Group ride etiquette

[Grape Ape]

I had not thought of it until BlazingPedals made the folowing comment in the RAGBRAI thread

Originally Posted by BlazingPedals

Too many people for my tastes, and way too many of them having inadequate skills to be in those kinds of crowds.

Now I have ridden with others but it is mostly friends just banging around. I have also ridden in groups on motorcycles and each group has a sort of set plan as to how they interact and ride together.

I know each small group of people who regularly ride together work itout as to how they ride.

What I would like to see addressed is group riding etiquette. Stuff that should be a basis for all rides with all types and sizes of groups to help a person avoid angering others or causing injuries and wrecks. What does a person have to do? In a small group of friends you can set the protocol before the ride but what if you are in a very large group?

I am asking for basics but basics that must be followed in every multiperson ride.

[jagonz456]

I personally like riding alone. But these are basic rules that everyone must follow in any group ride. These rules are standard for all group rides no matter who you are riding with. riding with your friends or riding with 5,000 other people the rules are the same.

Stay alert at all times.
Hold your line.
Don’t overlap wheels.
Don’t look back!
Relax!
Focus on the rider(s) ahead.
Beware of pot holes in the road.
Don’t brake unless absolutely necessary.
Pass carefully.
Always move through the pace-line at a steady pace and maker sure you are clear of the front rider before pulling off.
verbal communication (passing on your right, pot hole, Car,stop)
Be prepared. Make sure you have enough water, food and equipment to fix problems with your bike.

[Engyo]

Well, for the MS-150 our team is putting us through a bicycle safety training course - 2 hours classroom work and 1-1/2 hours on the bike.

[funetical]

It seems like on majoe events they would establish rules for organization. Whenever I play pickup games, for instance, they usually shout the rules at me before we start.

[whyeyebike]

Originally Posted by Engyo

Well, for the MS-150 our team is putting us through a bicycle safety training course - 2 hours classroom work and 1-1/2 hours on the bike.

Thats a great idea....I did the MS150 last year in RI and it was the largest ride (as far as amount of people) I had ridden. There was some seriously scarry moments with some of the riders.

[whyeyebike]

I think it is important for the inexperienced riders to ask questions. I remember when I first started riding with groups, I never asked questions that I should have; and I got burned....pissing off a few people along the way. I think experienced riders should identify those less experienced and try and coach them along (positively). It will make for a safe ride for everyone.

[Xela]

Also, we have some other ideas here:

Road group riding etiquette

[funetical]

I've found I have issues with other cyclist on the road. If we are both in the bike lane and I'm moving faster what do you do?

[Xela]

Originally Posted by funetical

I've found I have issues with other cyclist on the road. If we are both in the bike lane and I'm moving faster what do you do?

I would say give an audible warning you are approaching, such as "on your left" and pass them on their left.

[Grape Ape]

jagon, your input all makes sense except for one. "Don't look back" Why?