Monday February 06, 2012

RIDER SAFETY ON GROUP RIDES

You are probably aware that over the past couple of months we have had around 5 accidents on group rides – some the fault of others. I have also had some comments form a number of members about a lack of discipline & common courtesy on our rides.

Our club has always prided itself on our safety record the purpose of this note is to revisit some of our ride guidelines that have given our club an enviable safety record. We have been fortunate to have a number of new members join us recently it is our responsibility to make them comfortable with the club both socially & safety wise.  

Here are a few reminders: 

SPEED it is important the group rides within the comfort level of the least experienced rider, see later notes on the string of pearls. 

OVERTAKING If you must overtake do so when completely safe – don’t scare the rider that you are overtaking. Under no circumstances undertake on a single lane road. Sometimes corner markers feel the need to race to the front of the ride after they have been released. This tends to restrict other riders from gaining experience in corner marking. If you are behind the ride leader & do not want to corner mark wave on the rider behind you. 

STRING OF PEARLS this is the best way I know of maintaining a speed that suits the least experienced rider. It also allows the fastest reaction to any accidents or breakdowns. It is simple just keep the headlight of the rider following you in your rear vision mirror – sometimes difficult in heavy traffic or multiple bends. 

CORNER MARKERS the most efficient method of releasing a corner marker is for the rider immediately in front of the tail end Charlie (provided the rider can see the tail end Charlie in the rear vision mirror) is to release the corner marker by a sounding the horn. The corner marker then joins the ride immediately in front of the tail end Charlie. This will not work if other riders decide to toot the corner marker. 

DISTANCE BETWEEN RIDERS always ride at a safe distance between bikes (a 3 second gap is recommended at 100kpm). Where possible ride in a staggered format. 

SUGGESTION as most of us have mobile phones I suggest that the ride leader & tail end Charlie swap phone numbers before starting a ride. 

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please feel free to contact me.

MAY YOUR LID NEVER TOUCH THE TARMAC.

 Chris Dyball

Two Bays Ride Coordinator.