Group riding

Riding in a group can be amongst the most taxing and dangerous riding that most of us will ever experience, and can have unfortunate consequences if we get it wrong.

On several bike related forums you can read all about recent tragedies that have accounted for the lives of fellow riders, and learn about other riders who are being prosecuted for being culpable in that loss of life.

It is not my intention to comment on any of those specific cases, and I in no manner wish to criticise anyone who has, or will, ride in a group. It remains however, a cause for concern that bikers can find themselves engaging in a form of riding that places specific demands upon them, and that requires them to adjust their usual riding habits in order to reduce those additional risks to an acceptable level, without the benefit of specific training or preparation. Group riding is seldom taught as a separate skill, and is absorbed by most of us by trial & error. The I.A.M. will cover aspects of group riding and some of their observers are competent in this regard, but the level of ability varies from area to area and I would argue that this type of riding requires additional thought and preparation. RoSPA has less opportunity to address this aspect of riding given its lack of large groups, coupled with it being thinly spread across parts of the country.

The normal practice in this country appears to be for a group of riders to set off for a set destination of choice and "make progress", each responsible for themselves, and every wo/man for themselves. This quickly becomes a race to see who gets left behind, arrives first, arrives last etc. - followed by the usual round of excuses, tall tales and justifications. Unfortunately this atmosphere can contribute to riders less experienced/capable/smooth/quick/lucky feeling that they have to "prove" themselves to their friends on subsequent rides, & hence putting themselves under considerable pressure to ride beyond their comfort zone/safety bubble on the next group ride.

In the above example it is usually found to be the quickest rider who takes the lead, followed by the next quickest and so on, until the last rider who has; for whatever reason, less speed available. In a group of four riders, if the group is to remain as a cohesive group and not resort to the "drop-off system", the fourth rider in the group will have to travel at least 25% quicker than the lead rider at certain points in order to stay in touch. Ergo - the less able is asked the most, the most able the least. A certain recipe for the pushing of limits, and sometimes tragedy.

Now how might we adjust this mode of riding in order to reduce the risks, maintain enjoyment, and develop all our skills and abilities?

What if we put our most competent rider in the lead, with the task to lead the group safely & smoothly to our destination whilst maintaining the group as a group? Next comes the least competent, least able, most nervous rider in the group, s/he tasked with riding within their safety bubble and not expected to push themselves to the point where they become uncomfortable. Next comes a more able rider who "watches the back door" in addition to maintaining their own usual safety checks/routines. And finally along comes the rider who would, in the first example cited, be either leading the ride or in second place, with the brief to act as tail end Charlie and ensure that everyone found their way safely to the destination.

Rider 1 gets to test themselves by riding at a pace and in a manner that allows the 2nd rider to enjoy the ride - works wonders for both your forward and rearward observation skills. Rider 2 gets an enjoyable and instructive ride during which they learn masses from the riders around them. Rider 3 similarly gets much from watching how rider 1 ensures that rider 2 is able to achieve a smooth & progressive ride. And rider 4 can enjoy the relative freedom that being at the back can bring. With a modicum of luck everyone arrives at the destination having enjoyed a swift, safe and instructive ride - no need for the excuses & justifications, but with plenty of room still for tall tales.

Some might argue that such rides would be boring and lacking in opportunities to "prove" oneself. Boring? No, try leading a group of 4 with the task of ensuring that the group can safely stay together - it is not easy. And, if competition is needed, or someone wants to see who is better/faster/smoother/quicker - take it off-road, or onto the track - much safer & a more reliable result.

Riding in a group can be both fun & safe, all we need to do to make this happen is to adjust our group riding habits to take account of the differing risks - a bit like we do when we are riding on our own.

All the best, Jim.