Share the Road
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Some tips for on the road
Remember that during the Great Escapade, you will be sharing the road with other road users and 2000 to 3000 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 for the event to be competent bike riders. You should have a well-maintained bike and be able to perform basic repairs. We expect all participants to have trained for the Ride and be familiar with riding on public roads.
Be aware that police will be surveying the route during the Ride and inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with accordingly.
Any poor road behaviour reflects on all riders and the Great Escapade Team. Please support our aims and remember that the status of cyclists as legitimate roads users depends on you.
The following points apply to all riders on the Great Escapade:
- all road rules apply
- you must stop at all red lights and stop signs
- you must obey marshal directions and signage en route
- ride no more than two abreast except when passing
- ride single file on double lines
- keep to the far left of the road (see the diagram)
- call ‘passing’ and ‘stopping’ to alert riders around you
- look behind before moving out or passing
- give way to other vehicles when required
- keep at least one metre clear of the wheel ahead of you (if not in a peloton)
Riding in a bunch
Here are some tips which should help those who are learning to ride in a bunch (peloton):
Don't slam on the brakes! Try and look ahead as much as possible (just like a car) and predict when you’ll have to slow down and apply the brakes gradually. There are no brake lights on bikes and we don’t follow the 2 second rule so you have to help each other out. Call out "braking"
Ride consistently and be predictable. Try and avoid making sudden movements and always indicate your intentions.
Ride directly behind the wheel in front. Try not to overlap the wheel in front or ride too far to one side. If the rider in front has to swerve and your front wheel is over their rear wheel then it could affect a number of riders.
Use a camelback. If you struggle to get to the drink bottle then use a camelback. You'll hydrate much more effectively and be much safer too.
Point out obstacles. When you see a pot hole, broken glass or other hazards, warn the riders behind you by moving round it and pointing it out.
Shout it out. Along with hand signals, verbally warn riders behind you of upcoming obstacles or your change in direction or speed.