You must have witnessed a group of cyclists riding in synchronicity on the road. This is not something only professionals can do. If you want, you can also learn how to ride a bicycle in groups. There are certain rules and regulations that you need to follow while riding a bike in groups and one day you will see yourself enjoying riding a bike with fellow bikers. Just get a bike of your choice from a cycle shop in London and start with your training today. Before we get to safe riding tips, let’s first discuss the various advantages of group cycling.
Benefits of Riding Bikes in Groups
1) Great workout
Cycling in groups encourages you to keep up with the pace of your fellow riders. This turns out to be an incredible workout and keeps your glutes, hamstrings, forearms and calves in good shape.
2) Opportunity to socialise
Group cycling is a great opportunity to socialise and spend more time with like-minded people. Regular cycling helps you create a strong bond with your fellow cyclists.
3) Learning Opportunity
By riding around in groups, you get a chance to learn tricks from experienced cyclists. Therefore, riding in groups gives you a chance to learn new things and work on your cycling skills.
4) Safe Transportation
Group cycling is a safer travel option. When you travel in groups, the chances of accidents are reduced. If you can’t afford to buy a bike to travel in groups, then check if your employer has opted for cycle2work scheme. This can allow you to own a bike by making some sacrifices in your monthly income.
Steps for Safe Cycling in Groups
Below, we have mentioned the necessary steps that an individual needs to follow for cycling in groups.
1) Strictly follow the system
There is a proper system that every cyclist must follow in group cycling. In this system, two lead riders start riding first and the rest of the group follows. The front riders, then give an indication to one or two of the middle riders to take the lead and they go behind. This whole process is carried out neatly and in sync.
2) Use the right hand for signal
In group cycling, front riders inform the rest of the riders about road blockages and other disturbances. In such cases, you need to use the right hand to give a signal. Don’t shout or yell to send a message to the group as cyclists at the back may not be able to hear you. If you are travelling on a road with traffic, then oral communication can create noisy surroundings, which is not considered safe during group riding. The use of wrong signals may cause accidents, which can hurt you and damage your bike you got by using bike hire London services.
3) Riding position
When you ride in groups, all the cycles are ridden in close proximity to each other. If anything goes wrong with a single cyclist, synchronicity gets affected. Therefore, you must keep the front wheel of your cycle 6 inches away from the rear wheel of the cycle ahead of you. Moreover, your shoulder needs to be at arm’s length from the rider bicycling alongside you.
4) Don’t make any sudden movement
Some other rules to follow while cycling in groups involve no changes in the pace, no out-of-the-blue brakes and no swerving. These sudden movements of one cyclist can impact the entire group. This can even cause a group of bikers to fall down.
5) Use mudguards
Avoiding the use of mudguards can splash mud on a cyclist behind you when you cross waterlogged and muddy regions. The use of mudguards can protect you and other cyclists from grime and dirt.
So, these are the important steps that you need to follow while cycling in groups. Once you learn how to ride in groups, it becomes an enjoyable experience. You can travel in groups with friends and family and double the fun of riding.
