Starting time: Say that riders should meet 15 minutes before the ride starts and leave promptly - everyone hates latecomers!
Setting off: Ride considerately and obey the law. Don't ride on footways and don't go through red lights. Irresponsible behaviour can place other riders in danger. You are an ambassador for all cyclists, so don't give us a bad name!
Etiquette: At junctions, try to make sure all your cyclists can get across in one go. If this is impossible, and you have inexperienced riders, wait for them to get across before setting off again. Make it clear there's no rush - you don't want a split-second decision to go wrong.
Stay alert: maintain concentration and avoid swerving. Each rider should maintain a steady line.
Looking back: be aware that this can throw you off balance. Practise tucking you chin into your shoulder to see behind without twisting your body. A good quality cycle mirror will prove invaluable.
Keep your distance: just as in a car, riding into the person in front can be painful! Make frequent checks on all the riders ahead of you, not just those immediately in front. Ride smoothly and avoid hard braking. Allow a three-second gap between you and the rider in front. If you are slowing or stopping, shout it out so the people behind can hear you - even someone touching your wheel can cause a crash.
Overtaking: If you want to move up the line, do an overtake by checking that there is a gap for you ahead, then looking behind you; move well out from other cyclists. Complete your overtake as quickly as possible.
Two abreast: the law allows you to ride two abreast, and it can make riding safer as it will stop most drivers passing at high speed. If you are causing an obstruction, switch to single file (ask the ride leader how he prefers this to be done before you set out, Suffolk CTC ride leaders usually tell riders on the front to speed up as they singling out, and those on the back slow down a little; this creates gaps for the outside riders to slot into. Some drivers don't like cyclists riding side by side - but most of them have an empty seat beside them all the time! It's also worth remembering that a group in single file will be twice as long as one two abreast.
Communicate: Riding in a group impairs visibility so flag up hazards. The traditional British club ride calls are:
• "Oil up": car approaching from behind
• "Oil down": car approaching from the front
• "Stopping": to warn people behind that the group is slowing
• "Gravel", "Sand", "Glass" or "Hole", accompanied by a pointy finger: road hazard
