Rules & Etiquette
LBRCC wants riders to gain maximum enjoyment from group road rides. Please read and follow these guidelines.
🛡️ Safety & Risk Management
All riders must wear a helmet — no helmet, no ride with LBRCC.
- All new riders join G3 on their first ride and move groups in agreement with the ride lead. We only allow road bikes and hybrids.
- Follow the Highway Code — respect other road users
- Deviations will be politely pointed out. Persistent offenders may be asked not to join future rides
- All riders take part at their own risk
- Consider suitable public liability insurance — British Cycling membership includes 3rd party insurance and free legal assistance
- Ensure your bicycle is roadworthy. Poorly maintained bikes risk other riders too. Tri-bars are not allowed in group rides.
🤝 General Etiquette
- Follow guidance from ride leaders and pass on instructions forwards/backwards
- Advise if a rider is off the back — always look after riders behind you
- Ride steadily — maintain steady effort, do not surge. Steady effort matters more than steady speed
- Anticipate gear changes for hills. Try not to get out of the saddle as this pushes your bike back into the rider behind
- No racing. Only pass the front if invited/directed
- Ride 2 abreast, no more than arm’s length apart, handlebars level — no half-wheeling
- Hold the wheel in front — don’t overlap wheels, keep within 1 metre gap
- When rotating, the front rider pulls across in front of the rider on their left, then settles back to the same pace
- Do not wave through following vehicles
- Do not react to bad driving with gestures
- Advise the leader if leaving the group
📣 Ride Leads
- The leader plans a suitable route, gives assertive directions and ensures road safety
- At the start: introduces themselves, announces destination, route, mileage, hazards, and welcomes new riders
- A Ride Assistant may cycle at the back to support struggling riders
- The leader calls rotation changes, provides route directions, and gives safety guidance
- Will advise if a rider is too slow, too fast, or unsafe
- Keeps pace consistent and moderates if riders are struggling
- Moves to the front when needed to maintain control (e.g. difficult junctions)
📢 Warning Calls
| Call | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Car up” | Vehicle coming from behind |
| “Car down” | Vehicle approaching from ahead |
| “Single” | Vehicle can’t pass safely — outside rider drops behind inside rider |
| “Clear” / “Car Left/Right” | Junction alerts — always check yourself too |
| “Hole Left/Right” | Road defect — point at it when safe |
| “Steady” | Pace too high, group strung out — front riders ease off |
| “On the Left/Right” | General hazard warning |
| “Stopping” / “Slowing” | Braking — use hand signal (right hand up and down) |
| “Puncture / Mechanical” | Group will wait for repair |
| “Horse(s)” | Pass wide, keep pedalling slowly, minimise noise |
🆕 Hints for New Cyclists
🚲 Use a road bike or hybrid with suitable tyres
👂 Ride safe and listen to your ride leaders
💪 Don't push too hard, but some general fitness is necessary
🔧 Carry personal details, food, drink, tools and a spare tube
👦 Riders aged 16–17 may ride with parental approval
👕 Wear cycle-specific clothing
🌧️ Carry mudguards to keep yourself and the rider behind dry
⚙️ Keep your bike in good condition
👋 Visitors welcome — please apply for membership after your second ride
All riders must wear a helmet — no helmet, no ride with LBRCC.
Light up — if the weather is bad, please bring lights.
Light up — if the weather is bad, please bring lights.