Riding in a group is one of cycling's great pleasures—you go faster with less effort, have company on long rides, and learn from experienced riders. But group riding requires skills and etiquette to keep everyone safe. Here's how to be a great group riding partner.
Basic Formation
Single Paceline
Riders in a single-file line, each drafting the rider ahead. The leader pulls off after their turn, drifts to the back, and rejoins. Standard for narrow roads or when traffic is present.
Double Paceline
Two parallel lines of riders. Faster and more social on wide, low-traffic roads. The front pair splits, drifts back on outside, and rejoins at the rear.
Rotating Paceline
Continuous rotation—advancing line and retreating line. More advanced technique for higher-speed riding. Requires practice to execute smoothly.
Essential Hand Signals
Communication keeps everyone safe:
Direction
- Left turn - Left arm extended straight
- Right turn - Right arm extended, or left arm bent upward
- Slowing/stopping - Open palm facing back, arm down
Hazard Warnings
- Pothole/debris - Point down at hazard
- Parked car ahead - Hand behind back, wave toward center
- Gravel/slippery - Shake open hand behind back
- Rider back - Pat buttocks (signals your group is complete)
Verbal Calls
- "Car back!" - Vehicle approaching from behind
- "Car up!" - Vehicle approaching from ahead
- "On your left!" - Passing another rider or pedestrian
- "Slowing!" - Reducing speed
- "Stopping!" - Coming to a stop
- "Clear!" - Safe to proceed through intersection
- "Hole!" or "Glass!" - Specific hazard warning
Riding Position
Following Distance
Stay 1-2 feet off the wheel ahead for drafting benefit while allowing reaction time. Closer at slower speeds, more space at higher speeds or in sketchy conditions.
Overlap Warning
NEVER overlap your front wheel with the rear wheel ahead. If they move sideways, you'll crash. Keep your wheel directly behind or clearly to the side.
Hold Your Line
- Ride predictably—no sudden movements
- Look ahead, not at the wheel in front of you
- Absorb road imperfections with your body, not swerves
- Soft pedal through corners (avoid coasting which changes speed)
Braking Etiquette
- Brake gradually—sudden braking causes pile-ups
- Call out when slowing
- Soft-pedal to scrub speed before touching brakes
- Front riders: check behind before braking hard
Taking Pulls
At the Front
- Maintain steady pace—don't accelerate when you hit front
- Pull for appropriate duration (1-5 minutes depending on group)
- Check behind before pulling off
- Pull off into the wind (so retreating line has shelter)
Skipping Pulls
It's okay to skip or take short pulls if you're struggling. When the rider ahead pulls off, don't advance—stay in the retreating line and wave others through. No shame in sitting in when needed.
Group Ride Types
No-Drop Rides
Group waits for all riders at stops and tops of climbs. Perfect for beginners or mixed-ability groups.
Regroup Rides
Faster riders may go ahead but regroup at designated points. Intermediate option.
Drop Rides
Survival of the fittest. Know the route so you can finish if dropped. For experienced riders only.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Half-wheeling - Riding slightly ahead of the rider next to you (passive-aggressive racing)
- Surging - Inconsistent speed makes following difficult
- Braking in corners - Destabilizes riders behind you
- Quiet hazard warnings - Everyone needs to hear calls
- Looking down - Keep eyes up to anticipate changes
