BayBUG endeavour to provide safe and enjoyable social cycling experiences.

Please read the following to get the most out of your rides.

Ride participants must

  • Wear a helmet whilst riding
  • Ensure their bike is road worthy
  • Carry a spare tube and/or tube repair kit, basic tool kit and a pump
  • Carry water to drink – half a litre per half hour is a good rule; more in summer
  • Obey the road rules
  • Obey directions of the Ride Leader

Before the ride

  • Look at our Rides Calendar and choose a ride that suits your fitness and cycling ability.
  • New riders need to 1) Call to confirm and 2) Complete a Rider Registration Form – see the Rides page for more details.
  • All rides require some degree of road riding skill and fitness. You should discuss any issues you have e.g. ride grade, medical conditions, traffic, with the Ride Leader before the ride.

Riding in a BayBUG group

  • The BayBUG Ride Leader reserves the right to refuse any participant from being part of that ride at any time. No reasons need be given. This is a condition of participation.
  • The Ride Leader will set the pace and follow a pre-planned route from the front of the group. He/she will direct the group by verbal directions and hand signals. Participants should not ride ahead of the leader.
  • The Sweep, will stay at the back of the group.
  • The Ride Leader may ask participants to act as ‘signpost’, that is to stop and direct other riders. When the group is spread out, signposts help prevent participants from taking the wrong turn.
  • Participants should ride in a smooth and predictable manner, particularly when close to other riders. Riders should to call and indicate when slowing, stopping or changing direction.
  • If a participant wishes to leave the ride they should inform the Ride Leader or Sweep before they do so.

Riding tips and techniques

Following are some simple techniques that go a long way toward preventing and minimising the consequences of mishaps that can happen while riding.

  • Be vigilant. We all like to be relaxed and chat with our fellow riders beside us. It’s one of the joys of riding in groups. Just don’t rely on following the person in front and for them to do the right thing. Pay just as much attention to what is going on around you as though you were on your own.
  • Ride smoothly and avoid sudden stops or changes in direction.
  • Remember that at any time, a rider may be beside you or behind you without your knowledge.
  • Remember that other road and path users may not always act predictably.
  • Look ahead and ride a line that minimises the need to swerve or brake should the unexpected happen.
  • Stay clear of car doors. Avoid riding too close to the left when approaching intersections or driveways and use the whole lane where the road is too narrow for a vehicle to pass.
  • Scan ahead for raised sections or ruts.
  • Adjust your speed to the conditions.
  • Avoid cutting corners or going wide – imagine that there is someone on either side of you.
  • Signal your intentions: Call out:
    • ‘PASSING’ when passing others (and ring your bell on shared paths)
    • ‘STOPPING’ when stopping (and do where you can take your bike and yourself off the path)
    • ‘SLOWING’ when slowing down
  • If you see hazards like potholes or broken glass:
    • Try go around by a reasonable margin – the rider behind may not see it in time if you miss by just a few mm.
    • It is good practice to warn others of the hazard. Point to the hazard, keep your elbow straight, wave your arm back and forth and call out ‘GLASS’ or ‘POTHOLE’ or whatever it is.
  • Riding with new people: Remember most of you already know the above stuff – but new riders often don’t. If you see someone doing the wrong thing, be proactive:
    • It is best to tell your concerns to the Ride Leader as soon as practical.
    • Failing that, talk to the person after the ride and explain to them in a polite way: What they were doing, why it was wrong and suggest what action they should take to improve their technique.