Listed below are some commonsense tips which will increase your enjoyment and safety when riding with others.
Read the Road Ahead
It is vitally important that you scan the
environment around you. By being aware
of your surrounding environment you will
increase your level of safety.
Eye to Eye Contact
It is an important means of communication
as it makes drivers aware of your
presence. Be aware of drivers’ blind spots,
particularly at the side of their vehicles
and next to their rear doors.
Other Vehicles
Be alert for vehicles approaching from
behind or pulling out in front of you. Be
aware of doors opening by looking out
for occupants inside stopped vehicles.
Positioning in Traffic
Don’t weave in and out of traffic. Ride a
metre out from the kerb and maintain a
straight line. You will be more visible to
other motorists. It will also deter other
traffic from trying to squeeze past.
Be Predictable
Give a clear indication of where you are
going and take the guess work out of it
for others. This can be done by signalling
in the direction you intend to travel.
Sharing the Road means obeying the road rules, being predictable and respecting the rights of others who use the road.
Riding in a group requires much more skill and concentration than just riding a bike. It is recommended that groups do not exceed 20 cyclists in total as it becomes extremely difficult for other cyclists and motorists to 'pass the bunch.'
Be Predictable
It is important for you to ride predictably in the
group. Sudden changes in direction or behaviour
should be avoided. Sudden or abrupt movements
will also impact on the reaction time of the other
riders in the group and create an unnecessary
hazard.
Don’t Overlap Wheels
If your front wheel touches a rider in front this may
result in a sudden loss of control and a likelihood
of a fall occurring.
Maintain a Steady Pace
Maintain a constant speed and avoid abrupt or
unnecessary use of your brakes. This may cause
a collision amongst riders following behind.
Communicate
Use verbal and non verbal (hand) communication
to indicate hazards such as debris, pot holes and
approaching vehicles. Communicate your intentions
with phrases such as “stopping” or “slowing” or
pointing out a hazard.
Ride within Your Limits
If you don’t feel confident enough to ride at the
front of a group, you should move towards the rear
and indicate your intentions to others. If you feel
constantly over extended, it’s safer for you to leave
the group as over exertion can result in loss of
concentration and control.
Joining or Leaving a Group
This should only be done at the rear of the group
once all riders have passed. If the group is unruly,
unsafe or behaving illegally you should leave the
group immediately.
Climbing or Ascending
Standing up on the pedals will cause an
immediate deceleration of your bike. To minimise
the impact on the group, change up a gear to
keep up your cadence and maintain pedal
pressure. The opposite should apply when
you become seated again.
Portable Audio Devices
Do not use these devices whilst riding. You need
to be aware of your total environment and be able
to hear what’s around you when riding. This is
even more critical in a group ride.
Hand Positioning
Keep your thumbs under the handlebars in case
of sudden bumps and make sure your handlebars
are parallel with others around you to avoid your
bars being hooked by bikes around you.
You should always be focused on safety over performance when cycling in a group.
We've all seen cyclists running red lights, riding on the footpath or riding without a helmet. Unfortunately when one cyclist behaves in this manner many other law abiding cyclists are left to cop the criticism from motorists who become frustrated with their behaviour.
There are specific penalties that apply to cyclists who break the law. Here are some examples:
Signs and Signals
Cyclists must obey traffic control signs and
signals applicable to them including red lights,
stop and give way signs.
Riding 2 Abreast
Bicycle riders may not ride more than two abreast
unless overtaking, three wide is permissible whilst the passing group is overtaking in single file.
Cyclists riding two abreast must not ride more
than 1.5 metres apart.
Lane Markings
Riders must use the bicycle lane if there is a
bicycle lane on a length of road going in the
same direction. Recognise lane markings and
do not cross unbroken double white lines.
Causing a Traffic Hazard
The rider of a bicycle must not cause a traffic
hazard by moving into the path of a driver or
pedestrian without warning or looking.
Bike Helmets
The rider of a bicycle and any passenger must
wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted
and fastened on each of their heads.
Following Behind a Motor Vehicle
Riders must not ride within 2 metres of the
rear of a moving motor vehicle continuously
for more than 200 metres.
