Fort Collins Cycling Club |
The ability to ride safely in a group is one of the most important skills in cycling. Not only is it an effective way to cover a lot of ground and battle the elements, but you conserve energy, it’s social, and it’s fun!
More times than not you will be sharing the scenic roads of Colorado with other cyclists, motor vehicles and local community members so stay alert and practice riding with others using these skills:
10 basic cycling hand signals to keep you — and those around you — safe out on the road.
Pacelines are either single or double. In a single paceline, everyone lines up single file behind the first rider, who maintains a constant speed. The rotation occurs when the front rider pulls off to the side and drifts to the back of the line. The next rider will then set the pace. Riders stay on the front for a few seconds to several minutes. This type of paceline has the advantage or requiring less road space while conserving energy.
A double echelon, also known as a rotating paceline, contains two lines of riders side by side, continuously in motion. One line goes slightly faster than the other does. Let’s say you’re the lead rider in the faster line. You should cross over to the slow line after passing the front wheel of the rider beside you (the front rider in the slower line). Then you drift back with the others in the slow line. When the final position is reached (back of the line), slide onto the back wheel of the last rider in the fast line.
(You name it) Up
"Rider Up!" or "Walker Up!" (or, some similar phrase) may be shouted when there is rider or pedestrian along your way, whom you will be overtaking a Cyclist or Walker, soon.
"Car Up!" is shouted by someone of the group when there is a threat from a vehicle going the opposite direction.
Traffic
One in the group may shout "Car Up!", "Car Back!", "Car Right!", or "Car Left!"when a vehicle is approaching.
Slowing / Stopping
"Slowing!," or "Stopping!"; if you are going to be quickly decelerating.
Rolling
“Rolling!” or "Going!" is to alert any cyclist(s) behind you: you will be rolling-through an intersection where traffic may be intervening.
Clear
Do not announce "Clear!" at intersections as it only encourages illegal and risky behavior (such as running stop signs or red lights).