Cycling in a group is an enjoyable and often safer way to cycle than solo. Because you are merely one person sharing space with cars and other riders on the road, though, it is necessary to know and follow a certain etiquette that makes riding in a group easier, safer and, in the end, more enjoyable.
Preparation
Do not be tardy or unprepared when meeting a group of bikers for a ride. Know the route you are biking beforehand so that in the case you are separated with you group you can reunite later on. Being late or lost can cause separation from the group and may halt the group's momentum. Also be sure that you bring the appropriate equipment and backup equipment necessary to repair a flat tire, for example, or take in more energy and liquids. This way if you do get separated from the group, or if you need any equipment or calories, you can take them on yourself without relying on others.
Rules of the Road
It's imperative for bikers to follow the rules of the road, the same as you would in a car. Car drivers will be following the road and will be expecting others on the road to be doing the same, so disobeying or flagrantly ignoring basic road rules can either anger or catch drivers by surprise. This threatens yourself, the riding group, the driver and anyone else on the road. To share the road, stay in the appropriate lane, stop at stoplights and stop signs, and do not enter prohibited roadways. As a group, you can often take a lane to yourself, but be sure to stay as far to the right as is appropriate and safe. This allows for safer passing on your left. When waiting for members to regroup, do not stand on the street but stand off the street until the group is reunited.
Visibility
Although as a group you want to stay to the right as much as is possible, it is also critical to your safety to remain visible. On curvy, shady or dimly lit roads, be sure to make yourselves seen. Although being in a group is often enough to ensure that drivers see you, wearing bright clothing with reflectors and lights when it is dark can also help drivers see you even from a long distance away.
Communication
Just as you must signal a turn when you bike through a city, communicate with your group to make sure everybody has the same information. Riding at a high speed in a large group means that one miscommunication or hesitation at an intersection can cause a wreck and many injuries. Shout out what you see to your fellow riders. Yell, "Car back," when a car approaches from the rear, and, "Car up," when a car approaches from the front.
Part of the Group
Maintain the proper perspective. You are a single rider within a group. Be predictable to the others in the group. When riding in a paceline --- the single-file or doublewide formation that creates draft and helps riders conserve energy --- do not cross your front wheel over the front rider's back wheel. When assuming the front position, do not slow down or speed up but maintain the speed the group set.
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