The Club recommends that anyone who rides on public roads has appropriate Third Party, Cycling Insurance cover (e.g. as provided by the BTA/ BC/CTC). Also consider Personal Accident Insurance cover.

• Wear a Helmet
  • It is a Club Rule that well-fitted cycling helmets must be worn on Club rides.
• Ensure your bike is road-worthy:
  • Brakes are fully operational
  • Tyres are pumped up to an appropriate pressure for the road conditions and weather.
• For winter riding, fit mudguards
  • Water and mud spray is a hazard for the rider behind you.
  • Add a mudflap – basic mudguards are not adequate for group riding.
• Bring:
  • Inner tubes x 2, tyre levers, , pump, multi-tool (including chain tool), puncture kit,
  • Waterproof jacket, food, water/energy drink, money, mobile,
  • Emergency contact details.
• Dress in appropriate clothing for the weather.
• When cycling in dull and/or foggy conditions, at dusk or at night:
  • Wear appropriate reflective bright clothing
  • Have working lights on the front and rear
• Don’t ride on tri / aero bars in a group
  • You will not be able to brake or steer quickly
• Don’t wear earphones
  • You won’t be able to hear warning shouts.
• Watch your language
  • Refrain from using offensive, racist or sexist language to other members or the general public
  • Club Rule 21 states "Members shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner not detrimental to the club"

• Participating riders under 18 years of age need parental consent.
• Riders under 14 must also be accompanied by a parent or pre-arranged nominated adult.
• A Parental Consent Form is available here.

• Follow the Highway Code at all times - it applies to ALL road-users.
• Ride directly behind the rider in front of you.
  • Keep a minimum of 60cms between your front wheel and the back wheel of the rider in front.
  • Don’t fixate on the wheel in front; keep aware of everything that is going on around you.
  • Don’t ride offset from the wheel in front, it can force riders outside or behind you into the path of passing vehicles.
  • Don’t overlap the wheels of the riders in front; you may come off if they move off their line.
• When conditions permit, cycle a maximum of two abreast in close parallel lines.
  • Focus on keeping it neat and tidy.
  • There should only be 30-45cms between your shoulders and the rider beside you.
• Be prepared on small or busy roads to “Single Out” and ride in single file.
  • The inside rider should speed up to create space for outside riders to pull in.
  • Avoid braking when singling out.
• Keep group sizes to 12 people or fewer.
  • If required split into two groups and ride at least 150 metres apart.
• Ride smoothly and consistently.
  • The goal is to keep the group as a compact unit.
  • Aim for a constant effort, not a constant speed.
  • If you puncture, shout “Puncture” and ease down slowly.
  • Check over your shoulder for other riders or traffic before moving out to the right.
  • Don’t make any sudden movements. You are responsible for the cyclist behind you, they are following YOUR wheel and they need to trust you.
  • Don’t surge off the front; it is a group ride, not a race.
• If the group splits, re-group at junctions or at the top of a hill.
• Cycle with confidence. If you're nervous you will tense up and make mistakes.

• Cover your brakes when appropriate, but always when in close formation.
• Brake as gently and smoothly as you safely can when riding in a pack.
• Call out “Slowing” or “Stopping” if you brake.
• Don’t brake when asked to “ease up”, just gently drop your pace (a 1mph drop is usually enough).
• Don’t stop pedalling; this is particularly important going downhill. If you freewheel everyone behind may have to brake.

• Talk to each other!
  • If in doubt, shout.
  • Use hand signals and shouts to signal your intentions and indicate hazards in the road.
• Lead cyclists to navigate and point out hazards in the road by either shouting or using hand signals, preferably both.
  • Listen and act on the calls
  • Repeat calls and signals for the cyclist behind you.
• If you are on the front, remember that people are relying on your calls.
  • Only pull out of junctions when it is safe for the whole group
• Riders at the back to shout "Car behind" if there are vehicles behind.
  • Listen and act on calls
  • DON'T look back and check for yourself; you might move off line and cause an accident.
  • Transmit the call forward through the group.
• Call out if anyone is being dropped
  • It is everyone’s responsibility to call out if the pace is too high; lead riders will not be aware of anyone dropping off.
  • If you are being dropped, ask the group to slow down; it is your ride too.
• If you are feeling tired let people know; everyone gets tired
  • Accidents happen when people are tired and lose concentration.
  • The group will slow the pace and tuck you in the pack to get you home.
• Don’t take a detour, go home, or ride on at the café, without telling the ride leader
• Don’t rely on calls.
  • Keep your concentration and be aware of what is happening around you
  • Having heard the "Clear" call, still look to see if there is a vehicle coming before you pull out.

