tips from our resident expert - safety bob

Thank you to all who contributed their ideas on how we can improve our riding safety as the size of the Fatboys group grows.

Below is a summary of feedback received along with some comments and observations;

□ Obey road rules – in particular traffic lights – some good examples have been noted where the riders at the front of the group have stopped as soon as the light has turned orange. This means that the whole group stops, rather than riders in the middle of the group having to decide when it is safer to stop or keep going (ie the risk having a rear ender from a following cyclist versus running a red light). The law states that you must stop on an orange light unless it is unsafe to do so.

□ Stay behind the cars stopped at traffic lights rather than crowding down each side of them, even when there is a bike lane – this makes sense when the group is large as only a small number of riders can gain some “advantage”. It also makes it difficult for car drivers being surrounded by wobbling cyclists (possibly in too high a gear) trying to engage their cleats. The end result is that generally the car ends up in front of the cyclists anyway and so cars and cyclists are put at risk for no reason other than the cyclists may gain a position or two in the group!

□ Roundabouts – take extra care - on multi-lane roundabouts check the white painted arrows on entry to ensure you are in the correct lane depending on where you are going (ie right turn, left turn, straight ahead). If you are riding two abreast entering the roundabout, maintain two lines through the roundabout. (ie don’t take the shortest route!)

□ When in a group, remember to signal hazards and changes of directions for following cyclists, especially towards the ends of rides as fatigue increases and concentration levels drop.

□ Two abreast versus single file on narrow roads – this is not a straightforward issue for a larger group especially on hills rides ie for cars to overtake; is it easier to overtake a shorter bunch of two-abreast cyclists or a long stream of single file cyclists? A number of factors probably come into this equation, eg group size, width of road, overtaking opportunities, no. of cars attempting to pass. Issues to consider, should we pull off the road? Should we break into smaller groups to allow cars between? Judgement and commonsense needs to prevail depending on the specific conditions, but it should be remembered that it is far safer to have impatient drivers passed and on their way in front of the group rather than growing increasingly impatient stuck behind us.

□ Finally, all riders need to make their own decisions and be responsible for their own safety. If at any time a rider does not feel comfortable riding in a group, they should extricate themselves from the group, taking care not endanger themselves or other riders as they do so.

Finally a couple of references

An excellent article on group riding (a “must read” for all new Fatboys)

Stephen Hodge – Bunch Riding Bunch Skills - Stephen Hodge_web.pdf

A quick read;

http://www.sa.gov.au/upload/franchise/Transport,%20travel%20and%20motoring/Cycling/Cycling%20and%20the%20Law%20Booklet__web_.pdf

More Cycling Information

http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Transport%2C+travel+and+motoring/Cycling/Cyclist+road+rules+and+safety

A long read (SA road rules) – check out Section 245-262 Additional Rules relating Cyclists

http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz/c/r/australian%20road%20rules/current/1999.219.un.pdf

Keep cycling safely

June 2006 (revised June 2010)