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Merrymeeting Wheelers Bicycle Club |
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Group Riding Etiquette |
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Group Riding
Etiquette
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Be Predictable: Group riding requires even more attention
to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to continue
straight ahead at a constant speed unless you indicate differently. Motorists
look for vehicles in the road; operating as a vehicle increases safety. Bicyclists are subject to the same rules of the road as motorists.
Pass others on their left. Say "on your left" to warn others that
you are passing. If you need to pass someone on the right, say "on you
right" clearly since this is an unusual maneuver. If you need to take
the lane, signal and communicate to the motorists too. It is safer to take
the lane briefly rather than squeeze along on the edge or curb, inviting
motorists to split a narrow lane with you. Use
Signals:
Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with others in the group and with
motorists. Give Warnings:
Warn
cyclists behind you of changes in direction or speed. The lead rider should
call out "left" or "right," in addition to a hand signal.
The lead rider should announce the turn well in advance of the intersection,
so members of the group have time to position themselves properly for the
turn. Most of the cyclists will not have a good view of the road surface
ahead, so it is important to announce hazards. Indicate hazards by pointing
down to the left or right and shouting, "hole,"
"bump," etc. Everyone should be made aware of the hazard; however
everyone does not need to announce them. Ride Single or Double File: Cyclists commonly ride single or
double file as appropriate to the roadway, traffic conditions and where
allowed by law. Most state vehicle codes permit narrow vehicles such as
bicycles and motorcycles to ride double file or ‘split’ a lane. Even where
riding double is legal, courtesy dictates that you single up when cars are
trying to pass you if the lane is wide enough for them to safely do so. Motor vehicle law says “any person operating a bicycle upon a
roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic shall ride as close
as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway, except: when
passing or making a left turn or when reasonably necessary to avoid hazardous
conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right hand curb or
edge”. Maintain Your Place In Line: When a group gets to a signal, do not take this as an
opportunity to cut to the front of the others in the group; If you get there
first, push the pedestrian button to help more of the group to get through a
longer light. If you are the 12th to get there, stay in order. Slower riders who cut into the front force everyone they cut in
front of to pass them again and cause a bunch up at the limit line. Instead,
maintain your position in the single or double line and work on your own pace
when safely rolling along. Clustering up at intersections clogs traffic and
causes unnecessary chaos when the light turns green. Experienced riders line
up and stay in order. Watch
Out At Intersections: When approaching intersections
requiring vehicles to yield or stop, the lead rider should say "slowing"
or "stopping" to alert those behind them. When passing through an
intersection, some bicyclists say, "clear" if there is no cross
traffic. This is a dangerous practice. It encourages riders to let others do
their thinking for them. Each bicyclist is responsible for his or her own
safety. Activate
Signals: When a group gets to a signal,
the first rider on the right should move over to the white pedestrian cross
walk button and push it. This button will hold the cross walk signal longer
than the green bicycle button which may only allow a few bicyclists to cross
before cycling back to red. Watch
For Traffic Coming From The Rear: Even when you are occupying the
proper lane position, it often helps to know when a car is coming. Since
those in front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it is the
responsibility of the riders in back to inform the others by saying "car
back." Around curves, on narrow roads, or when riding double, it is also
helpful to warn of traffic approaching from ahead with "car up." Leave
a Gap for Cars: When riding up hills or on
narrow roads, leave a gap for cars between every three or six bicycles. This
way a motorist can use shorter passing intervals and won’t have to race to
move around the entire group. Move
Off the Road When You Stop: Move well off the road so you do
not interfere with traffic. When you start again, each bicyclist should look
for, and yield to, traffic. Sources: Most of these
tips are reproduced from "Bicycle |
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