Group Riding
As a club we regularly ride in groups and this post is a reminder for those that do and an introduction to those that do not ride in larger groups that often, this post is split into the following subjects: –
- Group Riding
- The Main Causes for Crashes
- Videos
Riding in a Group
1. Hold a Steady Line
- Ride straight and predictable.
- Avoid sudden swerves or braking.
- Look ahead of the rider in front, not at their wheel.
This helps prevent “accordion crashes” where one sudden move causes multiple riders to fall.
2. Keep a Safe Distance
- Stay about 30–100 cm behind the wheel in front depending on skill level.
- Beginners should leave a slightly bigger gap until comfortable drafting.
Drafting saves 20–30% energy, which is why group riding is so effective.
3. Signal Hazards
Always warn riders behind you.
Common signals:
- Point down → pothole, drain, debris
- Hand behind back waving → move left/right around obstacle
- Hand up → slowing or stopping
- Call out “Car back!” or “Car up!”
Clear communication keeps everyone safe.
4. Don’t Overlap Wheels
Never let your front wheel overlap the rear wheel of the rider ahead.
If they move sideways slightly, your front wheel can hit their back wheel and you’ll likely crash.
5. Brake Gently
Avoid sharp braking.
Instead:
- Ease off the pedals
- Feather the brakes lightly
Sudden braking can cause pile-ups in tight groups.
6. Rotate Smoothly (if taking turns)
In faster groups riders share the effort at the front.
Typical rotation:
- Front rider pulls for a short time.
- They signal and move to the side.
- Drift to the back of the group.
Never surge the pace when you reach the front.
7. Obey the Road Rules
Even in a group:
- Stop at lights
- Stay on the correct side of the road
- Ride two abreast max where allowed in the UK.
8. Be Extra Careful on Hills
Since you mentioned wanting to get better at hills:
- Riders often spread out more on climbs.
- Don’t suddenly stand up out of the saddle without a slight pedal push first (the bike can kick backward).
✅ Quick beginner tip:
If you’re new to group riding, sit near the back but not last. You’ll still get drafting benefits but have more reaction time.
The Main Causes for Crashes
1. Sudden Braking
One rider brakes hard and the riders behind don’t have time to react.
Why it happens:
- Looking down at the wheel in front
- Not anticipating traffic or hills
- Panic braking
How to avoid it
- Look through the rider ahead at the road further up.
- Slow by easing off the pedals first, then brake gently.
2. Overlapping Wheels
This is one of the most common causes of crashes.
It happens when:
- Your front wheel overlaps the rear wheel of the rider ahead.
- If they move sideways slightly, their wheel hits yours.
Result: your front wheel gets knocked sideways and you go down instantly.
Rule: Keep your front wheel directly behind theirs, not beside it.
3. Sudden Swerving
If someone dodges a pothole at the last second without warning, riders behind can’t react.
Common hazards:
- Potholes
- Drain covers
- Gravel
- Parked cars opening doors
Solution
- Point at hazards.
- Call out things like “hole!” or “gravel!”
4. Standing Up on Climbs Without Warning
When a rider stands up to climb:
- The bike kicks backward slightly.
- If someone is very close behind, wheels can touch.
Tip
- Add a slight pedal surge before standing so the bike doesn’t roll back.
5. Surging the Pace
Inexperienced riders often accelerate when they reach the front of the group.
This creates an accordion effect:
- Front rider speeds up or “Half Wheeling”
- Group stretches
- Back riders must brake and sprint repeatedly
This leads to fatigue and crashes.
6. Looking Down Instead of Ahead
If riders only stare at the wheel in front:
- They react too late to hazards
- They miss signals
Good riders look 2–4 riders ahead.
7. Touching Wheels or Handlebars
Even a small touch can bring riders down.
This can happen when:
- Riders drift sideways
- Bottles are grabbed
- Someone looks behind and veers
Videos
To watch a video on riding in a group click on the link – GCN – Riding in a Group
To watch a video on Half Wheeling, which includes a bit of etiquette click on the link – How Not To Be A D**k On A Group Ride