Make a group ride truly enjoyable by preparing properly and following these guidelines.
Tempo
- Position the slowest rider near the front so he or she won't be left behind
- Set a speed that suits the slowest rider in the group, so no one feels obliged to travel faster than they want
- The fastest should be a tail-ender because they'll have the least trouble keeping up
Overtaking
- If overtaking another rider, do it on a straight section of road, signaling your intention with your horn or headlight
- When there is a lot of overtaking your leader should ease the pace or the group will become too strung out
Safe distances
- Don't give in to the herd mentality - maintain a minimum two-second gap from the riders ahead of and behind you, even when riding in a staggered pattern
Single file
- Change back to single-file (and increase following distances if necessary) when hazards are encountered, or when cornering
- Space out in single file if traveling slower than general traffic so other vehicles can overtake each rider safely
Intersections
- Stop in a staggered pattern at intersections so collisions are less likely should anyone balk or remain stopped
Animals
- Be wary of startled animals, as the first rider past may cause one to run out into your path.
