Responsibility to yourself:
To ensure that the maximum benefit and enjoyment is gained by all and mechanical problems are minimised the BHF asks that riders keep their bikes in reasonable repair and roadworthy. It is also advised that a minimal tool kit is carried. Each rider should have adequate tools to fix common mechanical problems, you cannot rely on other riders to have tools and our breakdown wagon may take some time to get to you if it is dealing with someone else.Minimal Tool kit:
-
A pump or way of inflating tyres.
At least two replacement inner tubes (a puncture kit can also be advantageous)
Two tyre levers
Allen keys or multihead spanner as appropriate to your cycle
Cable ties can help make temporary repairs (optional)
Ride Discipline
- * Riders should ride no more than two abreast unless overtaking
* Riders should endeavour to ride smoothly and not break without warning if it can be avoided, your actions have impacts on the riders behind you, the BHF promotes safe cycling
* Shout warnings and signal other rider if there is a danger in the road
* When riding as a group you should allow for riders behind you Groups should allow appropriate gaps in traffic and slow to allow enough time for the entire group to negotiate obstacles.
Riders at the back of a large group will be
- * affected by the 'concertina effect' which means they will have to slow a lot more than those in front to negotiate the obstacle. The riders at the front should slow or even stop at the next appropriate place to allow the group to reform.
* Should the group be split due to any circumstance riders should slow down or find a safe place to stop and reform before proceeding.
* The group has an obligation always stop and assist any of its riders suffering from mechanical or physical problems.
* The group should always wait for the last rider unless the rider as requested to be left, or an agreement made (with the consent all of on the ride and the ride leader that this will not happen)
* No rider should leave the group without first notifying other riders, preferably the ride leader.
You will find that cycling in a group is great fun but different from cycling on your own. To enjoy your ride in safety we would ask that you observe the following points:
Road conduct
- * Know your Highway Code.
* Look over your shoulder before starting or changing position.
* If you need to stop for any reason, shout "STOPPING" before you slow down. Stop close to the verge.
* Ride in single file on busy roads and under circumstances where it would otherwise be dangerous for vehicles to pass.
* Never ride more than two abreast. (If riding alone within a group, ride behind the inner rider of a pair.)
* Keep your distance from the cyclist in front, especially when riding two abreast because you or your partner may need to cut in suddenly.
* Take care on lanes, looking over hedges and listening for approaching traffic. When riding the outside position of the leading pair, hold back on the approach to blind corners because there may be a car approaching.
* Change to single file riding when the call "car up/down" is heard - normally the inside rider of each pair moves forward, allowing the outside rider to slot in behind. If there is traffic behind which is unable to overtake, split into smaller groups of about five to help it pass.
* Pass leading riders messages down the line so that everyone follows suit.
* After junctions, each rider should check that there is still another rider following, and, if not, either wait at the junction or notify the leader.
* At a junction, do not block the sight of motorists already waiting to pull out.
* Members wishing to leave the group should notify the leader (to avoid their being treated as "missing persons").
Other safety factors
- * Cycles must be legal and roadworthy.
* An approved helmet of the correct size and correctly fitted can reduce head contact injuries
* Members should be courteous to all other road users.
As a minimum, you should carry:
- spare tube(s) and puncture repair kit, pump, tyre levers
some drink, food and money for emergencies
wet weather wear and warm clothing
address and telephone contact number.
Mobile phone owners - please carry it for emergency use.
- * Always choose a safe place to stop as a group. In particular, avoid road junctions, bends and other physical road hazards. Warn riders before stopping, and keep the carriageway clear. Similarly, in the event of punctures, breakdown etc. clear the carriageway if possible, or instruct the group to continue to a safe waiting place. Assess the problem and decide whether to hold up the ride or leave the "victim" with helpers and details of the route to the next stop(s).
* If unsure of the route, stop well before junction to consult map or instructions. Check for presence of back marker at junctions. If necessary, wait for slower riders beyond the junction.
* If necessary, warning of approaching traffic should be given by shouting "car down" (for on-coming vehicle). Similarly, the back marker (or last rider) should give warning of traffic from behind by shouting "car up".
* For dangerous road surfaces (pot-holes, gravel, wet leaves etc.), call as appropriate and point down with left or right hand. For other hazards (e.g. walker, jogger, dog, parked car etc.) call "on the left" or "on the right" and slow the ride down as appropriate.
* When traffic is held up behind, give positive instruction to open gaps in the ride (at least 20 metres between groups of about five riders) to help traffic to pass with safety.
* Give positive instruction to ride in single file when road and/or traffic conditions dictate.
* On observing a road junction warning sign, assess the junction (type, traffic, visibility into junction) and ease the speed of the ride as appropriate. On approach, try to establish eye contact with driver(s) waiting at, or approaching junction from a minor road on your left, to encourage them to give way.
* On observing horses, warn group and slow the ride down. When closer, warn the horse rider verbally (horse accustomed to voice) of the group’s presence. Obey any advice given by the horse rider.
* Directional hand signals must be given to the group (and other road users) in good time. (Verbal direction should be given to a rider abreast.) Give the group loud verbal warning of approach to a major road, dual carriageway, mini-roundabout, ford etc.
* Always lead from the front! When the route deviates from "ahead" at a junction, instruct a rider to wait for any slower riders. This keeps the group moving. If the ride has spread out due to the pace, slow the ride down.
* The leader should carry a first-aid kit and the following are also suggested: two spare tubes coins and card for telephone, or mobile phone if available chain rivet extractor, spoke key, Allen keys, small adjustable spanner, screwdrivers
* Warning to be given from the front of slowing and especially of stopping and, of course, passed down the line.
* When road conditions demand riders to be in single file; as is demanded by the Highway Code
Unfortunately this seems to apply now-a-days in all but the country lanes and, sometimes even then.
Single out in an orderly manner by creating space by adjusting speed.
Warning of ‘oncoming’ vehicle by call of ‘car down’
Warning of ‘overtaking’ vehicle by call of ‘car up’.
Never suddenly slow down or brake when riding in a group. If your hat blows off or some other problem arises ease out gradually when safe to do so. It is likely that someone at the back will retrieve anything dropped anyway.
