Introduction
Australia has a long tradition and proud history in road cycling and our road cyclists now feature on the roster of some of the best professional teams in the world. Dozens of Australian men and women have earned key positions in the world's biggest teams but all of them began their careers racing in domestic calendar events. Almost every weekend somewhere in Australia cyclists are lining up to race and whether they are a 'weekend warrior', or an elite competitor dreaming of an international career there are club events and national calendar races for them to contest.
Riding in groups was developed by the Roads and Maritime Services (formerly Roads and Traffic Authority) in consultation with Cycling NSW, Bicycle NSW and the NSW Police to promote safe riding practices by training and racing cyclists.
Safe riding in groups
No matter how we choose to travel - ride, drive or walk - the road is there to share. When you share the road you must ride predictably, respect the rights of other road users and obey the road rules. This information provides advice about how to cycle safely in groups and outlines the main road rules for cyclists.
Limit the group
You can maximise safety for all road users by keeping your cycle group to 20 riders of similar standard of experience and fitness. Anymore may make it difficult for other road users to safely pass your group.
When cycling in groups please ensure you:
Ride predictably
Sudden changes in direction, behaviour or abrupt movements can surprise fellow riders, causing them to react quickly and making accidents more likely.
Keep your distance
Avoid the risks of losing control or falling by keeping your wheels away from other riders in your group. When wheels touch, the rider behind is more likely to fall.
Keep it steady
Sudden braking can cause a collision from behind, so try to keep your pace steady and your braking to a minimum.
Safe riding in traffic
Riding in traffic can be safe and even enjoyable – as long as you follow some commonsense tips.
Read the road ahead
As a bicycle rider, you should constantly scan the road ahead and the surrounding environment. This will help you to be prepared for unexpected situations. Lead riders carry additional responsibility to alert the rest of the riders in the group of changing directions and road conditions.
Signal your actions
In a group, the lead rider must give clear indications of a change in direction. All riders, particularly rear riders should also give signals to alert following motorists of the group's intention to change direction. This will keep you safe and minimise driver frustration.
Be aware of other vehicles
Listen for vehicles approaching from behind and look for vehicles pulling out in front of you. Parked vehicles can be hazardous if an occupant suddenly opens a door. Always look through car rear windows to try to determine whether or not an occupant is about to get out of the car. A flash of the brake or reversing lights, the right hand indicator or the front wheels moving, are all clues a car may pull out from the kerb.
Maintain a steady position
Don't weave in and out of traffic. Bicycle riders are more visible to drivers when they ride in a straight line one metre out from the kerb.
Leave your portable audio equipment behind
It's absolutely essential when you're riding with a group to be aware of your changing road environment and the verbal messages of other riders. Listening to audio devices or a mobile phone could distract you and prevent you from hearing what's going on.
Cycling regulations
When cycling in a group always put safety ahead of performance. When riders cycle outside the law, they put themselves at greater risk and frustrate other road users. As a bicycle rider, you need to regularly revise and update your knowledge of the road rules.
Here are some examples:
Obey signs and signals
Traffic control signs and signals including red lights, stop and give way signs must be obeyed.
Stay clear of vehicles
It is illegal to ride within two metres of the rear of a moving motor vehicle continuously for more than 200 metres.
Wear a bike helmet and bright clothing
All bicycle riders must wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on their head when riding. It is important to wear bright coloured clothes or reflective vests to increase your visibility.
Ride with a maximum two abreast
It is illegal for bicycle riders to ride more than two abreast unless overtaking. Exercise caution when overtaking a group, ride in single file when doing so. When riding two abreast you must not be more than 1.5 metres apart.
Follow lane markings
Lane markings must always be obeyed and unbroken centre lines cannot be crossed. Riders are allowed to travel on the left of an edge line. If there is a bicycle lane running in the direction you are riding, you must use it.
Look for pedestrians
Bicycle riders, like other road users, must not create traffic hazards by moving into the path of a driver or pedestrian. Always use hand signals to indicate your intentions and use your bell or horn to alert pedestrians to your presence. Riders must give way to pedestrians at crossings and when turning at intersections.
Communicate clearly
Helpful verbal and non-verbal communication will keep everyone around you up to speed on your actions and potential hazards. So remember to call out your intentions especially when pulling out from road hazards, stopping, when a rider is passing or there is a car at the back of the group. Using clear hand signals to indicate hazards also helps out.
Ride within your limits
Choose a position in the pack that reflects your riding capabilities. When changing positions, let the group know what you're doing and allow yourself to slip back and ride at a pace that is more comfortable for you. The most experienced riders should position themselves on the outside of the group.
Leave or join the group safely
For safety, be sure to leave – or join – a group from the rear, ensuring all riders have ridden past you on your right first. If you find the group you're riding with is behaving unsafely or riding illegally, you should leave the group.
Keep an even speed on hills
It is important to maintain your speed, rhythm and pedal pressure when ascending hills. Keep your upper body steady while concentrating on maintaining the momentum. Try to keep the shape of the group compact. In downhill situations where speed increases are inevitable, it is best to spread the group to allow greater clearance between riders. This also gives you a clearer view of what is ahead.
EventsSubscribe to events
Designing for Bicycle Riders and Pedestrians Course
Wednesday, 16 May - Thursday, 17 May 2012
Commute by bike - Road skills course - Waverley
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Century Challenge - Central Coast
Sunday, 20 May 2012
All Spokes Festival - Hunter Valley
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Bike maintenance workshop - Waverley
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Rock Wallaby Mountain Bike Enduro - Appin
Sunday, 27 May 2012