Woolwich Cycling Club wants riders to gain maximum enjoyment
from their group rides whether highly energetic or social. All riders do so at
their own risk, but experience shows that adherence to these rules and
etiquette will create the safest possible environment in which we can all enjoy
our cycling. The rules and advice incorporate long-standing practices and will
be familiar to all experienced riders. Whilst they have been drawn up to help
members who have never ridden in a group, we would like everyone to make a
point of reading and following them. We have taken the opportunity to include
items of general advice that may help new or relatively inexperienced cyclists.
Safety and Risk Management
All riders take part in the group runs at their own risk. Those
risks can never be totally eliminated but can be minimised by following this
leaflet in the spirit as well as the letter. Senior club members will be happy
to offer general advice and to help clarify the content of this leaflet. They
will politely point out any deviations to the rider(s) concerned and seek
compliance. If they believe that a rider’s conduct is putting others at risk
they have the authority to exclude the offender from the group run and will
subsequently report the circumstances to the club committee who may wish to
take further action. Consider your own insurance needs. In particular ensure
that you have Third Party (Public Liability) insurance that covers you whilst
cycling. Although this is not a legal requirement, the current “sue everyone
for everything” attitude makes insurance essential. The Club has such a policy
to cover claims against the Club and its officers but it does not cover
individual riders. You should consider joining either the Cyclists Touring Club
or British Cycling - membership includes both Third Party insurance and free
legal assistance should you need to claim against someone else.
Warning Calls When Riding in a Group
These calls and signals are universal to all experienced
cyclists - please use them at the appropriate times
“Car up” There is a vehicle coming up behind the group
“Car ahead” There is a vehicle approaching towards the front of
the group
“Single out” A call from riders at the back of the group when a
vehicle is unable to pass the 2 abreast column safely. This call must be
relayed forward by everyone to ensure that the move to single file is executed
quickly and safely. The standard procedure is for the outside rider to drop
back behind the inside rider. The call “single out” alerts everyone to the need
to slow up and create spaces in the inside file.
“Clear” and “Car” on Left/Right” This call let’s following
riders know at junctions, when the group is joining or crossing another road,
whether or not the road is still clear. If the group cannot stay together the
first ones across ride slowly until the others catch up.
“Pothole” Any pothole that could cause a rider to fall. If
possible indicate where it is so that following riders can steer away from it
and not into it. Do this by either pointing or adding to the call “on the left
(or right).”
“On the Left/Right” A general warning of some kind of hazard -
usually parked cars or pedestrians. For hazards on the left, an alternative
warning is to put your left hand behind your back, pointing to the right, away
from the hazard. Give way to pedestrians - they can feel intimidated by
cyclists just as we sometimes feel intimidated by motorists.
“Stopping” “Slowing” “Easy” “Right Hand moving in an up and
down action”. If you brake without letting those behind know your intention
they can easily run into you
“Puncture” Let the others know and they will wait while you
repair it. (You will probably be given help).
“Horse(s)” The group is about to pass horses and special care
is needed. Pass as widely as possible. Make sure that both the horse and rider
are aware of your presence and if you are approaching from behind call out.
"keep pedalling slowly as you pass to keep noise from your freewheel and gears
to a minimum" Pay attention to any request by the horse rider - they know the
temperament of the horse and its likely reaction to a group of brightly clad
cyclists.
Finally - Let others know if you are unable to
keep up, have a problem or have decided to leave the group. Always pass the
instructions along; if a rider cannot keep up, the leader needs to know.
General Etiquette
Ride steadily. Keep a steady line and constant speed while in a
group. Any sudden change is magnified as it reaches riders at the back and so
can have dramatic consequences.
No racing. You can race to your heart’s content in organised
competitive events but please not on group runs. Do not overtake the
rider/riders at the head of the group. If you have to, then do not push your
way back into your original position but rejoin at the back of the group as
soon as possible.
Ride two abreast where it as safe to do so but always be
prepared to single out when necessary. Ride immediately behind the rider in
front - do not overlap either forwards or sideways. Overlapping forwards gives
you no chance to avoid the rider in front if he swerves or falls, and
overlapping sideways results in the group presenting a three abreast profile.
Never ride more than two abreast.
When approaching a hill anticipate the gradient and change gear
in good time. Missing a gear change on the steep bit can bring you to a sudden
halt - not a good thing for the riders behind you! Ride safely at all times.
Follow the requirements of the Highway Code as they apply to cyclists and
guidance from your leaders.
Treat members of the group and other road users with courtesy.
Acknowledge with a wave courteous behaviour by other road users. (Many oncoming
motorists will slow down or stop when they meet a large group of cyclists,
whilst others allow the whole group to join or cross a major road). Do not
"wave through" a following vehicle that is waiting to overtake - let the driver
make this decision. This will avoid the risk of being held responsible if the
overtaking results in any form of accident.
Do not react to bad driving incidents with gestures or provoke
retaliation. Remember a road rage motorist has a one ton weapon!
Ride with the group which best suits your ability. It is
usually better (and less embarrassing) to start low and build up. If in doubt
senior club members will be happy to advise. It is sometimes nice to try an
easier group, especially if you are a bit off colour. It is considered bad
manners to hold back a strong group when an easier group is available. Visitors
and potential members are welcome to try the rides free of charge but should be
encouraged to apply for membership.
Helpful Hints for New Cyclists (and a useful reminder for the more experienced)
If you do not currently take regular exercise and/or are in any
doubt as to your health, please consult your doctor before starting. Some
general fitness is necessary so you might find it useful to try a short ride on
your own, to check your fitness and familiarity with the bike, before joining a
group.
Don’t try to push yourself too hard, particularly on the hills.
Ride up at your own pace, nice low gears are better! The group will wait at the
top. Carry personal details - name, address, contact phone number and some
money. Carry drinks and food, even on short rides. The food can be some form of
high energy bar to get you to the next café stop. If you have problems or
decide to leave the group then please inform fellow group members.
Riders aged 16 and 17 may ride with parental approval and will
otherwise be treated as adults.
Wear cycle-specific clothing if possible as it provides a
better level of comfort and practicality. It doesn’t have to be Lycra - there
are now casual style tops and shorts designed for cyclists. A brightly coloured
jacket or jersey makes you more visible to other road users. Carry a waterproof
jacket, not only for the rain but also to give an extra layer if you have to
stop with a puncture and cool down. A club jacket or jersey will help to
publicise the club and also make you very visible.
Carry enough tools to get you out of everyday problems like
punctures or nuts or bolts working loose. It’s easier to change an inner tube
than it is to repair a puncture at the roadside (especially if it’s cold or
wet). Carry two spare inner tubes, tyre levers, a pump and spanners / allen
keys to fit as the minimum. A puncture outfit will also be needed in case you
get more than 2 punctures.
Helmets and mudguards (winter riding) are preferable. Both
perform useful functions. Helmets provide additional protection against head
injuries. Mudguards prevent you getting wet and dirty and also reduce the
amount that you deposit on the rider behind.
Keep your bike in good condition and replace any worn out
parts. The group will help if something goes wrong but will not be best pleased
if the problem was caused by poor maintenance. Keep a close check on your tyres
which should be fully inflated, especially the one on the back wheel as it’s
always out of sight. Look for bulges or cuts as well as the actual tread depth
and pattern. Remember that just as we tend to notice only the inconsiderate or
bad drivers so other road users see poor behaviour by some cyclists. Make sure
that you do not provide ammunition to the anti-cyclists lobby.
Suggested Reading: The Lance Armstrong performance program (see
Amazon.co.uk/books)
