Electric Bike Group Riding

GROUP RIDING

Be predictable
• In a group, your actions affect those around you, not just yourself
• Riders expect you to continue straight and at a constant speed
• Signal your intention to turn or slow down before you do so

Use signals
• Use hand signals to indicate turns and point out hazards to others
• Left or right arm straight out to indicate left or right turn
• Left arm out and down with palm to the rear to indicate stopping

Give warnings
• Electric Bike Riders should call out right turns, left turns and stops in addition to signaling
• Announce turns before the intersections to give riders a chance to position themselves
• Try to avoid sudden stops or turns except for emergencies

Change positions correctly
• Slower moving traffic stays to the right; faster traffic to the left
• Pass slower moving vehicles on the left; announce your intention to do so
• Announce passes on the right clearly as this is not a usual maneuver

Announce hazards
• Most cyclists do not have a full view of the road while riding in a group
• Announce potholes and other hazards so others can avoid them
• Call out the hazard and point down to it, either left or right

Watch for traffic from the rear
• The last rider should frequently check for overtaking cars
• Announce “car back” clearly and loudly
• It is also helpful to announce “car up” on narrow roads or when riding two abreast

Watch out at intersections
• Leader should announce slowing or stopping at intersections if necessary
• Electric Bike riders should not follow others through intersections without scanning
• Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if you must stop, signal

Leave room for cars
• On narrow road or during climbs, leave space between every three or four riders
• Motorists will utilize the shorter passing intervals to pass the group
• Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of every cyclist

Stop off road
• When stopping for mechanicals or regrouping, always move clear off the road
• Only if conditions permit should you move back onto the road as a group
• Always yield to traffic in the roadway

Ride single file
• It is illegal in some areas to ride more than two abreast
• Ride single file between intersections; double up when the group stops and communicate your next step
• When taking the lane, double up and take the whole lane