There has been much discussion just recently among the ride leader group and members in general regarding the need to improve our internal group communication while riding, both verbal AND non-verbal.  So too, the ride leaders have reported numerous examples, from Main 1 to 4, of people not knowing the ride route on a Saturday.

Our recent blog post, Where Are We Riding Today? covers the latter; below is all for the former.

Good communication among the riders in a group involves lots of talking as well as the use of clear hand signals. When riding with a large group, often only the lead riders have an uninhibited view of the road ahead with the rest of the group relying on them to call out or point to objects on the road like road furniture, rocks, gravel and glass as well as changes in the road itself like bridges and potholes.

Hand Signals
While many riders use variations of different hand signals, some common ones are as follows:

• Use one finger to point at single items, like a rock. Also verbally announce the hazard.
• Use a shaking open hand for scattered hazards like glass or gravel. Also verbally announce the hazard.
• Use an open hand to the side or on the back to signify that the group is slowing down or stopping. You can also simply announce, “slowing” or “stopping”.
• Place your hand over your head like a shark fin to tell other riders that the road narrows and the group should ride single file.
• Wave your hand behind your back to signify a shift in the group due to an upcoming hazard like a slower rider, road sign, or obstacle. Simply push in the direction that you want the riders behind you to move.

There is a complete list of key signals and calls on the SPR website here.

Talking
Most hand signals are often accompanied (or replaced) with verbal references. Confidence, safety and good riding skills are enhanced when riders are communicating with each other in the group. With that said, it’s best to avoid talking too much (ie: the whole time during the ride) as the relevance of your voice may be reduced, leading to not being taken seriously when it really matters!

A few of the main calls that might be relevant during the group ride, and should (MUST) be passed up and down the riding line, are as follows:

• “Car Back” – a car is behind the group and either is, or may, attempt to overtake the group
• “Car Up” – a car is coming towards the group from the opposite direction
• “Slowing”- I’m slowing down
• “Stopping” – I’m going to come to a complete stop
• “Bikes Back” – a faster group is approaching or in the process of overtaking our group
• “Hole/branch/glass/etc” – there’s a hazard on the road which is to be avoided
• “Ease Up” – A call to the front of the group to allow back markers to catch back on to the group
• “All On” – Everyone is now with the group again

In addition to these standard calls, good conversation and talking among riders along the way can also assist in improving the safety and overall ride experience for everyone. This might include reminding each other to maintain the line through corners or roundabouts, close gaps in the group or just general words of encouragement and support if you can see someone suffering!

Now……if you know a non-member that might ride with us occasionally (all the time?) who may not read our blog too often (if ever?)……. go forth and share  this post via your social media platform of choice, good people!

If you have any feedback or questions on this or any other aspect of riding in SPR’s group rides, please do drop your friendly training and development sub-committee an email at development@southperthrouleurs.com.au