Riding Etiquette

These are not club rules but suggested ideas.

LETS MAKE FRIENDS NOT ENEMIES

One should always show respect for fellow riders and other road users alike. Most of us are also car drivers and hopefully accept this premise, but occasionally we do not fully engage our brains. Even the most experienced club rider will, on occasion, make a mistake.

CLUB RIDING ETIQUETTE

The following is intended to give suggestions with the object of minimising risks and encouraging people to ride safely, individually, or as a group. Potential hazards are then kept to a minimum.

ALWAYS OBSERVE THE HIGHWAY CODE.

Obey Traffic lights

Do not ride on the footpath

Use cycle lanes if possible where favourable conditions allow. (layout, litter, hedge trimmings, condition of road surface, etc., can make this impractical at times)

Aim to be seen by other road users by the wearing of bright clothing

Avoid passing motorists on the inside at junctions

When approaching horses especially from behind, please give prior warning such as ” is it OK to come through?”

When approaching horses please be aware that they can be scared by flashing lights

Do NOT ring your bell, horses do not like bells!

Do not react to incidents of bad driving with gestures, or provoke retaliation. A motorist possesses a bigger weapon

GROUP SIZES

Do consider the group size when out riding and split into smaller groups if you feel that is best for the conditions – this helps facilitate vehicular overtaking and maintains flow. Some clubs group out in 5’s or 6’s on busy roads leaving 50 yards between groups for vehicles to pass.

IN CONCLUSION

By following correct Etiquette we will not be providing ammunition to the anti-cyclist lobby

Remember, that just as we tend to notice the inconsiderate or bad drivers, so other road users see poor behaviour of some cyclists

By following the above suggestions, we are encouraging motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to establish a climate of mutual courtesy

Wearing of helmets is most strongly recommended