R5Ciclismo Rider and Group Ride Etiquette and Safety

• Bicyclists are obligated to follow the same ‘Rules of the Road’ as automobiles are, by law
  • This includes stopping at all stop signs, obeying traffic lights, giving the correct ‘right of way’, and yielding to pedestrians, etc.
  • Following the Rules of the Road aids in keeping cyclists safe.
• Basic Group Ride Etiquette  
  • Ride two-by-two unless the Ride Leader signals or calls out to ‘single up!’.
  • Maintain your place in the line/group, even at stop lights.  This means that you stay in the same 2-by-2 formation that you have been in during the ride.  There is no reason to bunch up at stop lights, to try to move to a different position in the group, or weave your way through cars to get to the front.  Staying in the 2-by-2 formation helps make the group more predictable to automobile drivers, as well as to each other, thus keeping the group safer.
  • Watch the bike in front of you, and protect your own front wheel.  This is your safety zone and your responsibility.  Stay directly behind the bike in front of you, following the same path that they do, within a safe, braking distance.  For less experienced riders this could be several feet.
  • When climbing, please leave a greater distance between you and the rider in front of you, in case that rider gets up out of the saddle.  This can often cause them to slow initially, causing you to hit them from behind.
  • No half-wheeling.  Half-wheeling is when a rider’s front wheel overlaps the rear wheel of the rider in front of them.  If either rider swerves, turns, or gets out of the saddle for climbing, the above-mentioned wheels may rub or hit each other, most often causing the rider behind to go down.
  • Keep your hands on your handlebars, fingers wrapped around the bars or hoods at all times, and preferably not on top of the bars (unless climbing).
  • Never ride ‘hands-free’ in a group as a single pebble or bump could cause you to lose control of your bike and wobble or crash, along with many behind you.
  • Keep braking to a minimum on a group ride.  Do not automatically brake when you see an obstacle, as this is dangerous and unpredictable for the riders behind you.
  • When you have to brake, always call out ‘slowing!’ or ‘stopping!’ or ‘light up!’ first,(see Communication, below), then give enough pause so the riders behind you have time to react.  Understandably, this is not always possible, but everyone must make their best effort to warn the cyclists behind them when they must slow or stop.
  • All voice and hand signaling needs to continue LOUDLY ALL the way down the line of riders to keep those in the back safe too.  This is an absolute.  There can never be too many people calling out a warning.  Everyone needs to call out.
  • Each rider in the line of cyclists should follow the cyclist in front of them to avoid obstacles.  For example, if the Ride Leader (RL) calls out “Door! Right Side!”, both lines of riders should call out, give the hand signal (see Communication/Signals, below) and move left, following the riders in front of them, and avoiding the car door on the right side.  Of course, always use caution if you must move outside of the bike lane (see below).
  • Always stay in the bike lane or as far to the right side of the road as is safe, avoiding drains, asphalt/cement lips, parked cars, car doors, and other obstacles.
  • The Ride Leader will ask the group to ‘take the lane’ if the bike lane or shoulder is unsafe (debris, drain grates, too narrow, parked cars).  This means to take the right hand driving lane (when safe also).  The whole group moves into that lane after individually making sure it is safe and clear of cars (see Communication/Signals, below).
  • On single-lane roads or narrow roads without a shoulder or bike lane, always ride single file, as far to the right as safely possible.
  • Use your peripheral vision to know what’s going on around you with cars, pedestrians, lights, and other riders, while keeping your eyes forward on the bike in front of you.  Signal to the rest of the group if you see anything coming up that hasn’t been called out.
  • Be a ‘steady wheel’.  This means that you should consciously try to keep your front wheel steady and smooth. This makes it easier and safer for those riding behind and around you – remember ‘predictability’!
• Communication/Signals (‘voice’ – hand)  
  • Remember, all signaling, voice and hand, must continue all the way down the peloton.  In a group, we find that loudly calling out obstacles gets more riders’ attention.  You may also point to the object when safe to do so. Again, each person down the peloton should also shout out the warning, and point to it if possible.  
