Club Run Etiquette

Club rides are core to all cycling clubs. The objective of all club runs is for them to be enjoyable, sociable, safe, and inclusive for everyone.

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or you’re a regular rider, we ask all members and guests to follow a few simple guidelines.

The following is general advice from British Cycling for riding in groups.

Before the Ride

Make sure your bike is in good working order, paying particular attention to your brakes, tyres, and gears.
Carry the essentials: a spare inner tube (or repair kit), pump or CO₂ inflator, basic multi-tool, suitable clothing for the day’s weather, enough water and maybe an energy bar. Please wear a cycling helmet.
Arrive a few minutes before the advertised start time so the ride can leave promptly.

During the Ride

Ride predictably and maintain a steady line. Avoid sudden braking, swerving, or overlapping wheels.
Follow the instructions of the Ride Leader and any designated back marker.
Obey the Highway Code at all times. We ride as responsible road users and respect other cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders, and motorists.
Communicate hazards clearly by pointing them out where appropriate and passing warnings through the group using clear verbal calls.
Be considerate when riding two abreast and move into single file when it is safer or more courteous to do so, particularly on narrow roads or where traffic needs to pass.
Avoid using headphones, as you need to hear instructions, traffic, and other road users.
If you need to stop, let the riders behind know and move safely off the road where possible.

Looking After Each Other

We ride as a group, not as individuals. Stronger riders are encouraged to wait at junctions or regroup at agreed points so that nobody is left behind.
If another rider has a mechanical problem or puncture, the group will stop where it is safe to do so and offer assistance.
If you are struggling or feeling unwell, tell the Ride Leader as soon as possible. There is no shame in asking for help.

Courtesy

Be friendly, welcoming, and supportive. Everyone was new once.
Respect the local communities and areas through which we ride. Avoid unnecessary noise and leave no litter.
Thank drivers who show patience and consideration—it helps promote a positive image of cycling.
Please give all horse riders, walkers and other cyclists as much room as possible and pass them slowly and with the utmost care and attention.
Finally, please avoid overtaking the Ride Leader. The Ride Leader sets the pace and route to keep the group together. Unless specifically invited to do so, please remain behind the leader and ride as part of the group. This will make the Ride leader’s job a lot easier and enable the group to stay together. If the pace is too slow for you, then speak to the ride leader and a solution can usually be easily found.

Safety First

Cycling on public roads always involves an element of risk. Every rider is responsible for their own safety and for ensuring their bicycle is roadworthy. By riding courteously, communicating clearly, and looking out for one another, we can all enjoy safer and more enjoyable club rides.

Within the Willesden CC we have a range of spoken and visual signals are rooted in our DNA. Here are some of the,

General Spoken instructions

“oil up/oil back/oil down”
A general warning of a car trying to pass or one coming around a corner. A car coming down the road towards you is usually ‘Car down’ although sometimes this can be ‘Oil down’ depending on which part of the country you are in.

A car coming up from is usually ‘Car back’ or ‘oil back’ or car up.

The easiest way to remember the difference is “down the road and up your rear”!!

“ Easy” or “Stopping”
If this is shouted it usually means there is a bad junction or potential hazard ahead and to pay attention yourself, it’s often very easy to rely on the ride leaders to warn you of pending problems in the road. This is especially important if you are in a large group and it will take a while to get around the hazard.

‘Single out’
When a car is behind and needs extra space to overtake, or if the group is approaching a narrow road or overtaking a line of parked cars.

General hand signals

Hand up in the air
Usually signifies that the rider signalling is stopping (e.g. for a puncture) or there is a hazard in the road that the whole group may have to stop for.

Pointing out holes in the road
This is essential. You must point out drain covers, holes, dead badgers, glass or anything else which may cause harm to a cyclist. Basically if you have to go around it tell the rider behind about it before they hit it.

Indication directions to riders behind
Whether it is slowing down or turning at junctions, large groups need everyone to indicate for other road users, so let them know what you intend to do.

Waving for parked cars, horses and pedestrians
When preparing to overtake an obstruction the lead riders will sometimes wave a hand behind them (like they’re wafting away malodorous wind!!) this signifies there is a hazard that means the group will have to move out. They will do this ‘waft’ in the direction you will need to move. Remember you are expected to do the same so the rider behind you has seen the obstacle.