At the start of the ride the leader will describe the proposed route, refreshment stop and advise on any particular issues. Routes are often pre-loaded in the group WhatsApp pages.

 

You must either have emergency contact access enabled on your mobile phone or provide your emergency contact details to the ride leader before the start of the ride. Make sure you have the mobile phone number of the leader in case you get separated from the group.

 

Cycles must be roadworthy with working brakes front and rear. You are required to inspect your bike and to satisfy yourself of its safety before every ride.

 

Show courtesy to other road users and be a good ambassador for cycling. Be alert to other riders around you and don’t get too close to them.

 

Abide by the Highway Code and be considerate of other road users. You can ride two abreast (Code 66) and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups. Be aware of drivers behind you and allow them to overtake, by moving into single file when you feel it is safe to let them do so.

 

Everyone must be treated fairly, with respect, and without discrimination.

 

Stay in Small Groups

 

• To facilitate overtaking traffic, ride in small groups of six to eight riders.

• Keep at least 50 metres distance between groups if the road is particularly busy with cars or long vehicles waiting to pass. Riders strung out along a road without significant gaps are difficult to pass safely and can encourage dangerous driving.

• When singling out from two abreast, the rider on the outside should drop back and make sure there is space to move in.

• Keep to the left of the road at least 0.5 metres from the kerb. When passing parked vehicles leave a gap of at least 1 metre to avoid being hit by an opening car door.

 

Be Aware of other Cyclists

 

• Always check behind before starting off or changing direction. Be particularly

careful to check behind you when turning right.

• Be aware that the cyclist in front can make an unexpected move, so leave sufficient gap to be able to react and avoid colliding.

• Avoid overlapping wheels and only pass other cyclists to the right.

• Avoid unexpected moves, and always signal your intentions by calling ‘slowing’, ’stopping’, etc.

• Use hand signals and verbal warnings such ‘car up, ‘car back’ and ‘pothole’ (noting left or right where possible) to alert the group to hazards. Use hand signals for left and right turns.

• Pass a message forward if a gap develops behind you, or if a rider drops behind with a puncture or mechanical problem. The group should go at a pace that is comfortable for all and riders should not be dropped.

• Between sunset and sunrise, you must have white front and red rear lights, but note that some find it uncomfortable to cycle behind a bright red light. Bear that in mind when positioning yourself in the group.

• If you have no mudguards, ride at the rear of the group in rain or wet conditions.

• Notify the leader if you wish to leave the group and return by another route.

 

Incidents

• In the event of an emergency both the affected rider and the other group members should move to a position of safety and the emergency services notified immediately. Leaders are not First Aiders.

• In the event that you are threatened, assaulted or abused while riding, report the incident to the police (101 for non-emergencies and 999 for emergencies). Keep calm and do not use abusive language or physical aggression.

• Take a photo if safe to do so and make a note of registration numbers if a vehicle is involved.

 

March 2026