Foyle Cycling Club - Safety

The F.C.C. Guide to Cycling in a Group

(Click here to download a copy of the safety tips)

Due to the increasing amount of near misses there is a concern within the club that we are not doing all we can to avoid accidents. While we enjoy our group cycling we have to remember our responsibilities to the rest of the group and other road users. These guidelines have been written to provide advice to all our riders. The committee is agreed that the club should follow each of these rules and will actively encourage all of our members to do so. As safety is everybody’s’ business we trust we can rely on your support to ensure we all arrive home tired but healthy after each trip.

1. Prepare your bike. Make sure your bike is in good working order. Punctures and blow-outs are common reasons for group rides being disrupted. Check your tyres and brakes before each ride. Your tyre pressure should be 85 psi or higher. On each ride take at least a pump, a spare tube, a puncture repair kit, tyre levers, allen keys, mobile phone, drink, food and money for emergencies.
2. Dress sensibly. It is best to wear cycling specific clothing. In the winter it is safer to be too warm than too cold. Several inner layers, a wind proof top, fingered gloves and overboots will go a long way towards keeping you warm.
3. Do not make sudden movements when riding in a group. The close proximity of other riders makes sudden change on speed or direction undesirable and dangerous!. Whatever happens, respond smoothly, indicate your intentions and gradually leave the pace line if needed.
4. Keep two straight lines. Ride no more than two-abreast and stay in straight lines, close to the left side of the road. If the line starts to spread out towards the middle of the road, let the riders know and to return to the side again.
5. Change to single file when approaching towns or where it’s necessary to help cars overtake. This change should be done by the inside rider allowing the outside rider to move in front. Rear riders shoud alert the group that cars need to pass.
6. Use the hard shoulder where the surface is good – this keeps us out of danger and avoids driver frustration by giving them an opportunity to pass. The front two riders should decide the safest line for the group to follow.
7. Keep you distance. Try to maintain a minimum gap of two feet between your front wheel and the rear wheel ahead to allow some room for maneuver when the unexpected happens.
8. Never pass on inside or ride between a pair of cyclists. This is a very dangerous practice as it can startle your fellow cyclists and lead to accidents.
9. Communicate. If you have a puncture or mechanical problem, indicate and call, and then gradually pull over to the roadside. If you see another rider that is having problems, alert others in the group to this.
10. Problem Riders. Occasionally you may be troubled by other riders who don't hold their line, make unexpected moves, etc. Don't ignore this, often it's just a matter of education. Please talk to the offending rider in a polite way, asking him or her to refrain from the problem behavior. If you are reluctant to do this, ask one of the ride leaders to handle the problem.

One final note that is particularly relevant for this time of year. Do not cycle if you are under the influence of alcohol from the previous evening. Your clubmates and family are depending on you to cycle safely !