  • The earlier you point out an obstacle, the better.  If you are in front, be sure to keep your eyes on the road ahead and call out/point out obstacles as soon as you see them.
  • ‘Slowing!’ – Palm of the hand open and facing the ground, moving with an up and down motion.
  • ‘Stopping!’ – Right hand open, resting on your bottom, the palm of your hand facing the rider behind you.  Alternately, a closed fist on your bottom or pointing towards the ground.
  • ‘Light up!’ can also be used to warn the group if slowing or stopping is occurring due to a traffic light turning yellow/red.
  • ‘Split!’ – No associated hand signal.  Sometimes the group will be split at a light and the Ride Leader may not know that a split occurred.  If you’re in the front group and become aware of a split happening behind you, call out ‘split!’ all the way up the line to the RL, and they will usually slow the group down to a soft pedal, until the split group catches back up.
  • ‘Right side!’, ‘center!’ or ‘left side!’ – Point to the object.  Used to  call attention to an obstacle (gravel/sand/glass/pinecone/branch/a slower rider, etc), so that riders further back in the peloton do not hit the obstacle.  For example, an unseen rock, pinecone or hole can cause a rider to crash, often bringing down other riders nearby or behind.  For sand or gravel a lowered, open hand waving back and forth can be used (mimics sliding).  If the obstacle is a parked car, point to the car and wave/pull your arm backwards towards the riders behind you while yelling ‘right side! Or ‘door! right side!’’. It is also appropriate to call out what the obstacle is, so the other riders can be on the look-out.  For example ‘Sand, right side!’, ‘Hole, center!’, ‘Glass! right side!’, or ‘Rider! Right!’.
  • ‘Single up!’, ‘double up!’ – Signal is one finger in the air, or two fingers in the air…usually used at the same time as voice signal).  This is used when the riding area has narrowed (‘single up!’) or when it is safe to ride two-by-two again (‘double up!’).
  • ‘Take the Lane!’ – is a voice signal given by the Ride Leader when the bike lane or shoulder is unsafe (debris, too narrow, parked cars, etc), and after he/she has looked to make sure the car lane is safe to merge into.  All riders behind should individually look for cars as well (being mindful of any riders in front of them who may be slowing…it can be tricky), call out ‘taking the lane!’ and move into the lane cautiously.   Continue in the two-by-two formation and observe all ride etiquette once in the car lane. Usually the RL will make their way toward the bike lane again when it is safe to do so, and the group should follow.
  • ‘Rolling!’ (continuing through at an intersection, for example) – ‘Rolling!’ is yelled out, followed by a hand signal – usually one finger in the air pointing front and back.  This should be used by the Ride Leader when a red light that the group was stopping for has changed to green before the group arrives at a stop.  Others follow suit and signal as well, and continue on through the green light.  Sometimes the RL will use the signal ‘rolling!’ to let the group know to start off together (after a mechanical stop, after a rest stop, or even if the group has been stopped at a red light).   This will help to gain the group’s attention and help them start and move together.
  • ‘Right turn!’ or ‘left turn!’- When there is a turn (right/left) coming up – Hand signal is the right arm pointing straight out to the right (some point their finger too), or the left arm pointing straight out to the left.  Always check over your shoulder for cars before making a left turn or leaving the bike lane.  Keep your distance from the bike in front of you so you don’t hit them while looking back.  It is each individual’s duty to check for cars themselves.
  • ‘Clear!’ – no associated hand signal.  We do not recommend the use of the signal ‘clear!’ on a group ride.  Each individual rider should check for cars themselves before moving into a car lane.  It can happen that a person ahead of you did not see a car but by the time you move left a car has approached, putting you in a perilous position, or they simply did not see a car already there. You are responsible for your own safety in this situation.  Always check for yourself, regardless of others calling out ‘clear’. 
  • ‘Clear’ exception – when a rider is trying to regain a place in the peloton, has looked to make sure there is space between two bikes, and has used a pointing hand signal showing intention to move into the group, the rider behind may say ‘clear’ to acknowledge they know the first rider is moving in, and they agree that there is room for said rider.
