Ride Etiquette
As a club we always want to promote saftey for all and a positive image for cycling. Below are some guidelines we ask members to follow.
Road Manners
Safety is paramount at all times
The maximum group size on a Westbury Wheelers club ride is 12
Show unfailing consideration towards other road users
Keep the group tight and focused: don’t drift off or meander
Comply with the Highway Code, obeying all traffic lights, markings and signage
Make your presence known to horse riders, then pass slowly with a wide berth
Slow down for pedestrians, dogs, prams, children, the disabled and the elderly
Never offer, react to or reciprocate with foul and abusive language or gestures
Do not drop litter
Pre-Ride Preparation
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Ensure your membership is up to date and that you are adequately insured.
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Make sure your bicycle is roadworthy and lubricate the chain.
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Bring 2 spare inner tubes, tyre levers and a pump.
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Fit front and rear lights according to the light and/or weather conditions.
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Bring sufficient fluids, plus energy food for longer rides.
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Carry a mobile phone for emergencies and/or navigation.
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Bring some cash for the café stop.
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Wear the Westbury Wheelers club strip if possible.
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Check the weather forecast and bring additional clothing as needed.
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A properly fitted cycle helmet is compulsory.
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Arrive at the start location 5 minutes before the published start time.
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Join the group that is best suited to your experience and ability.
Do's
Follow the instructions of the ride leader: your safety may depend on it
Ride together as a group at all times so that no one gets left behind
Riding 2 abreast is normal, but single out for narrow or busy roads and blind bends
Follow the wheel in front closely, it helps with the speed of the group and allows you to draft if you need to recover
In wet or slippery conditions, allow a little more space to the next wheel
Pedal smoothly and continuously
Be gentle with the brakes: slow down by sitting up and moving into the wind
Maintain momentum: ride through the top of climbs and the bottom of dips
Where there is 2-way traffic, always keep to the left of the centre line of the road
Use the correct hand signals and verbal warnings, and pass them along the line
If you (or anyone else) are falling behind, call “half a notch” in good time
In the event of a puncture or breakdown, shout “mechanical” to stop the group
Answer calls of nature in a discreet location away from the road
Dont's
Never ride more than 2 abreast unless deliberately changing position in the line
A slight offset is acceptable but do not overlap
Hold your line in corners: do not swing wide or cut in
When riding on the front, avoid surging, gapping or half-wheeling
Save eating, drinking, chatting and adjusting clothing for further back in the group
No sudden movements or changes of pace
