If you haven’t ridden in a large group before, joining a Club Run for the first time can look a little intimidating.
It needn’t be.
Most good group riding comes down to three things: ride predictably, communicate clearly and look after the riders around you.
All riders must obey the Highway Code and ride at a speed appropriate to the road and conditions.
New to group riding?
If you’re inexperienced in group riding — particularly if this is your first Club Run — tell the ride leader before the group sets off.
Nobody expects you to know every call and hand signal on your first ride. Letting people know you’re new allows experienced riders to help you.
Ride predictably
When riding closely with other cyclists, avoid sudden changes of direction or speed.
Don’t abruptly move across the road, brake heavily without warning or suddenly stop pedalling when riders are close behind.
Look ahead rather than concentrating only on the wheel immediately in front of you.
Keep the group together
On flatter roads the group will normally remain together, with the ride leader at or near the front.
If the pace is too high and riders are being dropped, let others know. Calls can be passed through the group to the ride leader.
Likewise, call out if somebody has punctured, suffered a mechanical problem or has had to stop.
Climbs and descents
People climb and descend at very different speeds.
On a longer climb, the ride leader may suggest that everyone rides at their own pace and the group then reforms at the top.
The same principle can apply to descents.
If you’re not a confident descender, ride within your own ability. Don’t feel pressured to follow somebody descending faster than you are comfortable with. The group can reform at an appropriate point.
Junctions and traffic lights
A group will sometimes become separated by traffic or at a junction.
That’s perfectly normal.
Never ride through a red traffic light simply to remain with the group.
Riders ahead will slow down or stop somewhere safe and allow the remainder of the group to rejoin.
Communicate
Information needs to travel through the group.
If the ride leader gives an instruction, pass it back so that riders further down the group hear it.
Likewise, if something happens towards the rear of the group, pass that information towards the front.
Point out hazards
A rider following closely behind you may not be able to see a pothole, debris or other obstruction until it’s too late.
Where it is safe to do so, point out or call hazards so that the information travels through the group.
Clearly indicate when you’re going to change direction, slow significantly or stop.
Traffic approaching the group
On narrow roads, riders towards the back may call “Car back” to alert the group to a vehicle approaching from behind.
Similarly, “Car up” may be used to warn riders of an approaching vehicle from the front where that information is useful.
There is no need to announce every vehicle on a busy road where traffic is continually passing. These calls are particularly useful on narrow roads where the group may need to adjust its formation to allow traffic to pass safely.
Look after one another
Every cyclist remains responsible for their own riding and safety, but good group riding is cooperative.
Communicate, avoid putting another rider in a difficult position and help the group deal calmly with punctures, mechanical problems and unexpected situations.
You’ll very quickly discover that group riding becomes second nature — and riding efficiently in a good group is one of the pleasures of club cycling.