Group cycling is a great way of enjoyment and a moment of self-preparation for competitive cycling events. Because cycling in a group is not only for the team but also for someone who wants to join the group for fun. A group of bicycle riders not only comes together to share the road but also helps you to create friendships and enjoy the excitement of paddling together.
But it’s not only about fun; group cycling is a shared responsibility. You should follow the primary rules to guarantee safety for all. These rules are so necessary whether you are cycling in a mountain area or in a crowded city. Let’s talk about seven very important rules every cyclist must observe during group riding.
What is the Cycling Group Ride?
The history of group riding dates back to the early days of organized sports. Group riders are called a ‘Peloton’, derived from the French word ‘platoon’. First-ever group rides took place in the early 1900s. Reports of the race called the leading pack of riders the peloton. This naming soon became popular with French reporters and bike riders. It then gradually reached out to the whole of Europe as road racing turned into a profession.
Cycling in a group is like a flock of flying flamingos. But these flamingos can be at risk for minor mistakes. Especially when you are well hidden among the pack, it is hard to see the approaching obstacles. And eventually, all the riders behind the leader will be put at risk if any mistakes or accidents happen in front. That is why safe group rides are based on the basic understanding of rules and skills. Let’s talk about the essential ones.
1- Never Half-Wheel
The golden rule of group cycling is to ride in a parallel manner next to each other. Always paddle side by side and don’t try to come over in the front. Sometimes, new riders make the biggest blunder of half-wheel cycling. Half wheel cycling is when a person rides just a little bit ahead of the next one and passes the other. While he should be perfectly aligned and wheel-to-wheel. Thus, it creates pressure for other cyclists. And they try to chase or speed up to maintain the pace. This mistake can break the flow of the whole group.
So, a pace disruption can lead to crash risk, or in cycling language, we will call it a Chain-reaction pileup. Even a casual group ride could be a disaster with a single mistake. So, trust your team and move along with the pace for safer rotation. Keep your bike tuned up.
2- Ride in Proper Formation
When you are in a peloton, right formation is one of the most important things. If you are riding on wide roads, then you can move parallel or two-up formation. But if you are moving along the narrow roads or mountain areas, it’s better to follow the paceline formation. Riding in a straight drafting line reduces the overall wind pressure while paddling. It also helps all the cyclists to ride safely along the way.
Always ride on your line and don’t make any sudden moves. An unpredictable move can cause a ripple effect, and the entire group of cyclists will get disturbed. While proper formation will help you to maintain aerodynamic efficiency to ride at speed more effectively.
3- Clear Communication with Hand-Signals
Clear communication is the backbone of group rides. The cyclist behind you can’t see the road ahead. They are totally dependent on the riders ahead. As a beginner, you must learn important hand signals to communicate while riding in a group. Hand-signals indicate necessary rotations such as turning, stopping, available space, road block, and many more. A few important signals are:
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Point to the ground with your finger to signal potholes
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Move your hand behind you and show the direction of the detour
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Open your palm and make a wave, which means reduce speed
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Besides, you can also use vocal signals to alert your fellows.
4- Go for safe position rotation
Sometimes during long rides, you have to rotate the position. The rider in front has to fight against the wind to a greater extent. In professional cycling teams, the front rider pulls for a certain period of time, such as 1-2 minutes, and then he comes to his original position. This period provides a recovery sense for the rest of the all. So, if you are the lead rider, don’t stay at the front for too long. It can wear away your energy and irritate the group members. Fair position rotation is necessary because it gives everyone a chance to participate. Along with this, it keeps the vibe up through the ride.
5- Stay in the specific pace
Cycling in a group means you're all moving at the same pace. If you are having a casual group ride, then move at the same speed as everyone else. But if you are doing some race training, then you can speed up. Casual group rides are usually no-drop rides. No-drop rides mean none of the cyclists are left behind, and everyone will wait until you catch up. But team cycling training is for drop rides. These rides are fast-paced, and you will be left behind if you don’t catch up.
As a beginner, if you want to hone your cycling skills, go for casual group bike rides. Stay at a specific pace, which is set by your ride leader. Don’t speed up or slow down randomly. It will disrupt the flow of the whole group. Keep in mind that everyone’s stamina is not the same. You should be ONE in a group. But if you are skilled enough, you can go for drop rides.
