General Ride Etiquette and Riding Guidelines

The club has been formed around riding very well as a group of cyclists who can ride as one cohesive unit which keeps everyone as safe possible. We have various groups which can cater for everyone from new starters through to experienced riders as we all have different requirements and expectations.

Bike 

  • Your bike should be road safe and road legal.  
  • Where lights are required, we request a minimum of one front light and two rear lights, (preferably one flashing and one static). During the Winter we request mudguards are fitted, those without mudguards may be asked to ride at the back of the group.  
  • Be equipped for the ride with innertube, Pump (or gas), tyre levers and multitool. Be prepared to carry-out your own on ride repairs, (Riders in the club are generally helpful and will assist but do not expect this to happen). 
  • Have a backup plan in case of a failure which prevents you from continuing with the ride. 

 

Leaving before the end of the ride 

We accept this may happen for convenience etc, but you must let other riders, and the group leader, know of you intention either at the start of the ride or at least 5 minutes before leaving the group.

Riding Standards

  • You ride at your own risk, and are responsible for the safety of yourself, those around you and other road users. Our image is always on show, so riders are requested to follow good road etiquette and follow road traffic laws.
  • Most rides have a leader who will assist everyone . Try to listen to their instructions. IE directions / pace / changes in the group position etc. In some cases there may be other senior club members who will also support you.
  • Ride in a group, follow the instructions of the ride leader, always be aware of those around you, look over your shoulder when moving to the side. Controlling the group speed for slower riders on hills is important, splits in the group can make it more hazardous when cars overtake, the front riders have the responsibility to control the ride at the speed for the conditions and rider capability. 
  • Ride in two lines but be aware of other road users. Where road conditions allow passing, but the road is narrow move to a single line to assist drivers before reassuming two lines. This is especially important when riding in groups of 4 or less where you can cause frustration by not letting vehicles past, especially when moving to a single line would be safe. 
  • If you join the ride at a midway point, never join at the front or middle of the group. As the group approaches increase your speed, but let the group pass, and join the back of the group. 
  • Share the workload with regular changes on the front, if you do not wish to ride on the front, when at an appropriate position in the group communicate with the rider next to you and move carefully to the other line. 
  • Point out obstructions and hazards.
  • Route Maps will generally be provided, and riders should make themselves familiar with the route.  
  • Try not to ‘half wheel’ – riding at a pace slightly higher than the rider to your side, this increases the speed of the ride and puts the ride next to you under pressure.
  • Riders may offer advice on skills or standard of riding; if you wish to do so ensure it is done in an appropriate manner and at an appropriate time.
  • Some riders are more vocal than others. Do not take silence as a signal of acceptance of your standards, some members are averse to conflict and would rather stay quiet to avoid confrontation. Take any advice or criticism with the intention it is meant, i.e., to improve your skill or improve the safety for all. However sometimes this may not be expressed in the right way, if you believe the criticism to be unwarranted or is made in an inappropriate manner then it should be raised to the committee.  
  • If you have concerns about a rider, and do not wish to approach them directly, contavy a member of the committee.
  • If possible download the route (not essential but recommended)
  • Groups are only as fast as the steadiest rider and we have a “no drop” policy. Selecting the best group for your capability is important and a senior club member will help you.
  • When climbing always consider your team mates. If you’re on the front keep a nice Tempo and keep the group together. Always regroup at the top of each climb
  • When riding on the front it’s your responsibility to ensure the group is with you – you’re in charge.
    • Turns on the front can vary in length, usually no longer than 5 minutes unless instructed
    • Talk to each other and communicate anything you wish to do or need during the rides
  • When crossing traffic. It’s “all the group” or none – Important
  • We always ride in 2s as one group to avoid a long train.