- Follow the Highway Code.
- Be respectful to other road users.
- Riding two-abreast is perfectly acceptable where conditions allow and can be easier for drivers to overtake than a long single line.
- Communication is key to riding in a group. Point and call out potholes and other hazards to riders in the group, especially when on the front. Use hand signals and pass the information down through the group.
- Typical calls include hole (pot hole), car front (coming towards the group), car back (behind), passing (vehicle); (hazard) on your left / right; easy (slow down), single out (adopt a single line) or change (riders rotate one place in the group).
- Do not ride erratically or brake sharply in the group unless absolutely necessary, ensure that you have room to move to the side of the rider in front in the event of a rapid slow down.
- Be aware that a slowing group often gets wider. Always look ahead past the riders in front and try to anticipate slowing.
- If stopping for puncture, mechanical problems or a rest, make the group aware and get everyone completely off the road and wait in a safe place.
- Keep you pace steady, ride conservatively and consistently.
- When changing lines at the front, do so smoothly and avoid accelerating too hard when moving to the front from the second rider inline.
- Try to avoid overlapping the wheel in front.
- Do not “Half-Wheel” – this is where the rider at the front of the inside line keeps or increases pace with the outside line preventing the rider on the outside line from coming through easily. This increases the pace of the group.
- Be aware of riders who may be struggling or who have been dropped and communicate this to the group so you can slowdown and wait.
- Do not use clip on tri bars or TT bikes in group rides. You do not have adequate braking control when using TT bars and they are dangerous in the event of a crash.
- Do not use mobile phones or earphones when riding
- Treat all other road users with respect and pay particular attention to pedestrians and horses. Even if you think a motorist is in the wrong remain calm and try and see things from their perspective too.
- In the event of a mechanical or puncture in the Social Group, the group will stop with the rider for as long a reasonable until the problem is either fixed or alternative arrangements are made.
