Your Responsibilities THE LEAD RIDERS - The two riders on the front have a huge responsibility. They must set the pace, call all road obstacles and warn the bunch of any traffic changes. When approaching a new set of lights the lead riders have sole responsibility in making the call. It will either be lights, stopping or going. Remember that the bunch is one vehicle so if the bunch is committed to go, then don’t make decisions in the middle of the bunch to suddenly stop. This will cause heavy braking towards the back of the bunch. If the lights are turning amber on approach, the lead riders must be aware of the size of the bunch and make the appropriate call. It is better to be more cautious than gung-ho! When entering a roundabout or an intersection the lead riders must call clear or car coming. All calls should be relayed down the line. IN THE GROUP - Maintain your separation far enough from the rider in front to avoid any risk of touching wheels (an almost certain crash for the rear rider who touches if it happens) but stay close enough to stay in the wind shadow of the rider in front - less than half a wheel diameter separation for experienced riders, up to 1.5 wheel diameters for newer, less confident riders. Watch the rider in front – not just their back wheel – it’s easier to maintain your separation that way and there is valuable knowledge for you to be learned from those in front of you. Warn those behind (and in front) of hazards coming their way. ALWAYS point to and/or describe shortly (but loudly) holes, broken glass, or anything likely to endanger those behind you – they may not be able to see the danger and at pack speeds you come on them quickly. Typical calls are hole (left/centre/right); glass, car (back/right/left/front). Once warned those behind need to watch for the item called and look for the path that clears the problem – Do not look at the problem or you will travel there! THE BACK MARKERS - The riders on the back also have a huge responsibility, particularly the rider on the right hand (outside) side. This person must call the bunch across lanes or warn of trucks, cars etc that are approaching when on narrow and/or single lane roads. On a narrow single lane road the last rider must warn of cars behind. A call of car back is a simple call to understand. Only call over when passing vehicle has passed all riders not just back markers.
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