Group riding tips
Be predictable
In a group, your actions affect those around you, not just yourself
Riders expect you to continue straight and at a constant speed
Signal your intention to turn or slow down before you do so
Use signals
Use hand signals to indicate turns and point out hazards to others
Left or right arm straight out to indicate left or right turn
Left arm out and down with palm to the rear to indicate stopping
Give warnings
Ride leaders should call out right turns, left turns and stops in addition to signaling
Announce turns before the intersections to give riders a chance to position themselves
Try to avoid sudden stops or turns except for emergencies
Change positions correctly
Slower moving traffic stays to the right; faster traffic to the left
Pass slower moving vehicles on the left; announce your intention to do so
Announce passes on the right clearly as this is not a usual maneuver
Announce hazards
Most cyclists do not have a full view of the road while riding in a group
Announce potholes and other hazards so others can avoid them
Call out the hazard and point down to it, either left or right
Watch for traffic from the rear
The last rider should frequently check for overtaking cars
Announce "car back" clearly and loudly
It is also helpful to announce "car up" on narrow roads or when riding two abreast
Watch out at intersections
Leader should announce slowing or stopping at intersections if necessary
Cyclists should not follow others through intersections without scanning
Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if you must stop, signal
Leave room for cars
On narrow road or during climbs, leave space between every three or four riders
Motorists will utilize the shorter passing intervals to pass the group
Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of every cyclist
Stop off road
When stopping for mechanicals or regrouping, always move clear off the road
Only if conditions permit should you move back onto the road as a group
Always yield to traffic in the roadway
Ride single file
It is illegal in some areas to ride more than two abreast
Ride single file between intersections; double up when the group stops
When taking the lane, double up and take the whole lane
Clothing For Cold Weather Cycling
Hand Warmth
Perhaps the most difficult body parts to keep warm on cold days are the hands and feet. For finger protection, a lot depends on how warm your hands get while riding. Cyclists with excellent circulation and hot hands can get by with basic long-finger gloves (anything much thicker may cause overheating and sweating).
If your fingers are more susceptible to the cold, consider a thicker or different glove type such as a mitten design that keeps the fingers together to add warmth. It's also possible to purchase glove liners and benefit from the same layering approach you use on your torso and legs to stay warm.
Foot Warmth
Frozen toes are no fun, either. Like keeping your hands comfortable, what you wear has mostly to do with how your feet handle the cold. Shoes often determine comfort. For example, if you normally ride in thin, lightweight road shoes, consider riding in a heavier off-road pair if you have them. Often the off-road shoes are thicker and much warmer. Even if you have to swap your pedals from your off-road to street bike, it's worth it to keep your feet from freezing.
Other suggestions for keeping the tootsies toasty include thicker socks, wind-proof, breathable socks, and sliding plastic bags over your feet before putting on your shoes. Wearing booties, which are heavy-duty insulating shoe covers, is another option. And, booties do more than keep your feet warm. They also keep water out of your shoes and protect your cycling dogs from the ravages of winter weather. Neoprene toe covers are fairly new items that work great on all but the coldest of days. They provide your toes with a complete wind shield, but preserve your ankle flexibility.
Face Warmth
Now that your hands and feet are comfy, attend to some other important parts of your anatomy, namely your ears and face. Something that cold-weather diehards find useful is a balaclava, a thin, breathable hood that fits under the helmet to protect the ears, neck and face. For less frigid conditions, a simple ear band can work, too. It's best to be prepared by carrying a selection of these easily packed items in your bike bag or pack.
