We hope everyone enjoys the fun and camaraderie on NHCC rides. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer, safety is our top priority to ensure that every ride is enjoyable and worry-free. As we gear up for more adventures, we’d like to remind everyone of our essential safety guidelines. Let’s pedal forward with confidence, knowing we’re all looking out for each other on the road.
Cycling in a Group and Interacting with Traffic
- Follow the Law
Obey all traffic signs, signals, and road markings. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. - Leave a Gap for Passing Vehicles
When riding up hills or on narrow roads where you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars between every group of riders that occupies more than the length of a transport truck . This way motorists can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal around the entire group. (Plus, it just makes us that much more - Be Visible
Wear bright and reflective clothing and equip your bike with a white front light and a red rear light. The Highway Traffic Act requires them from 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise. - Ride Predictably
Maintain a steady line and avoid sudden movements and use hand signals for turns and stops. Erratic movements can be dangerous in a group setting. Ride predictably and consistently, holding a straight line and avoiding sudden changes in speed or direction. - Use the Correct Lane Position (Destination Positioning)
Ride in the right-most lane that serves your destination but take the lane when it’s too narrow for cars to pass safely. - Communicate Clearly
Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you and use hand signals and verbal cues to indicate your intentions. Whether you’re turning, slowing down, or stopping, clear communication helps the group, as well as motorists respond and adjust accordingly. - Passing Correctly
Generally, slow traffic stays right, so you should try to pass others on their left. Clearly announce “on your left” to warn the cyclist ahead that you are passing and provide sufficient space (at least 3 ft). - Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Continuously scan the road ahead, behind, and to your sides. Use a mirror if it helps. Also be vigilant for road hazards like potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces. Use hand signals to indicate these to riders behind you. Regularly look over your shoulder before making any lateral movements. This becomes crucial when riding in close proximity to others. - Intersection Safety
Approach intersections with caution. Position yourself correctly for your intended direction (destination positioning). Do not announce “Clear”—road conditions change quickly and what’s clear for the first may not be for the next, or last person. - Avoid the Door Zone
Ride at least one meter away from parked cars to avoid being hit by opening doors. - Pass Safely
Pass other cyclists and pedestrians on the left and only when it’s safe, signalling your intention to pass with the audible cue, “On your left!” - Control Your Speed
Group rides are more enjoyable when everyone is riding at a comfortable and consistent pace. Be mindful of the group’s agreed-upon speed, and avoid surging ahead or falling behind without warning. - Right Turns by Motorists
Be aware of right-turning vehicles. Position yourself to be visible and avoid being in their blind spot. - Left Turns
Signal your intention early and move into the appropriate lane position, choosing the centre of the turning lane, not the edge. - Roundabouts
Follow the rules of the roundabout. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout, signal your exit, and take the lane to prevent cars from passing too closely. - Use Bike Lanes
When available, use designated bike lanes and paths. Ride single file in bike lanes, not two abreast. - Ride Defensively
Assume that drivers might not see you. Be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. - Plan Your Route
Choose routes with lower traffic volumes and slower speeds. Plan rest stops if needed. - Regular Bike Maintenance
Keep your bike in good working order. Regularly check brakes, tires, gears, and lights. - Offer Help and Support
Group rides are a team effort, and supporting one another is key. If a fellow rider is struggling, offer encouragement and assistance. A strong sense of camaraderie makes the ride more enjoyable for everyone. - Never Overlap Wheels with the Person in Front
There is no recovery from a front wheel deflection. All it takes is for the person in front to move sideways a few inches… if someone is overlapping his wheel, that someone will go down along with practically everyone who is behind him.
By adhering to these guidelines and principles, we can enjoy safer and more enjoyable group rides while interacting with traffic on the road.
Benefits (and Appropriateness) of Riding Two Abreast
Benefits of Riding Two Abreast
- Increased Visibility
Two cyclists riding side by side are more visible to motorists than a single file line, making it easier for drivers to see and recognize them as a group. - Traffic Calming
Riding two abreast can, under the right circumstances, naturally slow down traffic behind the cyclists, encouraging safer passing behaviours from drivers. - Shorter Passing Distance
A group riding two abreast takes up less longitudinal space on the road compared to single file, shortening the distance cars need to cover to pass the group safely. - Communication and Social Interaction
Riding side by side allows cyclists to communicate more easily, which can be particularly beneficial for group cohesion and safety. - Protection Against Dangerous Overtaking
Two-abreast positioning discourages dangerous overtaking by vehicles in narrow lanes, as drivers are less likely to attempt to squeeze past without giving ample space.
When It’s Appropriate to Ride Two Abreast
- Wide Roads with Low Traffic
On roads that are wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and vehicles, and where traffic is light, riding two abreast is generally safe and appropriate. - Group Rides
In organized group rides where maintaining cohesion is important, riding two abreast can enhance safety and group management. - Urban Areas with Low Speed Limits
In town and in other urban areas with low speed limits, riding two abreast can help calm traffic and make cyclists more noticeable. - Country Roads with Good Visibility
On country roads where there’s good visibility and drivers can see the cyclists well in advance, riding two abreast can be safe and practical. - Legal Provisions
In Northumberland County and surrounding area, there is no prohibition on riding two abreast. Most places allow it under certain conditions, but it’s important to be aware of local laws when travelling.
When to Avoid Riding Two Abreast
- When Bicycle Lanes Exist
When a cycling lane exists (ex. Highway 2 between Cobourg and Port Hope) the group should ride single file. - Narrow or Busy Roads
On narrow roads where space is limited, or busy roads with heavy traffic, riding two abreast can impede the flow of traffic and increase the risk of accidents. - Poor Visibility Conditions
In conditions of poor visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or at night without adequate lighting, riding single file can be safer. - Steep or Winding Roads
On steep hills or winding roads where sight lines are limited, riding single file can reduce the risk of sudden encounters with faster-moving vehicles. - Local Restrictions
Always comply with local traffic regulations, which may prohibit riding two abreast in certain areas or under specific conditions.
By understanding the benefits and appropriate contexts for riding two abreast, we can enhance our safety and the safety of others on the road.
The NHCC has Ride Leaders with extensive, formal CanBike Safety Training (Dennis Benson, Randy Albon, Maria Siemiaszko, Bruce Bellaire, or Anita Macklin.) —each are passionate about safety, and happy to discuss safety with members!
