Road Etiquette

There is no greater feeling than riding in a fast, coordinated, powerful group.

The following guidelines and accompanying skills tutorial will allow you to ride with confidence and safely within a groupetto or peloton. Weather you are racing or cycling with friends.

You must ride according to the Highway Traffic Act. Which means things like:

• Staying to the right hand side of the lane (single or double file)

• Stopping at STOP signs and red traffic lights

• Signalling turns

• Waiting in line at the back of a traffic queue (no filtering to the front)

• …to name a few.

We will ride as a group. Which means things like:

• Going at the same speed at the group. Keeping the group together.

• Waiting for the rest of the group if it gets stuck at traffic lights or if someone has a flat.

• Waiting may mean stopping and waiting, well over to the side of the road away from traffic, or it may mean riding on SLOWLY, in proper formation, so that the back riders can easily catch up. If for any reason you do not want the group to wait for you, please be sure to let someone know.

Safety

Each individual is responsible for her or his own safety. Although clubs make a reasonable attempt to conduct its events safely, you should recognize that riding a bicycle on public roads can be hazardous and you must prepare adequately.

You must wear a helmet and brightly coloured clothing is recommended.

It is up to you to carry enough food and drink, clothing, medical supplies, repair kit, cell phone and anything else you may need to satisfy your level of risk. There is no designated ride leader who will carry such items.

Equipment

1. Your bike must be in good working order. If you arrive with a bike that an experienced member thinks is unsafe, you may not be welcome to join the group.

2. Triathlon bars are very unsafe in a group setting and are therefore not recommended.

3. Gears and brakes must be easily accessible from the drop bar position – which is the most stable position on a bike.

4. Wheels should be running true and tires should be in good condition and inflated appropriately.

5. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness.

6. You must carry a reliable pump – with the right adapter for your tubes/tubeless tires, and at least one spare, intact inner tube/tubeless tire with the right valve stem for your rims.

7. Carry allen keys, tire levers, cash, an ID card and sufficient fluid for the ride. Most of these items must be attended to for the safety and convenience of your fellow riders.

8. You may wish to invest in taking a bicycle maintenance course (see your local bike store) and know how to use the tools you carry with you.

9. Most people will be on road bikes except during our winter rides. Mountain bikes are fine but you may have trouble keeping up with the group, depending on tires, road conditions etc.