Staying Safe During Group Bicycle Rides

It might seem like a no-brainer, but paying attention is an essential part of staying safe during a group bicycle ride. To that end, try to stay focused and keep your mind from wandering while you ride. Also, while some solo riders feel safe listening to music or a podcast, we recommend against having earbuds in during group rides. Not only do you need to be able to hear traffic, sirens, train whistles, and the like, but you also need to be able to hear from others in your riding group. It’s essential to hear group members communicating with one another as well as the ride leader giving verbal instructions.

Being a predictable rider can make you and everyone around you a lot safer. It will also keep your positive reputation with your fellow riders intact. Ride straight without any unnecessary weaving. Keep your speed as constant as possible. If there’s a reason you can’t do these things, be sure to communicate early and often with your group.

When bicycling in a group, be sure also to change positions in the group correctly. When passing a slower rider, do so on the left, and say “On your left” before you overtake them. Avoid passing on the right, as this isn’t standard procedure, but if for some reason you must, be sure you let the rider(s) you’re passing know with a robust, “On your right!”

Most cyclists know the standard hand signals for turning left (left arm held straight out from the body to the left) and right (right arm held straight out from the body to the right or left arm out and bent up at the elbow), but group rides require a few more than these. It’s also important to signal when slowing down (left arm extended down with palm facing back) or stopping (left arm behind back and hand in a fist). Certain clubs also have other hand signals that are commonly used, so be sure to check with your group leader about any other signals you need to know and use.

Should the group spread out, the two cyclists at the back of the group should adjust their speed to ride as a pair so if one of them has trouble or needs assistance, they aren’t alone.