• Do slow right down when passing horses,
  • Pass them as wide as it is safe to do so.
  • Always call to the horse riders well ahead of catching them - a cheery “Good morning” or “Hello”.
  • Keep calling until the riders indicate they know you are there; they may want to turn the horse so it can see you.
• Don’t whip round the outside of the pack to get to the front unless in an emergency. If you do need to get to the front, then make sure you check in front and behind for cars, remember three abreast will push you out into oncoming traffic.
• Don’t ride off the front. This is a group ride, not a race. If you want to go faster then let the others know what you are going to do and if no one wants to join you then go off and enjoy your ride alone.
• Don’t sprint for road signs.
  • The Club advises against the long-held practice of sprinting for road signs, due to current traffic density, large group sizes and other safety factors.
  • If you need to train for sprinting, do it on your own, or with a Club mate, and only where conditions allow.
• Don’t be tempted to wave on drivers of following vehicles
  • Let the driver make their own decision to pass when it is safe to do so.
• Don’t take toilet breaks in full view of the public, or riders of the opposite sex in your group. BE CONSIDERATE AND DISCRETE!
• Don't clear your nose while in the group - it will spray up into the face of other riders. If you want to launch a 'snot rocket', drop to the back.
• Don’t block the road during a puncture or toilet stop.

These are some calls you might hear. It is essential that you repeat them up and down the pack so everyone can hear:

• "Car Up/Down - Car approaching. Keep tight to the cyclist next to you, and be prepared to cycle in single file.
• "Car Behind/Back" - Car approaching from the rear of the group. Take extra care and relay the call to the front of the group.
• "Hole" - Upcoming pothole to avoid. This can also be followed by a direction e.g. "Hole Left".
• "Slowing" - Usually accompanied by a hand signal. The cyclist in front needs to slow down for some reason.
• "Stopping" - The group is stopping; brake and be aware of riders around you.
• "Wait" - Usually at junctions to indicate there is a car coming. Sometimes shouted as “Car left/Car right” to indicate the direction.
• "Clear" - To indicate that a junction is traffic free. You must check yourself and not rely on others.
• "On the left/right” - A hazard on the left or right. Be prepared to pull out to pass it, or in to avoid it.
• "Single out/ single file" - Get into single file safely and promptly. Inside rider at front to speed up to create space for outside riders to pull into the inside. There should be no need to brake whilst singling out.

These are some hand signals (other than the obvious left and right turns!) It is essential that you repeat them so everyone can see and pass it on:

• Single hand up in the air. Rider is signalling that he/she needs to stop or slow down. Usually followed by the call 'Slowing', 'Stopping'.
• Pointing down at the road. This is to point out hazards such as pot holes, manhole covers etc. PLEASE copy this signal, it stops accidents and punctures
• Arm out left or right. Everyone in the pack needs to indicate when turning left or right
• Left arm signalling behind back. Signal the cyclist is about to move out into the road, e.g. to pass a parked car, to go round debris in the road.

• Decide on a route and a café (use the clubs café and route guide below if needed).
• If you like, publicise the ride and route on social media.
• Consider checking with the café to make sure they are open/can cope with your group.

Before you set off, brief your group:

• Introduce yourself and greet any new/infrequent riders.
• State the name of the ride (Cappuccino, Espresso etc.), the planned distance and speed range.
• Outline your planned route and café stop.
• Remind everyone that they should be aware of and stick to the club’s group ride Code of Conduct.
• While everyone rides at his or her own risk, remind everyone that they have mutual responsibility to ride safely and to maintain a smooth, inclusive pace that keeps the group tidy and compact.
• Emphasise the importance of communication. Riders must shout if they’re struggling; if they are off the back, it’s too late.
• Identify new riders and make sure they have chosen a ride that matches their experience and fitness. If possible, assign them a “buddy” to keep an eye on them.
• If possible, ask for another experienced rider to be your assistant to help manage the group.
• If the group exceeds 12 riders, split into smaller groups. Make sure each group has a leader that is aware of this guidance and is happy to accept the responsibility.
• Make sure you know how many riders are in your group as you set off.

• Keep the group together and regularly check that you still have the number of riders you set off with.
• If a group starts to split, identify and announce a regroup point ahead (e.g. the top of the next hill or at the next junction)
• You do not have to ride on the front, but be ready to call to riders on the front for directions or if they inadvertently pick the pace up or slow down.
• Listen for calls from riders who are struggling and be especially aware on hills.
• Aim to stay with the slowest riders or at the very least keep them in sight. Towards the end of a ride a group will tend to split, but try and account for everyone in the group on return.
• If riders at the front ride away from the group, let them go. If they’re happy they know the route, that’s up to them.
• If anyone is breaking the code of conduct (e.g. riding dangerously, has poor control, rides three abreast, overlaps wheels or half-wheels), it’s your responsibility to “have a word”.  Try to be tactful, but don’t wait for a serious incident before letting them know.
• If anyone cannot complete the ride, make sure arrangements are in place to get them home and ask that they notify you of their safe return.
• In case of an accident, call emergency services and record as many details as you can such as names, location, time, weather. Take photographs if you can. When you return from the ride, fill out the online Incident Report Form on the club website.