With various signals and calls to warn the group of the hazards cyclists are exposed to, it’s vital you know what each one means, while being able and confident to make a call when you’re the rider on the front.
The nature of riding in a group means, if you’re not on the front of the bunch, you may not always see a hazard, but a well-drilled group using signals and calls correctly will ensure all riders remain safe on the road.
CHANGING TO SINGLE FILE
At some points the riders at the front may determine a need to break the ‘two up’ formation and go single file. This may be because there is a parked car in our lane (and the riders at the back have called that we have to HOLD the lane) or because there is a need to let a car pass on a single lane road. In this instance the riders will call ‘SINGLE’ and raise a single pointed finger. As soon as it is safe to re-take the lane, the front riders will call ‘TWO UP’ and standard riding formation resumes.
MOVING LANES
If there is a need to move lanes, the front riders will put up their hands with a clenched fist, and call “CALL” It then becomes the back riders responsibility to determine if it’s safe to move over. If it is safe, the riders at the back first take the lane and then call ‘OVER’ to all the riders in front - who in turn move over. If it is not safe, the riders at the back call ‘HOLD’ until it is safe to move.
SLOWING GROUP
If the front riders need to slow down this will be called by either ‘STOPPING’, ‘SLOWING’ or (for traffic lights) ‘LIGHTS’ calls. Usually this is accompanied by a single open palmed hand signal.
SETTING OFF
This will be indicated by ‘ROLLING’ call. The same call may be used when going through an amber light to indicate that the front riders will not stop. If you’re towards the front of the group, remember not to take off too quickly. If you’re at the back and believe the group to be rolling slowly until all ready to roll, remember to call “ALL ON” to signify the front riders can get up to normal pace
MECHANICAL PROBLEM
In the event of a mechanical problem or puncture, the rider should raise their hand (if safe to do so) and call ‘MECHANICAL’. The rider and group will pull over to the side of the road as soon as is safe.
PASSING OTHER CYCLISTS / GROUPS
When approaching a slower rider/group, the riders at the front should call out ‘RIDERS’ to warn the other party of our presence and give the ‘Obstruction ahead’ signal to the riders behind. Keep the speed consistent and give sufficient space when passing.
OBSTACLES
It’s important that we all point out obstacles such potholes, branches, gravel, or anything that may cause an accident. This is usually indicated by a rider pointing straight down in the direction of the obstacle either side of their bike. If it’s not safe to point, obstacles make by warned vocally (such as ‘HOLE MIDDLE’, ‘GLASS LEFT’, etc)
TURNING
This will be signalled by the front riders holding a pointed finger straight out in the direction of an upcoming turn. If not safe to point, the riders may simply call out the direction of the turn.
TRAFFIC LIGHTS
We do not run through red lights. When approaching a light that changes to amber the riders at the front will stop only if it’s safe to (“STOPPING”). If it is not safe to stop in such a short time call “ROLLING” to let all know that we’ll roll through. The riders at the front will do their best but no-one is perfect. They may forget the size and length of the group behind. If it is not safe to roll through do not do so. Call “STOPPING” and break the group. The front group will pull over as soon as is safe and re-group waiting for the rest.
RELAYING CALLS
One of the most important parts of riding in a group is to relay calls. It’s very rarely possible to hear calls from the back when at the front, and vice-versa. We rely on riders relaying calls and hand signals. This means that if, for example, the riders in front of you put up a hand signal to move lanes, repeat that signal. And if the riders behind you call ‘HOLD’, ‘OVER’, or anything else, repeat the same call. Similarly, point out obstacles that others point out to you.
JUNCTIONS & ROUNDABOUTS
Approach all junctions where we do not have right of way by easing up and be ready to stop. This includes roundabouts and traffic lights that may change. The group may need to split if it’s a choice between this and a potential accident. Every rider must take responsibility. Just because the riders in front of you have rolled through, it does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to do so.