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Etiquette when riding on the road
Just a reminder that we should ensure we are polite and courteous to all other road users whenever we are out riding on the road, engage motorists as much as possible, thanking and acknowledging them. And of course observe the highway code at all times. Wherever possible, and safe, we should help drivers pass us, by going single file if it helps.
We had a complaint from a motorist about CCA riders on the road between Newport and Debden on Saturday, riding three abreast, and "being just plain rude". Now whoever these riders were may have a completely different perspective on whatever happened, or they may not even be aware that a driver was upset. They may well have been in the right. But its a good reminder to see things from the other road users perspective too. If we engage positively with drivers then it reflects very well on the club and cycling generally.
I'm also aware that often when a group is riding two abreast, but in a loose formation with gaps and some pairs riding towards the centre of the road, with others riding close to the kerb - from a driver behind's view it often looks awful, like it is 3 or 4 abreast. And it makes it difficult to pass safely. Again a good reminder to keep groups disciplined and tidy.
I did point out to the person who complained that in general I think CCA riders set an excellent example in terms of disciplined and courteous riding. Again just a reminder that we have to do it 100 percent of the time, or someone will pick up on the one time we don't.
We had a complaint from a motorist about CCA riders on the road between Newport and Debden on Saturday, riding three abreast, and "being just plain rude". Now whoever these riders were may have a completely different perspective on whatever happened, or they may not even be aware that a driver was upset. They may well have been in the right. But its a good reminder to see things from the other road users perspective too. If we engage positively with drivers then it reflects very well on the club and cycling generally.
I'm also aware that often when a group is riding two abreast, but in a loose formation with gaps and some pairs riding towards the centre of the road, with others riding close to the kerb - from a driver behind's view it often looks awful, like it is 3 or 4 abreast. And it makes it difficult to pass safely. Again a good reminder to keep groups disciplined and tidy.
I did point out to the person who complained that in general I think CCA riders set an excellent example in terms of disciplined and courteous riding. Again just a reminder that we have to do it 100 percent of the time, or someone will pick up on the one time we don't.
Comments
I have to agree with the point about riding 2 abreast. This needs to be "bar to bar", that is right next to each other. I have also noticed recently that often there is often room between 2 riders to get 1 or even 2 more riders. It has to be tighter than this. Ive also noticed that often riders in the right hand line end up drifting into the middle of the road for no reason. Stef is right that if we ride in this undisciplined manner it looks like we are riding 3 or 4 abreast and that is not on.
Also the riders at the back are the eyes and ears of the club run and need to be aware of what is going on behind, shouting, "single up, keep tight, coming through etc" Its a tough job at the back but a really important one.
Ride safe all.
... and is it just me or does a CCA jersey look a little out of place? Surely there's a Rule about this kind of thing
Tandem trike, what! ... nope, my brain has just exploded :)