TVS ROAD CODE

 

Riding in a group provides plenty of benefits which include drafting, safety, having others to spot hazards, being shown new routes and of course it’s more social than riding solo.  At TVS we have a ‘road code’ for members and guests alike.  At TVS we want you to enjoy your riding, stay safe and improve your cycling ability.

Our ‘road code’ is designed to protect our riders, show respect to other road users, adhere to the laws of the road and comply with the Highway Code.  Our ‘road code’ is consistent with advice provided by British Cycling.

 

PRE-RIDE:

Ensure that you, your bike, clothing and other equipment are fit and appropriate for the ride ahead and that you have spares, tools, phone, contact details, money and water/nutrition.  Plan to be at the meeting point in good time for the planned start. If you’re going to be a little late for genuine reasons, consider messaging the group as a courtesy.

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MEET-UP:

If you are new to TVS club rides, make yourself known to the ride leader and other club members.  If you are a regular TVS rider look out for new faces, greet them and check that they know what to expect. If there are multiple groups heading out, be considerate to others by joining the group closest to your ability &/or intentions on the day. If new riders are at the meet-up, then an existing member should offer to act as their host for the ride.

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THE RIDE:

• The intention of club rides is to ride together so be aware of any gap behind you to the next rider and help them by dropping back and bringing them up to the group

• If a gap appears in front of you and you are struggling to close up call out so that the group can moderate their pace

• If you are finding the pace too high for your ability or you are just not feeling good let others know and agree what you are going to do.  Please don’t just stop or drop off without letting the group know

• If you have a mechanical problem, get a puncture, drop a bottle or any other mishap please call out so the group can stop and help

• We typically take turns at the front, with duration depending on the ride and how the rider is feeling, but be willing to contribute 

• When at the front you have a responsibility to the group for signalling turns, hazards, etc. Wherever you are riding in the group please ‘pass on’ the leader’s signal to those behind

• Signal well in advance for any turns or manoeuvres - you may know the route but others behind you may not

• Signal and if necessary call out to warn of any hazards e.g. potholes, parked cars, pedestrians in the road etc.

• Slow down and call out when catching up with horse riders so they know you are approaching (e.g. a friendly ‘morning’ or similar)

• Adhere to all traffic signals, junctions etc.  Don’t jump red lights – even for temporary road works

• Riding two abreast is fine on good roads and in line with the advice in the Highway Code.  On narrow roads and if cars are behind the group, the rearmost rider should alert the group of a “car back” and single out (ride in single file) if it will help the car to pass

• To keep the group compact and to enjoy the benefits of drafting stay close to the wheel in front.  Don’t overlap wheels and stay alert for any changes in pace or approaching hazards

• Be mindful that you may have a rider close on your rear wheel when manoeuvring or getting out of the saddle as your deceleration or change of line may affect the rider behind

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