Group riding takes practice. Riding with other cyclists all around you may cause you to feel trapped. Relax. It’s most important to create your own safety zone. This may vary depending on the speed and the ability level of the people you are with, so be flexible. Let others know of your anxiety - they may also be new at this.
Your responsibility in a pack includes:
- Be aware of others around you.
- Ride at your own pace. This is a fun ride, not a race. When you hear “on your left” do not turn around. Hold a steady course and ride straight.
- Communicate well in advance.
- Use gestures in combination with verbal commands.|
- Ride with your head up. Look down the road, not at the person in front of you.
- Maintain control and speed of your bike, even going downhill.
- Know your limits. Crashes can occur when inexperienced riders do not have the bike-handling skills to make quick decisions in a pack.
- Safety starts with you. Group mentality is not always safe. Expect to stop at all red lights and stop signs - it’s the law! Each cyclist is responsible for verifying that the intersection is clear.
- Adjust your safety zone to fit the conditions of the road, weather and traffic. Always plan an escape route.
- Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist.
- Be aware of how the weather will affect your bike. Riding in wet conditions requires slower speeds and greater breaking distance.
- Be respectful of other riders. Help when needed.
Riding in Wet Weather
If it rains, the roads will be slick and your braking ability reduced. You may need 2-3 times the normal distance to stop. Brake lightly using the front brake less. In rain, pay special attention to manhole covers, painted markings and wet leaves. Don’t brake, turn or accelerate on these surfaces.