy the early morning challenges and potential for a good workout, yet a few view it as a perpetual “hammer fest” or race. It is the latter “race” mentality that poses the most serious detriment to the safety and well-being of the group ride when some individuals get in “over their heads”. Riding “all-out” causes fatigue. Fatigue, coupled with lack of experience may result in poor technique, faulty judgment, and result in riding “out-of-control.” This places the entire group in harm’s way. Training rides and racing are two different types of riding. Generally, most training rides have specific predetermined areas when the pace increases or there is a designated sprint at the end. Everyone familiar with that group ride is on the same page and the less skilled riders or non-participants have the opportunity to back off and get out of the way. **Please do not join a group ride if you just want to race. Generally, groups have an objective for their ride. Learn what the group’s ride objective is before you decide to ride with them. DO NOT try to impose your will or change these objectives. Find another group or register for a race if you want to race. You will become very unpopular, very quickly and not be welcomed back. Remember, if you improve your ability to ride in a group it will make you a better racer.

Know your limitations! Most new people participating in group rides miscalculate their ability level. If you are new to a group ride, ride conservatively and ride within your limits. After a few group rides you should have a good idea of your abilities and know how fast you are riding and you should join the appropriate group. Most large groups develop subgroups to meet the needs of various riding levels. It is important to realize that speed is NOT the sole determinate of ability. It takes years to develop a sense of riding in a group, being able to feel comfortable with riders around you and to be able to see dangerous situations develop. DO NOT jeopardize the safety of others trying to fulfill your needs. Leaving your racing mentality at home will make for better continuity within the groups and will make for better and safer rides.

Some of the basic skills are (and not limited to):
• Maintain the proper group speed, do not accelerating and drop the group when it is your turn to pull
• Be able to draft safely without dangerously overlapping or touching the person’s wheel in front of you.
• Do not slow excessively, coast and/or surge to maintain position.
• Ride in a straight line – avoid unnecessary weaving and erratic patterns.
• Call out all road hazards and be able to give the appropriate cycling signals when indicated.
• Make sure your bike is functioning properly before you begin riding it. Keep your line!

On most rides you will be riding in a pace-line of some type. If the pace is too fast, take a shorter turn at the front or sit at the back. If you have no intention of moving up the pace-line, tell the people around you to eliminate any back-of-the-pack confusion. If you find yourself struggling to hang on at the back for most of the ride, then you need to join slower group next time. If you don’t know how to ride in a pace-line ask the people around you! It is a good idea to have mentor riders in every group who know the basics of group riding. If you are interested in being a mentor rider, contact the ride leader.

NOTE: When pulling off the front, please look to your left before you pull off and slowly move over. DO NOT pull over into traffic. Drop to the back if…! Unless you are an experienced rider do not attempt to unwrap energy bars or gels, reach for a water bottle, adjust MP3 players, or take off clothing while riding in the middle of a pack. This makes it extremely dangerous for the riders around you. It is best to do these things after you have pulled thru and have moved to the back. In some cases you should probably stop completely in order to keep from endangering yourself and others. You should never ride with headphones (iPods, etc). Even though they may add motivation to your effort, they can block out the street sounds you need to hear in order to ride defensively. They are potentially very dangerous to everyone around you.

Example:  Florida law states, “No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device” (Section 316.304).

The Bottom Line. Bicycling is fun and a great way to achieve fitness and stay healthy. I want everyone to enjoy the many benefits of group riding. Do not hesitate to help someone whom appears to not know the proper riding etiquette or has difficulty with group techniques. Remember, people “do not know what they do not know.” Do not berate or embarrass inexperienced cyclist – initially. If you see a hazardous or potentially dangerous situation, point it out or tell a mentor. Most likely, the other person is unaware of it and will appreciate your assistance. There is no orderly method of progression other than proper mentoring and trial and error. We must all work together to help others develop their skills.