Group Riding Tips for the Safety of Everyone

As attorneys, we strive to encourage bicycle safety for all Georgians. We have written numerous articles and blogs on this topic and have discussed bicycles and cars sharing the road better to reduce more bicycle accidents in Georgia. However, we have not yet focused on the safety of cyclists riding with other cyclists.

Cyclists often ride by themselves when commuting to work. But when riding for recreation, bicyclists frequently ride together in a group. Group riding can be dangerous, even though it is legal in Georgia to ride two abreast.

What should cyclists know about group riding?

When riding with other cyclists, all riders should pay close attention to traffic and use extra caution, especially when riding two abreast. It is best to ride in a single file line when streets are narrow, on two-lane roads, when traffic is approaching from behind, or when traffic is attempting to pass. If the road has blind corners or is a winding road, it is not recommended to ride side by side with another cyclist for everyone’s safety.

When riding in groups, you can avoid hazardous situations by making efforts to ride with extra caution. Start with these ideas:

• Pay close attention to traffic. Moving motor vehicles approaching from behind can be a real danger to cyclists. Bicyclists need to always be paying attention to the road and traffic around them.
• Leave room between your bicycle and another cyclist’s bike. Cycling too closely to another bike may cause the tires to touch and a bike accident to occur.
• Warn other cyclists in your group about road hazards or approaching cars. Pointing to glass, gravel or other road hazards can help members of your group stay safe.
• Check behind you—and to the left and right—before passing another cyclist. Never pass on the right: faster traffic always passes on the left. If you are a slower cyclist, pull over to the right to let faster cyclists go by.
• Pull off the road. If you need to stop for any reason, do not stop on the road. Pull all the way off the road to stop.
• Use hand signals. Signaling to riders in the rear of you that you are planning to turn or to stop is wise for everyone’s safety. Also, verbal reminders used in combination with hand signals are helpful to reduce bicycle collisions.
• Ride predictably. Avoiding sudden movements, weaving, stops and turns will let other cyclists know your intentions for a safer ride together.

Even if you are riding safely, bicycle accidents can occur due to a negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle crash caused by someone else, please call a concerned personal injury lawyer at The Kalka Law Group. Connect with us today at (404) 907-1594.