Cycling in a Group has its own etiquette. If you are not used to cycling in a group, it may feel a little daunting at first. Safety is paramount, so some simple guidelines will help you (& other riders) to feel comfortable & to feel/be safe, promoting overall group safety & everyone’s enjoyment of the ride.

Some of the main points are below:

• All Cycling UK Shropshire Club rides are Ride Leader lead rides. The Ride Leader is in charge of the ride, so pay attention to what the Ride Leader says regarding safety, junctions, riding two abreast/singling out, splitting into sub-groups etc.
• Always follow the highway code
• Don’t ride off the front of the group, as the group could be taking a turning that you have missed. or might have to stop for some reason.
• Take instruction from the Ride Leader, especially at particularly dangerous junctions.
• Never just stop suddenly – always shout “slowing” or “stopping” otherwise there’s the potential to cause an accident.
• Listen (& try to copy others) when they shout out about hazards on the road & point to things e.g. “car front”, “car back”, “pothole”, “walker(s)”, “horses” etc.
• Respect & be considerate to all other road users at all times: cars, other cyclists, walkers & horses etc.
• Remember that you are representing the club & Cycling UK on these rides, so maintaining a good standard of etiquette is important.
• The Ride Leader may indicate “single-out” (to ride in single file) or “two abreast” (riding side by side in pairs) – the latter may be required to allow cars to pass more easily & is generally safer for the group.
• Where riders are nervous about riding in pairs on the larger roads, experienced riders would probably offer to help by riding in the outside position, giving the inner rider more protection.
• The Ride Leader may indicate that the group should split up into smaller groups on a busy road section, so as to allow cars to pass more easily.
• Don’t overlap wheels with someone in front of you otherwise there’s the potential to cause an accident.
• Allow sufficient space between yourself & the rider in front (this may vary depending on your own personal preference, the type of road, the weather, & also taking into account the experience of the rider in front of you & whether they always point out potholes).
• To all intents & purposes the club makes no differentiation between e-bikes & normal bikes. However, e-bike riders should bear in mind that it would be inappropriate & probably unsafe to whizz past all other riders on a climb using full power, as other riders wouldn’t be expecting this & may be wobbling or veering in order to climb.
• Likewise, normal bikes should be aware that e-bikes are restricted to 15.5 mph before the motor cuts out & provides no assistance whatsoever above this speed.
• When overtaking any riders (whether in your own group or other riders/groups), always pass on the right, give a wide berth & shout “passing on your right”.
• Switch your front light off when approaching horses & try to be reasonably quiet (no bells etc.), give a very wide berth & be extra considerate, including greeting the horse rider so that the sound of human voices calms the horse down.
• Inform the Ride Leader if you intend to leave the ride early & say why. The Ride Leader will check that you know your way home & are comfortable in doing this.

Refer to the CyclingUK website for further info: Cycling in a Group