2. Road Cycling Bunch Etiquette

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Remember that at all times, you are sharing the road with other road users including 16,000 other bike riders. To ensure enjoyment for all riders, please make sure you know the road rules, be familiar with riding in a bunch and ensure that your bike is in good working order.

 

We expect all participants to:

  • be competent bike riders
  • have a well-maintained bike and be able to perform basic repairs
  • have trained for the event and be familiar with riding on public roads.

Be aware that police will be surveying the route on the day and inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with accordingly – this includes attempting to ride over the West Gate Bridge outside of the access hours.

Any poor road behaviour reflects on all riders and Bicycle Victoria. Please support our aims and remember that the status of cyclists as legitimate roads users depends on you. 

 

Riding in a bunch - The 10 Commandments

Here are some tips which should help those who are learning to ride in a bunch (peloton):

  1. Red light ahead. You need to call out "STOPPING!" (don't say "NO!" because it sounds like "GO!"). Don't slam on the brakes. Try and look ahead as much as possible (just like a motorist) so that you can predict when you’ll need to slow down, and apply the brakes gradually.
  2. Lead by example. If you're at the front, you are responsible for the rest of the bunch.
  3. Ride consistently and be predictable. Try to avoid sudden movements and always indicate your intentions.
  4. Signal to others. Use verban and non-verbal signals. Call out loudly and point out when changing direction or speed; other signals include Stopping! Parked car! Slow rider! Hole! Glass!
  5. Left side slow: Move to the left side of bunch if you are a slower or lone rider (being passed).
  6. Right side fast: Move to the right side of bunch to go forward (or to pass other riders).
  7. Don't draft off motor vehicles or other road users (no tri-bars are allowed in bunches).
  8. Stay left within the left lane at all times where possible.
  9. Wait behind traffic when pulling up at intersections.
  10. Share road space and always communicate intentions to other road users (riders, motorists etc).

 Supplied by Rob Crowe, 2 x Olympian and Australian Road Cycling Champion. www.ridewiser.com.au

 

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Tips from Riders

Bicycle Victoria cannot emphasise enough, the importance of following basic group riding rules when riding in a bunch.  Please ensure you are familiar with them during your training and on the day of the ride.


All new "roadies" should read the Code of Conduct for Training Cyclists (PDF 577KB)