Riding in a group: rules, signals and etiquette

Riding with other people makes the miles pass faster, builds confidence and is far more fun. It also asks something of each rider: to be predictable, to communicate and to look after the person behind. The guidance below draws on Cycling UK’s advice for club rides.

Before you set off

• Do the ABC check on your bicycle (see our article), and carry a spare tube, levers and a pump.
• Tell the ride leader about your experience, so the pace and route suit you.
• Know the route and where the group will stop.
• Bring water, a snack and your phone, and keep a list of emergency contacts.

Group size and spacing

• Keep groups small. Cycling UK suggests clusters of no more than about six riders, with a gap of several car lengths between clusters so drivers can overtake safely.
• There should be at least three riders together at the back, so that if someone has a mechanical problem, there is support.
• Keep a safe distance behind the rider in front. Never overlap your front wheel with the rear wheel of the rider ahead. If they swerve, you could fall.
• Keep the rider behind you in sight.

Road position

• Ride in a straight, steady line and do not swerve.
• In the UK, riding two abreast is allowed and a group naturally moves into single file when needed. Local rules and traffic conditions differ. In Bangladeshi traffic, single file is generally safest on busy roads.
• Keep to the left, as with all traffic in Bangladesh, and keep well away from parked vehicles’ doors.

Calls and signals

Communication keeps the whole group safe. Repeat every call so that riders at the back hear it too.

• “Car front” or “car back”: a vehicle approaching ahead or behind.
• “Car left” or “car right”: a vehicle at a junction on that side.
• “Clear”: it is safe to go, said only if you are absolutely sure.
• “Slowing” or “stopping”: warn the riders behind before you reduce speed.
• “Hole”, “gravel”, “sand” or “slippery”: warn of surface hazards, and point down towards the hazard with your hand.
• “On your right” or “on your left”: say this when passing, and keep at least a metre of space.
• Arm held out with palm facing back: “stay back”. Arm raised straight up: stopping.

Braking and pacing

• Avoid sudden braking. Look ahead and slow down smoothly, so the riders behind have time.
• Keep a steady pace and avoid surging. Do not ride off the front unless the ride is a race.
• Never stop suddenly on the road, especially within about 25 metres of a junction. Pull over safely to the side first.
• Wait for slower riders at turns, hills and junctions. A group rides at the pace of its slowest member.

Etiquette

• Be kind and encouraging. Everybody started as a beginner.
• Share the lead if you can, but do not feel pressured.
• Keep rubbish with you and leave nothing behind.
• Say thank you to drivers and other road users who give you space.
• If you are not comfortable with something, say so.

Our group rides

Our batches ride in small groups with instructors at the front and the back. If you are new to group riding, ask us. We will start you on easy routes and build up gradually.