Cycling Etiquette 101:

No helmet = NO RIDE (gloves are also a good idea) At all times keep to the right and obey all traffic rules.

For those taking part in their first cycle program or are new to group training, these points will help you avoid falls and gain the confidence of others around you.

1. Be predictable with all your actions.

2. Maintain a steady straight line and avoid braking or changing direction suddenly. Remember that there are riders following you closely from behind. To slow down, gradually apply your brakes and say "slowing." If you are in a paceline, move out to the LEFT into the wind and fall back into your position at the back of the pack. If not in a paceline, simply pull off the road to your right.

3. Point out and call out any road hazards ahead. These include potholes, drain grates, stray animals, opening car doors, sticks or stones, parked cars, etc. There are also hand signals for this.
- left arm straight out to signal a left turn
- right arm straight out for a right turn
- palm or fist behind your lower back to signal slowing or stopping
- shake hand side to side in the direction of sand, glass or any other road hazard

4. Do not overlap wheels. A slight direction change or gust of wind could easily cause you to touch wheels with another cyclist and fall. Advanced riders pedal down hill when at the front of the bunch. Experienced cyclists dislike having to ride under brakes (the riders following the leader benefit from her draft, thereby having to pedal less and brake more).

5. Stay to the right when in front to allow room for others to pass safely on your left, particularly in traffic. Pass other riders on the left hand side whenever possible.

6.Be smooth with your turns at the front of the group. Avoid surges unless trying to break from the bunch. A group will travel quicker when turns are completed smoothly.

7. Avoid leaving gaps when following wheels closely (drafting). Cyclists save about 30% of their energy at high speed by drafting another rider Each time you leave a gap (more than 10 inches) you are forcing yourself to ride without the benefit of a draft, and under your own power to bridge the gap. Also, riders behind you will become annoyed and ride around you, especially if the bunch is working together to break away or catch a breakaway group in a race.

8. When climbing hills, avoid following a wheel too closely. Many riders often lose their momentum when rising out of the saddle on a hill which can cause a sudden deceleration. This can often catch a rider who is following too closely, resulting in a fall from a wheel touch.

9. Do not panic if you brush shoulders, hands or bars with another rider. Try to stay relaxed in your upper body to absorb any bumps. This is a part of cycle racing in close bunches and is quite safe provided riders do not panic, brake or change direction. Real cycling is a contact sport!

There are a lot more minor points that could be mentioned here as becoming a proficient bunch rider takes time and experience to achieve. The most important point however is to be aware of others around you and respect other riders, your actions will have a direct response on theirs.

Frequent Commands

Slowing - When someone yells out "Slowing", this means that there is something that is causing the pack to slow down. This can be anything from a light, a slower pack of bikes, a car up ahead. In any event, prepare to slow down. Tap you brakes and repeat the yell "Slowing". This is to indicate to others that you've heard them and you are also slowing. This will also alert those behind you that you are slowing down.

Stopping - When someone yells out "Stopping", this means that there is something that is causing the pack to stop. This can be anything from a light, a slower pack of bikes, a stop sign or a car up ahead. In any event, prepare to stop. Tap you brakes and repeat the yell "Stopping". This is to indicate to others that you've heard them and you are also slowing to a stop. This will also alert those behind you that you are slowing to a stop. It's VERY important not to slam on your brakes especially if there are others behind you!

Hold your line - When someone yells, "Hold your line", this means that you need to stay in a straight line as best you can. In most cases, the person yelling this out to you is attempting to pass or warn you your riding is not steady and predictable. If you swing out or if you don't keep your bike steady, you could cause the other bicyclist trouble or injury.

On your Left - When someone yells, "On your Left", this means that they are passing you on your left. No need to take this personally. Let them pass as they have the right of way. You should never hear "On your Right". That is, a bicycler should never pass on the right. However, there are many bicyclers with varying experience. Be on the look out for those that will pass on your right. If someone does this, kindly remind him or her that they should pass on the left. Also, it is common courtesy to say "Thank You" to the person yelling "on your left". This indicates to them that you've heard them.

Car Up - When someone yells, "Car Up", this means that there is a car up front. It is intended to be a verbal caution indicating that a stop may be necessary. If you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the vehicle up front. It is also common courtesy to repeat this so that others behind you also know about the car.

Car Back - When someone yells, "Car Back", this means that there is a car back behind you. It is intended to be a verbal caution indicating that a stop may be necessary. If you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the vehicle is behind you. It is also common courtesy to repeat this so that others in front of you also know about the car.

Bike Up - When someone yells, "Bike Up", this means that there is a bike up in front of you, either coming toward you (as on a bike trail) or riding at a slower pace. It is intended to be a verbal caution indicating that you may need to pass the cyclist or a stop may be necessary. If you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the bike up front. It is also common courtesy to repeat this so that others behind you also know about the bike.

Bike Back - When someone yells, "Bike Back", this means that there is a bicylist behind you. It is intended to be a verbal caution indicating that a bike may attempt to pass you or a stop may be necessary. If you hear this, repeat the call so that others know that you are aware of the bike behind you. It is common courtesy to repeat this so that others in front of you also know about the bike.