  • ‘Mechanical’ – voice signal is ‘mechanical!’ or ‘flat!’ for example.  This is a signal to stop made by the group when a rider has a problem with their bike which can include any mechanical issue; flat tire, dropped chain, etc.  After calling out, maneuver carefully to a safe place at the side of the road or sidewalk. Do not brake too quickly which could impact riders behind you. Instead, use all appropriate signals, and carefully move to the side.  The group should pass the voice signal up to the Ride Leader so that everyone stops and the mechanical situation can be assessed.  The group should always stop in a safe place or get off the road altogether if the bike lane or shoulder is unsafe, crowded, or more cyclists are coming.
  • ‘Rider up’, ‘walker up!’, ‘runner up!’ – means someone is coming in the opposite direction (usually on a bike or multi-use trail), so heads up, be aware, stay on your side and in your lane.  The RL may also call out which side the approaching person is on, such as ‘runner up!  Right side!’ so the group knows to move away and keep an eye out for that person.
  • ‘Car up’ – means a car is coming towards you, in the opposite direction, and all should be aware.
  • ‘Car back’ – means a car is coming from behind. This is especially useful when on a narrow road without a bike lane, or when the group has ‘taken’ the lane.  Anyone who hears vehicles coming from behind should call out so all riders know to stay steady and as far to the right side as is safe.
  • Remember all signaling must continue all the way down or up through the peloton.
• Regroup points/rest stops
  • Where to regroup – The Ride Leader will explain the regroup points before and during the ride.  The regroup points or rest stops are also often in the ‘ride description’, which can be found in the newsletter, on our website, or on our social media accounts.
• Stop-light/stop-sign plan
  • Never run red lights or stop signs.  It is against the law, extremely dangerous, and a bad representation of the Club and cyclists in general.
  • In a group setting, the Ride Leaders need to be careful not to run ‘yellow’ lights, as this leaves the group behind them in the red light zone as they pass through the intersection.
  • If the group ends up part way through the intersection as the light is changing to yellow, the Ride Leader should call out and signal ‘rolling!’ so the whole group makes it through the light together.
  • If the peloton is drawn out in a long line or there is a gap in the group, riders in the rear group SHOULD NOT roll through the intersection if the light is already yellow (or red!).  They should call out ‘stopping!’ (and all behind should call out too) and stop appropriately, so they do not find themselves in the middle of the intersection as the stop light turns red.
  • Riders in the front group who are aware of a portion of the group getting split off due to the light changing, must communicate this up the line to the Ride Leader by calling out ‘Split!’.
  • Always pay attention as you’re approaching a light, as the group may have to stop suddenly and you don’t want to be caught off-guard.  Listen and look for the signals, call out if you’re stopping, and stop cautiously.
  • Ride Leaders should yell out ‘light up!’ if they see the light ahead changing to yellow or red, and stop cautiously.  The rest of the riders pass the ‘light up!’ message down the line and stop carefully as well. Remember, we stay in the same 2 by 2 or 1 by 1 formation at the light.
  • Stop signs – In California, it is against the law for cyclists to ride through a stop sign without coming to a complete stop.  This means that each cyclist in the group must stop, unclip, put their foot down, look in all traffic directions, and start again when it is their turn according to the right-of-way traffic rules.
  • In cases where there is no stop sign, but the cross traffic has a stop sign, it is always a good idea for the Ride Leader to slow, check in both directions to make sure cross traffic is indeed stopping, then continue on.  Each rider should do the same in turn.  This is encouraged as an extra safety measure.
• Pacing
  • We do not allow half-wheeling on a group ride.  There are two types of half-wheeling.  The first type is when a rider’s front wheel overlaps the rear wheel of the rider in front of them (see Half-wheeling in Basic Group Ride Etiquette, above). The second type is when a rider half-wheels the RL (you’re riding next to them and your front wheel is ahead of theirs).  This is seen as an attempt to raise the pace of the group and is not allowed.
