Always obey the Highway Code

YOU are representing your Club so best behaviour.

Club Ride Booking System

We have introduced a booking system for all club rides

If you wish to ride in any of our designated club rides you must register with Spond app and link then book your place in advance. Please do NOT turn up to our club rides unless you have booked your slot as you will not be able to ride with the club.

Register to use Spond by visiting Spond.com or download the app from Apple App Store, Google Play or Huawei AppGallery. Once you have installed the app join the SVCC Group by using the group code ‘TBGQP‘. For further information on how to join a group visit Spond’s help pages here

Expected Riding Etiquette

The rules and advice outlined here reflect long-standing practices and will be familiar to experienced riders. While they are primarily designed to assist members who have never ridden in a group, we expect all riders to read and follow them.

SVCC is an inclusive club that encourages new and less experienced cyclists. The group will try to help you if you have a problem, wait for you if you have a puncture or mechanical issue or are a little behind on the Devon hills! However the aim of club cycling is to ride at an even pace with rides largely non-stop, unless a visit to a cafe is planned.

Our rides are advertised by their intended average speed and these speeds will usually be attained, so you should choose rides according to your ability to maintain that pace. 

For all riders

  • Individual riders should have the planned route downloaded onto a device or be familiar with it. If you are not familiar with the route you should inform the group.
  • It is the responsibility of the individual rider to arrive at the start in good time. If a rider is late the group is under no obligation to wait or slow in order for them to catch up.
  • All riders must obey the Highway Code at all times. As an example do not go through red lights and make sure you stop for pedestrian at Zebra & Pelican crossings. Remember that just as we tend to notice only the inconsiderate or bad drivers so other road users see poor behaviour by some cyclists.
  • Ride steadily. Keep a steady line and constant speed while in a group. Any sudden change is magnified as it reaches riders at the back and so can have dramatic consequences. Do not hop on and off pavements / cycleways.
  • Do not ride off the front or back of the group.
  • Individual Riders should consider the safety of the group especially if in front – for example, check there is enough clear road for the whole group before crossing a junction.
  • When overtaking other riders always do so on the right, never on the inside (left)
  • Ride two abreast where it is safe to do so, lining up handlebars, but always be prepared to single out when necessary. Never ride more than two abreast.
  • Do not half wheel (overlap wheels from behind).
  • When approaching a hill anticipate the gradient and change gear in good time. Missing a gear change on the steep bit can bring you to a sudden halt – not a good thing for the riders behind you!
  • Treat members of the group and other road users with courtesy. Acknowledge with a wave courteous behaviour by other road users. (Many oncoming motorists will slow down or stop when they meet a large group of cyclists, whilst others allow the whole group to join or cross a major road).
  • Do not “wave through” a following vehicle that is waiting to overtake – let the driver make this decision. This will avoid the risk of being held responsible if the overtaking results in any form of incident.
  • Pull over to let cars pass – Pull in at the first safe place to do so, especially when in larger groups. The riders at the front may not be aware there is car behind so make sure the ‘car back’ message is passed forward.
  • Do not react to bad driving incidents with gestures or provoke retaliation.
  • It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure that their bike is in a safe condition to ride.
  • Riders must wear a helmet
  • Use warning calls and gestures to alert other riders of hazards – see Warning Calls
  • You represent your club, we are easily identifiable in club kit – your conduct out on the road reflects directly on the whole club!
  • It is preferable that Sid Valley CC kit is worn on club rides.
  • Club Health & Safety. make sure you have read and are familiar with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy and Club Ride Risk Assessment. If you are participating in a club organised event  you should also read the risk assessment specific to it.

Ride Smart

  • Ride two abreast in groups
  • Ride single file on narrow country lanes or busy roads
  • Indicate hazards to riders and other road users
  • Slow down nearing and passing horses. Make yourself know by shouting out “coming through” if you have a flashing front light turn it off, you can spook the horse!
  • Always obey the highway code, you are representing your club so best behaviour please!
  • Never ride on the left of a large vehicle (undertake)
  • Ride with lights all year round “be seen and be safe”
  • Remember never get into an argument with a motorist, even if they try to ram you off the road (exaggeration) just ride away, be safe be responsible.

And finally…. if you want to leave the ride en route or plan only to ride part of it, please let the other riders know.

Warning Calls When Riding in a Group

The following calls and signals are universal to all experienced cyclists. Please use them at the appropriate times, and always pass the instructions along the group, to ensure that everyone is aware of the hazard:

 

  • “Car back” or “Car behind” There is a vehicle coming up behind the group.
  • “Car front” or “Car ahead”. There is a vehicle approaching towards the front of the group.
  • “Single out”. A call from riders at the back of the group when a vehicle is unable to pass the 2 abreast column safely. This call must be relayed forward by everyone to ensure that the move to single file is executed quickly and safely. The standard procedure is for the outside rider to drop back behind the inside rider. The call “single out” alerts everyone to the need to slow up and create spaces in the inside file.
  • “Clear” and “Car Left/Right” These calls let following riders know at junctions, where the group is joining or crossing another road, whether or not the road is still clear. If the group cannot stay together the first riders across ride slowly, or stop and wait in a safe place, until the others catch up.
  • “Hole” Any pothole that could cause a rider to fall. If possible indicate where it is so that following riders can steer away from it and not into it. Do this by either pointing or adding to the call “on the Left/Right.”
  • “On the Left/Right” A general warning of some kind of hazard – usually parked cars or pedestrians. For hazards on the left, an alternative warning is to put your left hand behind your back, pointing to the right, away from the hazard. 
  • “Gravel” – Used to warn riders about a loose or gravelly surface. It can be accompanied by extending your arm on the side of the gravel, with your hand flat, palm facing downward, and moving your hand side to side.
  • “Stopping”, “Slowing”, “Easy”, or moving your Right Hand in an up and down action. This indicates your Intentions to riders behind. If you brake without letting those behind know your intentions they can easily run into you.
  • “Puncture”. Let the others in the group know (You will probably be given help).
  • “Horse(s)”. The group is about to pass horses and special care is needed. Pass as widely as possible to the right of the horse and rider. Make sure that both the horse and rider are aware of your presence and if you are approaching from behind call out to the horse rider. Keep pedalling slowly as you pass to keep noise from your freewheel and gears to a minimum. Be aware of flashing front lights as these may also scare the horse. Pay attention to any request by the horse rider – they know the temperament of the horse and its likely reaction to a group of brightly clad cyclists.