6 Safety Tips for Group Cycling

1. Teamwork

Give a helping hand, watch for problems (loose straps, loose equipment), and look out for each other to be safe and enjoy the ride. 

2. Be Predictable

Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate differently.

3. Communicate

Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with members of the group and with other traffic. Along with hand signals, verbally warn cyclists behind you of your changes in direction or speed. The lead rider should call out “left turn,” “right turn,” “slowing,” stopping,” etc. Announce a turn well in advance of the intersection, so that members of the group have time to position themselves properly.

When riding in a tight group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes, gravel, grates, and other hazards.

4. Watch For Traffic Coming From The Rear

Even when you are occupying the proper lane position, it often helps to know when a car is coming.

5. Move Off the Road When You Stop

Whether you are stopping because of mechanical problems or to regroup with you companions, move well off the road so you don’t interfere with traffic. It is usually best for the lead rider to pull forward in the stopping area and for other riders to pull in behind the rider in front of them. When you start up again, each cyclist should look for, and yield to, traffic.

6. Ride One Or Two Across

Ride single file or double file as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by law. Even where riding double is legal, courtesy dictates that you single up when cars are trying to pass you if the lane is wide enough for them to safely do so.