GROUP RIDING BEST PRACTICES

• Be obvious in your actions and intent.
  Avoid surprising drastic changes in direction or speed. Others around you should easily anticipate your movements. Work to maintain a smooth and consistent group riding rhythm.
  
• Don't overlap wheels.
  This is one of greatest causes of group mishaps. If you find yourself overlapping your front wheel with the bike in front of you, slowly back off by coasting or sitting up to let your body catch some wind. This will slow you down without having to use the brakes. Not pedaling (coasting) is a signal to others behind that you are slowing. Remember, riders behind you can't see you touch the brakes.
  
• Don't suddenly change position in group.
  When changing lines or position, quickly glance over your shoulder in the direction you're going to make sure another rider is not overlapping you. Don't move abruptly from side to side. It is better to hit a pothole than to swerve and cause a crash.
  
• Hold your line in turns.
  When cornering maintain a steady, gradual arc matching roadway/course. Maintain your placement in lane throughout (again avoiding abrupt speed/direction changes). Learn how to corner properly.
  
• Don't ride or abruptly use brakes.
  When you brake everyone behind you also must brake. This is normal if you come to a turn or stoplight, but not if you are the only one braking. Again, be obvious, make moves easily anticipated by those around you. Keep your hands near the brakes so you can brake if necessary but do so gradually. Never brake hard.
  
• Be aware.
  Always pay attention to the road and what bicycles/vehicles around you are doing. Watch the road in front of you as far ahead as possible. There may be potholes or road grates that are hazardous. The lead rider should call out and identify these but may not do so. You must look out for yourself!
  
• Do not run stop signs or red lights!
  This not only places yourself in danger, but those behind you who may assume it's safe to proceed; this also deteriorates auto-bicycle relationships. Cyclists have same rights as autos, they also must observe the same laws.
  
• Avoid unsafe situations
  Work yourself slowly out of a group if you feel unsafe. Don't ride in the middle of the pack unless you know the riders and are confident in them. Until experienced stay out of the main group and ride near the back; this is a good way to watch more experienced cyclists and observe group bike handling techniques. If other riders get too close either move away or ask them to move. When passing a rider closely, inform them you are there by saying, "On your left" or "On your right" as the case may be.
  
• Three most common group problems are caused by:
  Overlapped wheels, sudden direction/speed changes, and un-aware group members.
  Stay alert, consistent, and do not overlap others.