As a club we rely on our members volunteering to lead rides. We support ride leading with a variety of training and resources, including this policy on group riding.
We follow the British Cycling Ridesmart approach which is well illustrated in this video.
Our approach is therefore that of a broadly defensive position with the inside riders around a metre from the kerb and those outside as close to the inside rider as they feel comfortable. The front pair set the distances and everyone else should follow suit to keep the group an efficient, cohesive unit to avoid issues of losing formation or confusing motorists. This position, using most of the lane, helps to make sure drivers can only pass when it is absolutely safe to do so, instead of squeezing past at an inappropriate moment.
Occasionally it may be necessary for the group to ride “tighter” – closer to the kerb, closer together or even “singling out” as a result of narrower roads, oncoming traffic or to let a car pass from behind. Anyone in the group can suggest such a move but on our rides the ride leader has the final decision.
As riders in a group we ask that you respect and support the decisions and guidance of the leader. If you have concerns about how a ride is being led then, when safe to do so, please raise your concerns directly with the ride leader. If you still feel unable to follow the decisions/guidance of the leader we ask you to leave the ride as soon as it is safe to do so.
Most issues can be safely resolved during a ride, however the ride leader can ask a rider to leave a ride and we expect that any request to leave a ride will be respected. If you need to leave a ride for any reason and are uncomfortable riding back on your own please ask to be assigned a partner to ride back with.
We always welcome feedback on our rides – positive and negative – via the ride feedback form.
Occasionally things don’t go to plan and accidents occur. This should be reported to the club – please contact any member of the board. In the event of head injury the following guidance should be followed.
Rest assured the vast majority of our rides take place without incident and are a safe way to learn group riding skills. As the club continues to grow we feel it is important to have policies and guidance such as this. Experience helps us learn together.