Bunch Riding Rules and Etiquette

There are benefits with bunch riding; the social aspect makes long rides more fun, the sharing of work into the wind, the development of group riding skills that are essential for racing and endurance rides, and the sheer pleasure of riding with your friends. Riding safely in bunches is also reliant on all members of the group adhering to accepted road rules and correct cycling etiquette. The consequences of not adhering to these rules can also have disastrous outcomes.

We have all have had the opportunity to ride in various bunches and most are well disciplined however, some of them are less disciplined and as result the incidence of crashes and/or accidents is much higher. The main problem with large bunch rides on the roads is the pressure for riders to stay with the bunch. This pressure builds and riders feel forced to break traffic rules, run red lights and generally behave in a way that puts themselves, other riders and other road users lives at risk.

Once a bunch reaches a certain size, it becomes difficult to wait for riders separated from the bunch. Often bunch rides can deteriorate into races with a “last man standing” mentality. As a result neither the individual nor the group’s training needs are met. With that in mind and our club’s goal of providing members with a safe and enjoyable experience of bunch riding, we have developed some guidelines for our rides.

The Club believes that bunches should be kept below a certain size (10 to 15 riders) to assist ride leaders to monitor the progress of the ride more effectively. If the group is larger we recommend that the ride be split into two groups. We have two groups for our Sunday morning club road ride. The recovery/beginner group rides on average around 25-30km/h. The ride leader’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the group stays together. In addition they will also provide support to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to develop their fitness, overall cycling and bunch riding skills. The faster/experienced group rides on average around 30 to 35 km per hour. There are also times, depending on particular rides, when speeds greater than this are sustained for longer periods. There is also an expectation that members in this group are capable of riding independently should they be unable to maintain the pace of the group on the day.

A ride leader will lead each group and dictate the pace and ensure the bunch stays together and regroups at set points and after long climbs. It is also important that the designated leader outlines re-group, stop and go-slow/go-fast points before the commencement of the ride.

The ride leader will also ensure that riders take turns at the front and that stronger riders shoulder more responsibility at the front of the group. If a rider is struggling with the pace of the ride the ride leader may provide directions to enable them to finish the ride or be picked up by the slower group.

BUNCH RIDING RULES AND ETIQUETTE

Riding 2 abreast

Pair off in formation of never more than 2 abreast. Certain roads might require single file. Some double lane roads without a shoulder dictate that it is better (and legal) to sit in the middle of the lane rather than have vehicles squeeze past.

No Half wheeling

Half wheeling is when the person next to you rides with their front wheel slightly in front of yours and the speed gradually increases as you try to level up. Ride beside the person next to you, not in front of them.

Pedal on downhills

The leaders of the group should never coast on the downhills as this leads to the group behind bunching up and causes unnecessary braking.

Fill the gap

If there is a gap next to you, then signal for someone to fill the gap from behind, or you can peel off to the rear of the bunch.

Loud and clear calls

As the people behind can’t generally see where they are going, the leaders have to be the ‘eyes’ of the bunch. Point to all obstacles (holes etc) and communicate the problem in a loud, clear voice.

Constant pace

Keep the pace smooth and steady, particularly on up-hills. Avoid surging when you come to the front of the bunch

Road rules

Obey all road rules, including stopping at red lights.

Re-group

If the group splits after lights or longer climbs slow down or in some cases stop to allow the bunch to regroup.

Be predictable in all actions

Avoid sudden braking or changes in direction. To slow down move gently out into the wind and sit up a little to brake without braking hard.

Ride Leaders

Follow the directions of the ride leader

Echelon changing

Most of our rides involve the rotation of riders by a simple echelon formation. This generally means the person leading on the outside right moves forward to inside left and the person behind them becomes the new leader on the right side. If you’re not sure how this works then take note and watch the people in front of you. Always retire to the back of the bunch. Everyone can have a turn on the front even if only for a short time. Always change when it is safe, particularly when riding 2 abreast safe spots may need to be found so to avoid getting motorists upset

Aerobars

Whilst riding in a bunch, no athletes are to be down on their aerobars (regardless of their ability/experience).

Bike skills

If you are not confident of your bike handling ability or feel that the pace is too fast for you to do a proper turn on the front of the bunch then request to stay at the back of the bunch and call people to change in front you. The ride leaders would encourage you to have a turn even if only to learn techniques for changing positions in the bunch.

Clean bike

Keep your bike well-serviced, clean and with good tyres. An un-roadworthy bike is a danger to everyone in the bunch.