Riders Etiquette

Here are some general guidelines to help you have a safe and enjoyable ride whether riding solo or with a group.

Riding Alone

As a solo rider, knowledge of road etiquette is very important for your safety. 

Plan Your Route

Though you’d probably just want to grab your bike and get in the wind, planning a route can help you understand the terrain and the level of difficulty. Make sure to include stops for rest breaks, hydration, and fuel. 

Bring Water and Snacks

Proper hydration and nutrition are key to having an enjoyable ride. Always remember to bring a water bottle or two along with snacks (ie. bananas, gels, bars, cubes, etc) to make sure you have enough fuel for your ride.

Don’t Litter

it’s important to properly dispose of our garbage. If there isn’t a trash bin nearby, bring the garbage with you until you are able to safely dispose of it.

Be Self Sufficient

Always bring a flat fixing kit.  The kit, at a minimum, should include a wrench/bike tool, spare tube, tire levers, and pump or CO2 cartridge with necessary accessories.

Help Riders in Need

See a fellow rider stranded by the roadside? Step in to help. They may need directions, help to fix a flat, or may have run out of food. Helping them get to a proper rest stop is a total rider code.

Stop at All Stop Signs and Red Lights

It’s very important to obey all road signs, all the time.  It keeps us safe.

Share the Road

It's important to remember that you are on the road with two-ton machines made of hard metals, plastics, and glass.  Always ride with the flow of traffic and stay as far to the right as possible.  Drivers will move as far left as they can to keep you at a safe distance.

Group Rides

Let’s face it-- we all love the sight of pro riders on a training ride. There’s just something different about the effortless shoulder-to-shoulder rhythm. All of the elements mentioned in the Riding Alone section apply for group riding. However, more riders = more rider rules.

Be on Time and Ready to Ride

Don’t be that rider. The one that shows up late and delays the ride start. If you are running late, let your group know. When you do arrive, be ready to ride ASAP.

The Entire Group Should Move as One Unit

When you are riding on the front and leading the group, you are responsible for everyone's safety and the group’s riding efficiency.  You should ask yourself and be mindful of whether or not the entire group can make it through the intersection of a green light.  It's important to make sure riders are not placed in dangerous situations when trying to keep up with the group.

Use Hand Signals

It’s important that the riders in the front of the group point out obstacles (ie, road potholes, gravel, parked cars, runners, other cyclists, etc).  Here are two great videos on the basics. Video 1 and Video 2 

Be Vocal in Calling Out Instructions

The most common vocal instructions are 

1. Car back and Car front: They’re used to alert fellow group members of car proximity.

2. Clear: Shout CLEAR when riding through a blind intersection to signal to the rest of the group that there is no traffic present, and it is safe to proceed.

Hold Your Line

You should create an imaginary line in front of you and simply stay on that line as you ride. It’s important to ride steady and not swerve/sway suddenly. You want to ride predictably and make gradual changes to be as smooth as possible with your movements. A sudden deviation from your riding line can cause you to cut in front of another rider, forcing them to brake suddenly or take evasive action. Always be aware that your actions can trigger group accidents.

Never Ride More Than Two Abreast

It’s vital to stay in a tight formation. Riding two abreast (aka a double paceline) allows the group to quickly shift into a single file line once the road narrows. When riding in a double paceline, the proper way to ride is to keep your handlebars in line with the rider next to you. Be sure to keep a distance of no more than 12 inches from your shoulder to the shoulder of the rider next to you.

Keep a Proper Drafting Distance 

When group riding, in order to get the benefit of aerodynamics, your front wheel should be 6-18 inches away from the rear wheel of the rider in front of you.  If you don't have a lot of experience with group riding this distance can be intimidating.  However, the more you ride, the more your level of comfort will increase.

Take Your Turn on The Front

It’s important that every member of the group takes a turn being at the front. Everyone has to take their turn pushing in the wind. Don't be the one that just rides on everyone else’s effort. Take turns for the team.

Ride Longer, Not Harder

If you are the fastest and/or strongest rider in the group, watch your speed. It’s important to look after your slowest riders. Stay at the group's current pace but ride at the front of the group for longer periods of time.

Ride Shorter, Not Slower

Don’t stress if it’s your turn at the front, and you can’t keep the group's current pace. Just ride for a short period of time. Riders don’t have to spend an equal amount of time in the lead. It’s more important to take your turn and it be short than to not ride at the front at all.

Climb at a Pace that Keeps the Group Together

When the group hits a steep punchy climb, a long climb or rolling hills, it’s important to consider the entire group’s fitness.  So set a pace that benefits the entire group to help eliminate the amount of stops. If the group gets separated, you should wait at the top or at the end of the climb to get the group back together.

Expelling Bodily Fluids

DO NOT blow snot, hock a loogie, spit, or remove your bodily fluids while riding at the front or the middle of the group.  Slow down a bit and work your way to the back of the group.  While at the back of the group, lower your head and aim directly at the ground then relieve yourself of the fluids.