road rules of engagement

speaking of unwritten rules of cycling - here’s the basics of what you need to cycle in a group.

please drop us a line with any questions you have.

at melt there are no silly questions.

prior to ride

location:

• double check meeting point prior to ride

equipment:

• spare inner tube(s) or worms if running tubeless

• in winter/darkness/poor visibility - high quality and charged lights

• in cold conditions - waterproof gear

safety and comms

safety:

• respect other road users and represent the cycling community to the best extent possible

• ride two abreast only when safe to do so - this helps the group form a safe unit which can ride efficiently, but always be prepared to move into single-file when needed (e.g. to pass an oncoming car through a narrow section of road)

• melt’s call for single file is “single”

• ride smoothly at a safe distance from the rider in front

• avoid hard braking

• stay alert to hazards on the road and signals of other riders

• anticipate what traffic will do

during ride

rubbish

• always clean up after yourself and respect our environment - cycling is already a big emitter and polluter

communication is key:

• roads are full of traffic, rocks, signs, children, potholes, parked cars, animals and pedestrians, so visibility is limited to cyclists. talk with the group to keep everyone as safe as possible

• always call traffic at an intersection

• communicate potential hazards by speaking and pointing out hazards

hand signals:

• point out the hazards or signals, passing the information about what’s coming up on the road down the chain. if a beginner or unsteady, it is safer for the group to keep both hands on the handlebars than to point things out

• tap your behind twice if a speed bump is ahead

• ground obstacles: pointing down in the direction of oncoming glass, gravel, drain cover or potholes. if two riders both point to the ground between them, this signifies there is a small obstacle (such as a pothole) that they are going to ride one either side of. often accompanied by a shout of “pothole”

• left/right: pointing to the left or right to signal there is something to the left or right that riders might have to ride slightly to the right of to pass. following riders should follow the signaller’s line to avoid the hazard

• pointing/waving behind lower back. Indicates whole group will have to move to the right to overtake a large obstacle (e.g. parked car)

• showing or waving palm of hand behind lower back is a warning to slow down

• sounds and warnings:

• “car back”: car approaching from the rear of the group

• “car up”: car approaching from the front of the group 

• “car right” or “car left”: car approaching on left or right of group

• “hole”, “glass”, “gravel” etc: hazard on the road

• “slowing” or “stopping”: group is slowing / stopping due to a junction, hazard or some other reason