Cycling Rules

Thinking of joining Team Manvers on one of our social rides? That’s great….be warned, it will involve cake! Here are our club top tips to make sure we all have a safe and enjoyable ride:

​

• 1. Follow the Highway Code at all times (it applies to all road-users) as well as the instructions of the ride leader, who is there to keep the group together and safe.

​

• 2. Make sure your bike is safe and prepared for each ride https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/video-guide-what-do-setting. This includes fitting mudguards in winter months - no one behind you wants a face full of wet road crap. Tri or aero bars (Time Trial bikes) are not safe for a group ride.

​

• 3. Please wear a suitable helmet, the right clothes for the weather and bring everything you might need such as tyre levers, spare tube, pump, multi-tool, waterproof jacket, energy bar, drink, and money for the cafe stop!

​

• 4. Ride close together, no more than 2 side by side, focus on keeping it neat and tidy. There should be about half a metre between your front wheel and the back wheel of the rider in front; and 2 elbow widths between your shoulders and the rider beside you. It makes the group easier to pass, is more social and helps tired riders keep up.

​

• 5. On small or busy roads, it makes sense to ride in single file but to avoid confusion, the ride leader will decide and signal when it is necessary.

​

• 6. Ride directly behind the wheel in front. Overlapping wheels or nudging in between the wheels of the riders in front may cause you or other riders to crash

​

• 7. Brake as gently and smoothly as you safely can when riding in a group and cover your brakes at all times. Avoid making any sudden movements or changes of direction - please remember the rider behind you is following your wheel

​

• 8. Talk and communicate with hand signals and calling hazards in the road (potholes, branches, dead animals, rubbish or other debris) and let lead riders know if a rider is getting dropped or traffic is building up behind.

​

• 9. If you are in the front, remember that people are following your calls. If you make a decision to pull out on a roundabout or junction, you need to call “Clear” or “Wait” to warn the group of oncoming traffic.

​

• 10. If you are riding at the front, please ride at an inclusive pace so the group stays together. This is a social ride, not a race. There are ride options of various paces and distances, if the one you are on feels too easy then join another next week.

​

• 11. Keep pedalling if you are in the front, even on down-hills. This will avoid the riders behind you having to brake and bunch up.

​

• 12. Regroup in a safe place, avoid congregating at a junction as this makes it difficult for other road users to see and navigate the junction safely.

​

• 13. "Car back" is probably the most unhelpful call in any group ride. No-one knows what they are supposed to do in response. Cars are frequently behind the group and most pass safely and easily - it’s better to call “Diane move in” or "keep it tight” if the group is not neat and tidy.

​

• 14. All riders 16 or under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or a responsible adult.

​

• 15. Team Manvers cannot accept any responsibility for accidents to riders or third parties on a club social ride. Anyone attending a club social ride does so at their own risk

​