Electric Bicycle Pacelines and Drafting

PACELINES AND DRAFTING

Drafting
• Following closely behind another rider cuts down on wind resistance
• Only draft off of someone whose riding style or experience you trust
• Always inform the rider in front that you are on their wheel; between 6” and 18” back

Paceline
• A group of electric bicycle riders drafting off of each other is a paceline; the leader dictates pace
• Front rider must communicate obstacles to riders behind; last rider watches traffic
• Pay close attention to those ahead and behind; be able to react safely and quickly

Rotation
• Riders in a paceline take turns ‘pulling’ the group along through the wind
• To move from the front, check traffic, pull out to the left and move to the back
• The second rider is now the leader and provides draft for allotted time or distance

Signals
• Lead rider must signal debris and hazards in roadway as well as stops and turns
• Point in direction of hazard and announce ‘grate’ or ‘gravel’ for other riders
• Rear rider is responsible for signaling intentions to following traffic

Dangers
• Do not draft on high traffic roads or roads with frequent intersections
• There is very little room for error when riding very close to others
• Crashing in a paceline has a domino effect, which may knock down riders behind you