Group Riding 101 - How to Safely Ride in a Group

The essence of group riding is riding the paceline. It allows cyclists to travel faster with less effort and provides a better social experience. It is also a foundation of bicycle racing.  Pacelines do have some inherent danger and require communication among the riders.  

Pacelines you see in pro racing such as the Tour de France have specific rules.  However, in big groups like you find in centuries or charity rides, things will be disorganized. This can intimidate even experienced riders.

Sooner or later you'll find yourself in a big group amid some riders with sketchy skills.  It pays to learn how to survive, and also make yourself welcome, in a crowd.

Look for Risky Riders - These are the unsteady people who wobble, appear nervous, have a tense grip on the handlebar, and frequently grab the brakes.  Avoid them!  Move up to keep them behind you, or slide to the other side of the road.

Stay at the Front - This is easy to say but hard to do in some groups.  At the front, you have more control over your destiny because most crashes occur in the rear two-thirds of the bunch.  It may take a bit more work to reach the front and stay there, but it's worth the effort.

Knowing which way the wind is coming from can help you to save a lot of energy when riding in a group of cyclists.

Watch the Wind - Wind direction determines on which side the greatest draft is found.  If the wind is from the right side of the road, smart riders move to the left of the wheel in front of them for greater protection.  If the wind is from the left side of the road, move to the right of the wheel in front of you for greater wind protection.  This concept is illustrated in the diagram at right.

If you're doing this, beware of overlapping wheels with inexperienced riders. They may swerve and take out your front wheel.

Be Wary on Climbs - A major cause of group crashes is riders who stand abruptly.  They slow down for a second, causing the rider behind to hit their rear wheel and spill.  To avoid this danger, let the gap open a bit on hills or ride a foot to either side.  To avoid being the one who causes such a crash, pull your bike forward as you leave the saddle.  Don't lunge and make a hard pedal stroke.  Keep your speed steady.  When sitting again, push the bike forward a bit.

Most of all, be predictable to your fellow riders.  Let them know when you are passing and communicate any obstacles in the road to riders who may be behind you.  With a little practice, group riding can be a fun and enjoyable experience.