Thanks to the Wednesday Morning Velo Group for sharing these helpful tips with us!
Riding at the Front is like Driving a School Bus!
When you move to the front of the pack, it is your responsibility to:
1. Keep the pace even – do not speed up just because you feel like you can push it harder than those who were in front before.
2.)Know the route. If you are not sure which way to go at the next intersection, then don’t get out front.
3.) Look out far ahead of you for upcoming hazards and be prepared to take action, as follows:
- Small hazards – like a twig or a dead rodent or small rock. If you encounter small ones, point them out before you get to them and shout them out clearly.
- Large hazards like a car, trash can, a sign, a runner, a slow cyclist, or dirt and large rocks blocking the lane – If you encounter larger hazards that could involve moving into traffic, then shout it out loudly, signal that you are slowing down and then slow down and look over your shoulder for traffic. If it is clear for a large distance, and you’ve let the group behind you know, you can go into the traffic lane to get around the hazard. If not, then shout and signal to the group to stop!
- The same rules apply to a changing traffic signal. If you are at the front of a large group and the light turns yellow but you have time to slow down and stop – then slow down and stop. Don’t run the light!
