St Margarets Cycling Club Ride Etiquette

SMCC has a relaxed feel to the club, but also prioritise that the rides are safe and enjoyable for all of us. When riding as a group it is important to remember that we must not only take responsibility for ourselves but be aware and considerate of others whether we are on or off the bike. 

Please remember that the club rides are not supervised and SMCC is not responsible for your safety. You must ensure that you are confident that you can complete the planned ride, adhere to the highway code, have a road worthy bike, helmet, water, food, suitable clothing/tools, mobile phone, money etc. It may also be worth considering having cycling insurance. 

Before the ride:

• Arrive at the start point at 8.25am in order to leave at 8.30am prompt

• Familiarise yourself with the group, expected pace

• Familiarise yourself with the ride, route, food stops, terrain

Calls:

Use jungle telegraph, pass calls forward or back as appropriate:

• ‘Car’ - warn when there is a vehicle that will pass in close proximity to the group, both from the front and rear of group

• ‘Single file’ - let others know if necessary to fall into single file to allow others to pass

• ‘Look up’ - hazard ahead, pay attention

• ‘Stopping’ - brake, someone is stopping and you may want to do so yourself

• ‘Slowing’ - slowing down

• ‘Wait’ - advisable to wait at junction etc.

• ‘Clear’ - junction appears to be clear, check for yourself though

• ‘Ease off’ - slow the pace down as you/someone is struggling/having a problem

Hand signals

(They are useful for warning those behind in the group of a hazard they may not be able to see):

• Indicate left or right turns with corresponding arm

• One arm in the air to indicate a mechanical/puncture

• Point out potential hazards (anything which may unbalance, disrupt or surprise a rider)

• Hand behind back pointing in the direction to out and around a pedestrian/cyclist/vehicle/horse etc

• Flat hand back to warn others to slow/stop/keep distance

Formation:

• Ride two abreast and at your discretion move to single file (be courteous to other road users- narrow/busy roads single file may be safer, faster moving traffic can get past a shorter group of two abreast more easily)

• Riding close to the person in front gives the benefit of less drag, but only ride as close as you feel comfortable

• Stay relaxed but aware of those in front and behind

• Don’t make any sudden acceleration, movement or break

• Move out in plenty of time to avoid road hazards and so others can follow your line

• Keep pedalling-soft pedal rather than freewheel

• Maintain a steady speed

• At times it may be safer/better to split into two or more smaller groups and regroup as decided

• On hills, give riders more room as they are more likely to slow or move off their line