Cycling in a group etiquette & rules etc.

[livpoksoc]

Ok, so basically I'm cycling from london to paris for charity in 10 days & haven't ever cycled in a group, but on this ride there will be 120 riders. I understand it's a varyied group of fitness etc. & I intend on spending a fair few hours near the back, but I wanted to know what are the general rules or etiquette of riding in:

a) large groups
b) smaller groups

I've heard of things to say like 'passing ont the right', but when watching the tour I see some riders pointing to obstacles like islands etc. & wanted to know what the score is. All advice would be appreciated.

 

[BluesDave]

I'd quite like some advice about this as well.

 

[Globalti]

Make sure you buy all members a drink at every bar.

 

[lukesdad]

It really depends on who you are riding with. Visual and vocal warnings are used. It doesnt matter what they are as long as everybody in the group understands them.

 

[cyberknight]

It really depends on who you are riding with. Visual and vocal warnings are used. It doesnt matter what they are as long as everybody in the group understands them.

And if they bother to use them

This is helpful

http://www.safety4cyclists.com/SafetyFiles/CyclingClinic.pdf

 

[dellzeqq]

http://fnrttc.blogsp...m/p/lights.html (click on the top pic) for signals. Shouting 'left' is better than signalling - you keep your hands on the bars, and the message goes further back

Do as you would be done by. Let people know what you're going to do and what's ahead of them. Look over your shoulder before moving right to overtake. DO NOT overtake on the left - ever. Don't ride to close to the person in front, and leave a substantial gap if it's wet

 

[YahudaMoon]

It depends on the event.

Some events don't like it if your at the front with no mudgaurds and demand you go to the back

As it's a charity ride I doubt you'll have this problem. As you have no experiance riding in groups I would just keep a safe distance for a while. Im sure you will soon get use to it.

Have a good time and good luck with it John

 

[livpoksoc]

http://fnrttc.blogsp...m/p/lights.html (click on the top pic) for signals. Shouting 'left' is better than signalling - you keep your hands on the bars, and the message goes further back

Do as you would be done by. Let people know what you're going to do and what's ahead of them. Look over your shoulder before moving right to overtake. DO NOT overtake on the left - ever. Don't ride to close to the person in front, and leave a substantial gap if it's wet

Thanks, if we're in France (assuming the roads aren't going to be closed off), is overtaking on the RIGHT going to be a bad idea?

 

[Norm]

My rules when riding in a group:
#1 Preserve your "bubble".
#2 Preserve your "bubble".
#3 Preserve your "bubble".

etc

Thanks, if we're in France (assuming the roads aren't going to be closed off), is overtaking on the RIGHT going to be a bad idea?

Yes, most definitely, don't act like a twonk in any way, shape or form. IMO, unless you know the rest of your group very well, over-obey the rules of the road.