we've found there are unwritten rules of cycling and too much cryptic lingo to make the sport truly accessible.
so here’s the basics of what you need to cycle in a group. each club will have its own rules, but here's a starting point.
prior to ride
arrival time
first time? arrive 15 minutes before the planned roll out time
once you're a regular the arrival time can get shorter
location
double check meeting point prior to ride
equipment
pack spare inner tubes or worms if running tubeless.
in winter, darkness or poor visibility - high quality and charged lights
in cold conditions - waterproof gear. there is nothing worse than being cold and wet on the bike
safety and comms
respect other road users and represent the cycling community to the best extent possible
ride two abreast only when safe to do so. this helps the group form a safe unit which can ride efficiently, but always be prepared to move into single-file when needed (e.g. to pass an oncoming car through a narrow section of road)
melt’s call for single file is “single”
ride smoothly at a safe distance from the rider in front
avoid hard braking
stay alert to hazards on the road and signals of other riders
horizon scan and anticipate what traffic will do
during ride
communication is key
roads are full of stuff, so visibility is limited to cyclists. talk with the group to keep everyone as safe as possible
always call traffic at an intersection and communicate potential hazards by speaking
hand signals
point out hazards, passing information down the group with a loud voice
tap your booty twice for a speed bump
ground obstacles: point down in the direction of oncoming glass, gravel, drain covers or potholes
left/right: point to the left or right to signal there is something that riders might need to navigate
following riders should follow a signaller’s line to avoid any hazards
point/wave behind lower back: indicates whole group will have to move to the right or left to overtake a large obstacle (e.g. parked car)
show or wave palm of hand behind lower back is a warning to slow down
sounds and warnings
car back: car approaching from rear
car up: car approaching from front
car right or car left: car approaching on left or right
hole, glass, gravel: hazard on the road
slowing or stopping: group is slowing or stopping