  • Stay at the Ride Leader’s pace.  No surging and no passing the Ride Leader or others except in designated ‘breakaway’ sections of the route. The RL will let the peloton know when a breakaway section is coming up, ahead of time, so that riders have time to safely position themselves either towards the front or towards the back of the peloton (See Passing below).   Please be mindful of slower riders as you accelerate and use proper etiquette when overtaking anyone.
  • In the peloton, if you feel like the pace is too slow, it’s probably because you’re drafting in a large group!  Ask the Ride Leader if you can work up front with him/her…and help pull the group!  It’s harder work up front, in the wind, and a good exercise in holding a solid pace.  Only set a pace that is equal to the Ride Leader’s pace. This is not an opportunity to go faster or raise the pace of the group.
• Passing
  • Only pass on the left side of another rider.
  • Only pass if the road is clear behind you and then pull carefully into the lane.
  • Call out ‘Passing! left side’ to the person you are about to overtake.
  • However, refer to the Group Ride Etiquette on the first page regarding riding two-by-two. We do not pass constantly in a peloton in an attempt to re-position ourselves. Staying in the two-by-two formation keeps the peloton safe and organized.  No unnecessary passing.
  • If a gap has formed and the riders in front of you are unable to bridge the gap, let them know you’re passing on the left, then move in front of them and help to pull/bridge them back to the peloton.  Communicate clearly what you’re doing.
• What to do in case of a ‘mechanical’*
  • Call out ‘mechanical!’  Do not brake suddenly.  Pull over carefully, giving the appropriate ‘stopping’ signals (see ‘Mechanical’ in Communications/Signals, above).
  • Riders should be prepared with their own spare tube, CO2, levers and a multi-tool.
  • Each rider should know how to change their own flat tire.
  • *Regular bike maintenance can help avoid difficult mechanical situations.  Please maintain your bicycle regularly, whether on your own or through your local bike shop (LBS) service department.  Check brake pads and tires for wear, make sure you have fresh tubes (or add sealant every 3 months if tubeless), and regularly clean and lube the drivetrain.  Pump tires to the appropriate PSI before each ride.  If you ride through rain, always wipe your bike dry to avoid rust and corrosion.  Rattles, creaks and loose items are not normal and should be checked out.  Full bike tune-ups should be done once per year.  Ask your LBS if you have questions about your bike’s maintenance.
• TT bikes, bikes with added aerobars, tandems, fixies, e-bikes and Pirating
  • TT bikes (triathlon or time trial), tandem bikes and fixies are discouraged from being used on group rides because they maneuver and stop differently than typical road bikes.  Turning, starting and stopping happen slower or differently, and this can make for a difficult situation in the peloton where we strive for fluidity and predictability.
  • In addition, tandem bikes disrupt the 2 by 2 formation because of their length, making it hard for the peloton to stay organized.
  • For the safety of the entire group, cyclists joining group rides on any of the above-named bikes must stay at the very back of the peloton for the entirety of the ride.  We encourage you to ride your regular road bike on group rides instead.
  • Pedal-assist e-road bikes may ride with the peloton only if the rider uses minimal assistance and follows all Rider Etiquette and Rules. No surging or pushing the pace.
  • ‘Pirating’ is when an unknown cyclist sees the group riding by and joins the peloton.  Anyone pirating should be asked to ride at the very back of the peloton.  If a rotating paceline is underway, they will be asked to not participate.
• Be Attentive
  • Please listen to Ride Leaders and follow their instructions.  They are trying to keep the group safe.
  • Pay attention to the wheel in front of you, and the cars and riders around you.
  • Call out all obstacles.
  • Keep your hands on your handlebars at all times, hands securely in the hoods or drops, fingers wrapped around the handlebar.
  • Clothing adjustments are made only at lights or rest stops, please.
  • Be careful while eating and drinking.  It is best to eat at stop lights and rest stops for everyone’s safety.  If you must eat while moving, please do so cautiously, making sure you can quickly put your food hand down on the handlebars if necessary.  Always keep your eyes up while taking your bottle in and out of the bottle cage and drinking.
  • Get to know the rider next to you while keeping your eyes forward.
• Again, follow all Rules of the Road, riding according to what is lawful.
• Questions? 
  • Ask a Ride Leader!