Rules and cycling etiquette

Group outings and cycling etiquette guide

Cycling in a group is an enjoyable experience, but certain rules must be observed to ensure everyone's safety. Good organization means stress-free riding, so you can enjoy the Ride to the full.

General rules

  • Ride smoothly and steadily, without sudden movements.
  • Never straddle the wheel of the cyclist in front of you. Stay slightly offset to avoid impact in the event of a sudden stop.
  • Keep the pack organized, without unnecessary acceleration or sudden braking.
  • If a cyclist makes a mistake, point it out calmly and courteously.
  • Never cross the yellow line. On unmarked roads, keep to the right.
  • Keep a safe distance of 0.5 to 1 metre from the edge of the road.

Communication and signals

Clear communication is essential for group safety. Here are the most frequently used announcements:

  • "Car Back
  • "Car Up: car in front
  • "Single file": driving in single file
  • "Car Left/Right: car at intersection
  • "Pedestrian/Runner Up": pedestrian or runner on the road
  • "Tracks: level crossings
  • "Road Kill: obstacles on the road
  • "Hole(s)": pothole
  • "Stop": slowing down or stopping
  • "Left/Right": overtaking (always from the left, with some exceptions)
  • Cyclists in the middle of the peloton must relay these announcements to the rear.

Uphill and downhill

On descents, the group must space out more and not rotate in the paceline. Downhill overtaking is dangerous and prohibited. A regrouping is planned in Socks.

On the long climbs, everyone climbs at their own pace. A regrouping is planned at the summit. It's important to keep to the right and overtake only on the left.

Grouping

  • Regrouping keeps the peloton compact and ensures everyone's safety.
  • It is mandatory after long ascents and descents.
  • All cyclists must wait at the regrouping point, without continuing to ride slowly.
  • Gather in a safe place, without obstructing traffic.

Free zones

  • Some sections of the Ride allow you to ride at your own pace, either speeding up or taking it easy.
  • At the end of the Ride, the last few kilometers are often free.
  • On some mid-course sections, a regrouping is scheduled afterwards.

Riding a Paceline

Two formats are used for group outings:

Paceline simple: used on narrow roads or roads with heavy traffic.

Rotating paceline: fluid rotation in which two cyclists ride abreast for a more stable rhythm.

By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure safe and enjoyable outings for all.