Riding in a group

from Paul There was a potentially serious incident last week during one of the rides. Can I remind everyone that riding safely in a group involves an awareness of others and communication between the riders. I ride with all sections of the club and Saturday riders are not particularly good at this. If someone in front signals a hazard, such as a car or a pothole, that message needs to be passed down the line. If the group splits because of an incident, that fact needs to be passed forward to the leader so that he can safely stop. If anyone wishes to stop or to turn, or to slow down, please signal and call out "stopping" or "slowing down" so that those behind can take appropriate action. Try not to stop voluntarily (eg for noises coming from the bike or to blow your nose) in a cycle lane on a busy road; pick a drive or a side turning or somewhere else safe, and signal. Do not ride close to the person in front. In a car you would leave a two second gap; a bike stops less efficiently than a car. If in doubt, please read the ride guidelines on the SW London CTC site; they are brief and quite simple but for the safety and enjoyment of us all.