Group Riding: Whilst riding with the Group it is important to remember, you are riding as a Group member and not as an individual and that you are representing Leeds Women's Velo, Therefore consideration has to be given to other road users as well as your fellow cyclists to ensure safety and enjoyment is maintained. Remember your actions or the lack of them have an effect on your fellow cyclists and to that end there are some do’s and don’ts within the GROUP, aimed at promoting a safe and enjoyable riding culture, that will in turn create an etiquette that all Group members will be familiar with

 

1) When riding in a group it is important that you ride in a smooth and predictable manner and concentrate on what is happening with other riders around you. You should try to be aware of the road conditions and terrain at all times - this will help you maintain a steady pace

 

.2) The Saturday runs are a social event. They are not a race. Members should ride in pairs and should be in line with the pair in front of them. This helps the aerodynamic efficiency of the group and helps avoid unnecessary swerving or braking. There is an understandable tendency for riders to take a line to one side of the rider in front of them and to overlap a little. This should be avoided as it causes the group to “echelon” and spread across the road, giving the appearance, when the group is approached from the front or back, that the riders in the group are riding 3 and 4 abreast. This is particularly noticeable going up hill. The Highway Code states that cyclists should ride no more than 2 abreast and on narrow or busy roads should ride in single file

 

.3) Do not ride with your front wheel overlapping the rear wheel of the person in front. If the person in front makes a sudden move, your front wheel could be knocked from under you causing you and probably those around you to crash.

 

4) When pulling up at a road junction stay in two lines and do not scatter across the road. Don’t pass or crowd around vehicles that are waiting at the junction this only serves to annoy drivers and can be dangerous.

 

5) Change to single file as necessary to help cars overtake, especially if cars are finding it difficult to get past on narrow roads. Try to think about where other riders might be and how your actions may affect them. Your action near the front of the group can be magnified many times by the time it reaches the back and can result in a much more dangerous situation than is apparent. Safety :

 

It is required that every member shall make sure that their bike is in good working order before each ride. In particular make sure your brakes work effectively and that your tyres are not wearing thin, worn tyres cause unnecessary punctures and a potential hazard in a fast-moving group.

Keeping the bike clean, especially in the winter, helps maintain your bike in good order. Don't forget, if your bike breaks down through poor maintenance then you could be causing an unnecessary hold-ups to your fellow Group members. Every member must carry a functioning pump, at least one spare inner tube and some basic tools and don’t forget some money for the tea stop and emergencies.

 

Efficient mudguards and mud flaps should be used in wet weather. The use of mobile phones whilst riding in a group is not allowed, please feel free to carry a mobile for emergency use. However, making and receiving calls whilst riding in a group can be dangerous. If you carry a mobile phone do not stop suddenly if it rings. Warn the riders around you before pulling in --- slowly.