Riding General Etiquette
Whilst the ‘Group riding rules’ apply to ALL riders taking part in Juba Cycling Club group rides, the following points of etiquette will help improve the safety, quality and enjoyment of Club rides for everyone concerned.
1. It is preferable that the JCC kit is worn on Club rides
2. When riding as a group, riders should:
Communicate effectively amongst the group at all times
Be mindful of all other riders in the group and inform the group leader if a rider has been dropped of the back
Rotate the front rider at regular intervals
Not ride off the front or back of the group. (The group may become stretched out on hills but should regroup as soon as possible)
Ride in single file on busy or narrow roads or when riding around bends
Ride in pairs only when safe to do so, lining up handlebars
When riding as an odd number in pairs, have the single rider positioned directly behind the pair in front and not at the back of the group
Never ride more than two abreast
When going from pairs to single file, the outside rider goes in front of the rider on the inside
When safe to revert to pairs, the rider formerly on the inside accelerates up to join the rider formerly on the outside
Not half-wheel (overlap wheels from behind)
Use appropriate hand signals to indicate hazards to the riders behind
Stay up with the group and maintain a safe position in the group
Bring an energy snack and drink
Carry a mobile phone and money
Wear appropriate clothing - anticipate a change in weather conditions
Use front and back lights all year round to maximise visibility
Carry a bike lock to secure your bike at cafe stops
3. In terms of bike maintenance and care:
Riders are expected to make sure their bike is safe and roadworthy
Regular servicing will avoid unnecessary mechanicals; once a year or every 1500 km is recommended
Riders should carry 1-2 inner tubes, a method of inflation.
Tyre levers and a multi-purpose tool (even if riding on tubeless tyres)
When a mechanical occurs, the whole group will stop and assist with the repair
The most common mechanical suffered is a puncture; each rider is responsible for changing their own inner tube
Other mechanicals (i.e., broken spoke or snapped chains) may be repairable on a ride, but a rider may need to arrange for them to be recovered. In these instances, the group will wait until a recovery plan is in place before continuing with the ride
4. Each ride will have a designated ride leader, and their role is to:
Provide the route, control the speed and keep the group together
Make the appropriate arrangement for any cafe stop, including booking a table where necessary
Ensure that the ride leaves the designated start point on time
In the event of dangerous weather conditions, cancel the ride
Where appropriate, give direction to the group to improve the group riding dynamics
5. The highway code must always be followed but members are also asked never to:
React to car drivers; no gesticulating or shouting regardless of the driver’s behaviour
Wave drivers through on a ride; it must be the driver’s responsibility to decide when it is safe to pass
The following calls and signals are universal to all experienced cyclists. Please use them at the appropriate times, and always pass the instructions along the group to ensure that everyone knows the hazard:
“Car back”. There is a vehicle coming up behind the group.
“Car front”. There is a vehicle approaching towards the front of the group.
“Single out”. A call from riders at the back of the group when a vehicle cannot pass the two abreast columns safely. Everyone must relay forward this call to ensure that the move to a single file is executed quickly and safely. The standard procedure is for the outside rider to drop back behind the inside rider. The call “single out” alerts everyone to slow up and create spaces in the inside file.
“Clear” and “Car Left/Right” These calls let the following riders know at junctions where the group is joining or crossing another road, whether or not the road is still evident. If the group cannot stay together, the first riders across ride slowly or stop and wait in a safe place until the others catch up.
“Hole” Any pothole that could cause a rider to fall. If possible, indicate where it is so that following riders can steer away from it and not into it. Do this by pointing or adding to the call “on the Left/Right.”
“On the Left/Right” is a general warning of some hazards, usually parked cars or pedestrians. An alternative warning for hazards on the left is to put your left hand behind your back, pointing to the right, away from the hazard. Give way to pedestrians – they can feel intimidated by cyclists just as we sometimes feel intimidated by motorists.
“Stopping”, “Slowing”, “Easy”, or moving your Right Hand in an up and down action. This indicates your intentions to leave riders behind. If you brake without letting those behind you know your intentions, they can quickly run into you.
“Puncture”. Let the others know, and they will wait while you repair it. (You will probably be given help).
“Cattle(s)”. The group is about to pass cattle, and special care is needed. Pass as widely as possible. Make sure that both the cattle and rider know your presence, and if you are approaching from behind, call out to the horse rider. Keep pedalling slowly as you pass to keep noise from your freewheel and gears to a minimum. Pay attention to any request by the cattle keepers – they know the temperament of the cattle and its likely reaction to a group of brightly clad cyclists.