6- Stay Predictable
Always stay predictable and don’t break the formation suddenly during the ride. It’s better to signal your intentions in advance. A slight misstep can cause a bigger disaster, especially in the close peloton. Always stick to the straight line, hold their lanes, and do not make any sudden movements. If you want to sip water or take a rest for a while, make an advance signal for the movement. Change your rotation in a smooth and slow motion. It will help riders behind you to make adjustable moves accordingly, so they wouldn’t crash into each other.
7-Follow the group rules
When you do something as a team as a group, you have to leave your personal goals behind. And you should follow the group rules and goals. During a ride, if one of you slows down or drops off due to personal reasons, the group should wait for them to catch up. If there’s a mechanical problem, he can’t move further. One of the cyclists should accompany him, and the rest of the group will move forward.
Group rides are based on mutual respect and etiquette. Don’t spit out in the wind during the paddling. If you are a group leader, take care of proper hydration intervals and breaks. If a newbie joins the group, let him understand the group rules, roads, and signals, and support him during the ride.
Why should you follow cycling Group Ride Rules?
The 2019 Tour de France Stage 16 turns into a disaster due to half-wheeling. Almost 200 professional cyclists raced at a pace of 48 km/h in the very close-knit peloton. It was a flat 177-kilometer sprint from Nîmes. Cees Bol of Team Sunweb took the lead. The second rider, Wout van Aert, rode right behind him. He tried to use his subtle yet very dangerous half-wheeling technique. He put his front wheel only a few inches ahead of Bol’s back.
As the road slightly narrowed, Cees Bol took a two-inch shift to the left to get away from a painted line. Within that very brief moment, van Aert’s front wheel locked onto Bol’s back. As a result, he aggressively flew over his handlebars onto the ground. The crash damaged van Aert’s thigh so badly that he had to go through emergency surgery. After a while, he quit the Tour.
It all started with a small mistake and turned into a massive loss for a cycling sports star. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or the world’s elite rider. It is not only bad cycling etiquette but also a cause of unfortunate accidents. That’s why following group rules is highly important.
Group Cycling Safety Tips for Beginners
If you are new to the group ride, don’t get nervous too much; every cycling star was once a beginner. As a beginner, you must follow the following basic safety tips that will help you ride in a peloton safely;
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During your first ride, it’s better to start in the middle or end. Observe how the group moves, rotates, and signals
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Learn Basic hand signals before starting your first ride, so you can avoid any unexpected collisions.
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Be predictable, don’t speed up. Stay in line; your every moment should be smooth and controlled.
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Keep clear communication during the ride. If you don’t feel comfortable, inform your leader or fellow cyclist.
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Check tires, gears, lights, and brakes before every group ride.
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Keep essential accessories, helmets, gloves, and reflective gear with you
FAQS
1-How much distance do you think is appropriate to ride behind another cyclist?
Keep enough distance to enjoy the benefits of drafting, but not so close that there is a danger of contact between the two bicycles. The actual distance varies with the individual rider’s comfort level, but the objective is to have a smooth airflow, not a dangerous close situation.
2. Is it a race if a group ride takes place?
Not at all. A group bike ride can never be mistaken for a race. In fact, unless a ride is specifically performance training, group rides are always about rhythm, consistency, and safety. Group rides don’t mean to prove who is faster.
3. Will newbies be allowed to join group biking tours?
Absolutely. Most groups are open to beginners. But you have to obey the rules, remain predictable, and communicate clearly. Start slowly, watch, and learn how the flow works.
4. Who determines the pace in a group ride?
Typically, the ride leader or the person in front sets the pace. The rest of the riders should speed up or slow down accordingly to maintain the formation and be together as one.
5. What items are essential for a cycling group outing?
Water, small tools, spare tire, air pump/CO₂, phone, and your positive attitude. Good preparation makes the group flow better without causing delays from unnecessary stops.
Final Words
Group cycling is all about coordination, communication, and mutual respect. In case you haven’t started a group ride, you can join a local group cycling. Many Facebook cycling groups and the Colorado cycling community organise weekly cycling rides and events. Try to locate a nearby Boulder cycling event and join it as a beginner. Most of the groups welcome new riders and support along the routes. But you should abide by the traffic laws and the group’s rules and regulations.
Whether you are riding with a bunch of regular riders or large clusters of cyclists, the success of the ride depends on how well everyone follows the essential rules. Try to be a “That Rider” everyone wants to ride with. If you want to grow as a cyclist, follow the Cassiopeia Calendar for upcoming community rides, weekly pelotons, and open group bike rides near you.