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Group Riding Guidance – Evesham Wheelers
Evesham Wheelers

Group Riding Guidance

Introduction

Our rides are predominantly on public roads. Please ride in a considerate and safe manner at all times, respecting other road users and following the Highway Code. Everyone takes part at their own risk, and it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with the Highway Code and that your bike and equipment are safe and roadworthy.

Our club runs aim to:

  • be safe for us and other road users
  • be social and fun
  • continually evolve to meet the needs of our members.

Please read and make yourself familiar with these additional guidelines, so we can keep everyone as safe as possible, and all enjoy our riding.

1) Group Capability

Groups are split by capability (A, B, C – see definitions Weekly Rides (link)) to make sure everyone enjoys the appropriate pace and distance ride. We will help you make sure you are in the right group so that you do not “stress” a group trying to keep up with you (if you are faster) or hold them up (if you should be in a slower group). When groups decide to join up (e.g. A and B) faster riders on the front should move further back into the group and adopt the group’s natural speed so that all riders can enjoy the ride at an acceptable pace.

2) Group Size

Quite often we will have large numbers of riders and will need to further split groups, to help other road users pass us safely and with the minimum inconvenience. We aim to keep to a maximum group size of 8 bikes (whether tandems or solos). As an exception, up to 10 is OK at the discretion of the ride leader.

Groups going to the same destination should aim to maintain at least a 100m gap between the rear of the first group and the lead of the second group. The second group should have an appointed leader who will aim to ensure the gap is maintained. Please help them by not jumping across the gap! If necessary, the second group should take an alternative route to prevent coalescing of the groups. Maximum group size should be observed on the return leg as well as the outward part of the ride.

3) Traffic Queues

When a vehicle or line of vehicles is behind the group for an extended period, the group should pull off the road at a safe location and allow the vehicles to pass – think about how a good tractor driver pulls over when a line of cars accumulates behind the tractor.

4) Communication

To each other: Verbal communication within the group is vital. Make sure you know the meaning of and always pass any verbal signals through the group. Stay alert for hazards and changes in road or traffic conditions and warn the group with hand signals or verbally. There are common shouts such as:

  • “slowing”, “stopping”, “pothole”
  • “Car front/down”, meaning there is a vehicle ahead coming towards the group to be aware of, “car back/up”, meaning there is a vehicle behind waiting to come through
  • “Single file”, meaning to adopt a single file

To other road users: Do not actively encourage vehicles to pass. Drivers must make their own decisions, and we should be careful not to do anything that could take their responsibility for a safe pass away from them.

5) Cycling Two Abreast

Normally all groups will ride 2 abreast in the manner described in the Highway Code. This aims to ensure a safe ride for the group and a safer overtaking situation for vehicles. Sometimes a situation arises where it is safer to single out. Where a group leader makes that call, please all comply. As an individual rider, if you believe it is safer to single out in any given situation, you must inform those around you before acting. Please also note:

  • If you are riding 2 abreast and need to single out, the inside rider moves forward, and the outside rider slots in behind. The outside rider should signal their intent to those behind before moving in
  • When two riders drift into the space between the two bikes in front of them this may seem comfortable, but it is very annoying to following vehicles who see riders 4-a breast!
  • Half-wheeling (where you overlap wheels with the bike in front) is extremely dangerous. Never do this.

6) Horses

We ride in fabulous countryside and frequently share the road with horses. Horses have better hearing than their riders. When approaching give a loud normal voice warning such as “Cyclists behind you” and the horse will be aware of your presence. Repeat when closer so that the rider can hear and prepare. When passing give the horse a wide berth, continuing the conversation with the horse and rider and avoiding other unnecessary noise (noisy freewheel, etc.).

7) Weather

The Club rides throughout the winter months. However, when temperatures approach freezing (3C and lower) ride leaders may choose to cancel the rides. In this situation riders still wishing to ride can form their own groups taking account of the conditions. Freezing in itself is not necessarily a problem in continuing dry conditions, but when combined with wetness or moisture can be very dangerous.

Mudguards are recommended during winter months. If you are riding without mudguards then move to the back of the group so that you do not spray others with mud and water.

8) Road Junctions

Riders should not crowd a junction when the group is going straight on or turning. It blocks riders’ visibility, left and right. After crossing major roads, and before continuing the ride, the group should double-check that all riders are present and that nobody has been unable to make the crossing.

Turning Right – the onus is on each individual rider to ensure it is safe to move into the centre of the road to make a right turn. Do not just assume it is safe because the riders in front are signalling.

9) Riding Skills and Habits

Turning Heads – There are a lot of riders who, when talking to their riding partner in the group, consistently turn their heads at right angles to carry on the conversation. In a group at any speed, it is extremely unsafe. Why? You are not looking where you are going. If the rider in front of you hits a pothole, potentially the whole group becomes involved.

Braking – When riding in a group there is always the possibility that the group will have to slow down for oncoming traffic or other obstacles.

  1. The lead riders should always shout that they are slowing down. However, the length of the road occupied by the group can mean the instruction is not always heard by all riders. Repeat the call.
  2. Some riders’ first reaction when faced with the group closing up together is to brake hard. Please avoid this as the rider behind may not react in time.
  3. There is also the possibility, if you have not been concentrating, that you will end up on the inside of the riders in front of you. This is an extremely unsafe situation and should be remedied immediately.

Hands-off – Do not ride “hands-off” in a group. If you want to change a coat or remove a layer, please tell the group and everyone will stop and wait or change themselves.

Downhill riding – Many of us enjoy fast downhill riding, and sometimes our enthusiasm can cause us to be blind to the risks. Some things to consider include:

  • Signals from riders in front often cannot be seen or heard at speed.
  • Because road surfaces are increasingly poor you should leave at least 2 bike lengths between each rider. This distance gives you a chance to take avoiding action should anything untoward happen in front of you.
  • Riders on the front usually have a clear vision, but those behind have limited views and probably cannot see potential dangers.
  • If the bunch spreads across the road it becomes a danger to vehicles coming up the hill.
  • Pedestrians and horses can appear from both sides of the road, and on winding roads, it is often impossible to stop effectively.
  • The sight of a large group of riders can be impressive, but it can be intimidating when approaching head-on at speed.
  • Road surfaces on hills can be quite variable, particularly during winter months and wet periods. One small pothole, loose grit, or mud can have dire consequences.

10) Mechanical Problems or Other Mishaps

When problems occur, the onus is on the rider concerned to shout that they are intending to stop. The remainder of the group should try to stop in as safe a place as possible.

  1. The whole group should, to the extent possible, get bikes and bodies completely off the road.
  2. When restarting the onus is on each rider to make sure it is safe to continue. Please beware that it is easy to accidentally move into the middle of the carriageway while trying to locate cleats into your pedals and not looking where you are going.
  3. In the unfortunate case of injuries or serious damage to a bike, then the group should ensure that no one is left unsupported, and treatment or recovery is arranged before riding on.

11) Nasal passages

If and when you feel a need to clear nasal passages, please move to the rear of the group so that nobody else is affected!

12) Helmets

The wearing of helmets is obligatory on Evesham Wheelers Club runs.