Hazards
The lead riders call out hazards such as bumps, gravel, and road kill. Point out the position of the hazard so that following riders know on which side to pass. Following riders repeat this information to the riders behind.
The lead riders call out hazards such as bumps, gravel, and road kill. Point out the position of the hazard so that following riders know on which side to pass. Following riders repeat this information to the riders behind.
Right Turn
Lead riders call for the turn. The tail rider should signal the turn. Stop if required, then proceed as traffic permits. If it is not necessary to stop, coast through the turn with right pedal up.
Lead riders call for the turn. The tail rider should signal the turn. Stop if required, then proceed as traffic permits. If it is not necessary to stop, coast through the turn with right pedal up.
Left Turn
Lead riders call for the turn. The tail rider determines when it is safe to take or cross the lane, signals the turn to following traffic, and instructs the rest of the pack to move across the lane. Riders move across the lane from rear to front. This manoeuvre is repeated as necessary for multi-lane roads. Stop if required, then proceed as traffic permits. If it is not necessary to stop, coast through the turn with left pedal up.
Lead riders call for the turn. The tail rider determines when it is safe to take or cross the lane, signals the turn to following traffic, and instructs the rest of the pack to move across the lane. Riders move across the lane from rear to front. This manoeuvre is repeated as necessary for multi-lane roads. Stop if required, then proceed as traffic permits. If it is not necessary to stop, coast through the turn with left pedal up.
Downhill
The lead riders must continue to pedal, so that the drafting pack riders are not forced to brake on the downhill. Pack riders follow the lead riders but gently increase the distance from the rider in front to allow more reaction time in case of emergency. If your speed picks up too much, do not pull out of formation or pass other riders – just gradually decrease your speed.
The lead riders must continue to pedal, so that the drafting pack riders are not forced to brake on the downhill. Pack riders follow the lead riders but gently increase the distance from the rider in front to allow more reaction time in case of emergency. If your speed picks up too much, do not pull out of formation or pass other riders – just gradually decrease your speed.
Following vehicles and oncoming vehicles
The tail rider indicates when a vehicle is overtaking or slowing down to follow the pack (call out “CAR PASSING” or “CAR BACK”). If there is also an approaching vehicle, the lead rider calls out “CAR UP”. Please refrain from waving other vehicles past the group — it is the responsibility of the driver to pass safely and you risk assuming some liability should an accident result.
The tail rider indicates when a vehicle is overtaking or slowing down to follow the pack (call out “CAR PASSING” or “CAR BACK”). If there is also an approaching vehicle, the lead rider calls out “CAR UP”. Please refrain from waving other vehicles past the group — it is the responsibility of the driver to pass safely and you risk assuming some liability should an accident result.
Passing
When approaching a single rider or slower group from the rear, check that the way is clear, call out “PASSING”, and then pass, allowing plenty of room. Do not cut in front of the riders you have passed. If there is oncoming traffic and the lane is not wide enough for both packs side by side, the pack leader should either wait until it is clear or change to single file and then pass. If there is following traffic, the tail rider should indicate that the group is going to cross the centre line (left turn signal), and signal the following vehicle to wait. The leader of the front pack should assist the pack behind to pass, if necessary by slowing the pace a little.
When approaching a single rider or slower group from the rear, check that the way is clear, call out “PASSING”, and then pass, allowing plenty of room. Do not cut in front of the riders you have passed. If there is oncoming traffic and the lane is not wide enough for both packs side by side, the pack leader should either wait until it is clear or change to single file and then pass. If there is following traffic, the tail rider should indicate that the group is going to cross the centre line (left turn signal), and signal the following vehicle to wait. The leader of the front pack should assist the pack behind to pass, if necessary by slowing the pace a little.
Slowing
Lead rider or group rider calls “SLOWING”. Stop pedalling and prepare to brake. Riders slow down in order from rear to front to avoid catching the rider ahead.
Lead rider or group rider calls “SLOWING”. Stop pedalling and prepare to brake. Riders slow down in order from rear to front to avoid catching the rider ahead.
Stopping
Lead riders will call “STOPPING”. Gear down, stop pedalling, and brake gently. Avoid sudden braking. Move completely off the road when stopping to check directions, chat, fix a flat, etc.
Lead riders will call “STOPPING”. Gear down, stop pedalling, and brake gently. Avoid sudden braking. Move completely off the road when stopping to check directions, chat, fix a flat, etc.