Bunched up

A recent release of simple guidelines on how to ride safely in bunches is a useful reminder to all cyclists, writes Philip Gomes.

The RTA, in conjunction with Bicycle New South Wales and Cycling New South Wales recently launched an initiative and pamphlet to raise awareness of safety and etiquette when cycling in bunches.

The document covers safe riding in groups plus tips on communication, knowing your limits and regulations for cyclists.

I've finally had the chance to go over the guidelines and It's all good stuff, great for the new roadie and a good reminder for the experienced.

For example, in the category of ride within your limits, it recommends that you, "choose a position in the pack that reflects your riding capabilities."

By the way, I have to take issue with references in the pamphlet to 'the pack' something that brings to mind wolves. We all know cyclists ride in bunches - like flowers.

Much of what is in the document is well known to any 'clubbie' and many clubs already organise their rides along these lines.

''Clubs that organise groups - and ours can be over 50 on Sundays - already have their own sets of rules, and bike captains and experienced riders to make sure everyone does the right thing," said Gary Eykhof, of the Cronulla Triathlon Club in a recent Sydney Morning Herald article.

He went on to point out that, ''You can break the group up into 20s, I suppose. But how much space do you put between them? And what do you do about riders joining after we've got going?''

It's true that many clubs are pretty well organised, for them safety is always a priority. A bigger question is how to reach those who take to the road without knowing not only the rules, but club etiquette?

And then there are the informal groups that form on the road - with no clear leadership many of these are ill disciplined and I think the source of many motorists complaints about bunch cyclists.

Of course this is a direct result of the increasing popularity of road cycling. It's a nice problem to have but a problem nonetheless.

It's an effect that has, over the past decade, seen a massive influx of riders into the sport whose purchasing power wildly exceed their physical limits and capacity to learn the rules of the road from the old hands who know better.

Too often in the past I've seen riders, newly kitted up, roll up to a ride and refusing to take simple but important advice on where they should place themselves in the bunch, how they should pace their ride and the importance of holding a wheel.

As a result I think getting this information into just about every bicycle shop to hand out with each road bike sale is a must - it sure can't hurt.

And while the only aspect of the initiative that I take issue with is the bunch size limits, it's also true that they are harder to control when they are big.

But it's also possible for a large bunch to ride responsibly if everyone pulls their weight and rides sensibly.

Unfortunately there are still too many cowboys in some bunches who by their actions create an atmosphere where everyone rides without discipline, resulting in a lot of motoring angst and more.

If the cost of driving any bunch is a little less speed more organisation and better PR for cyclists, I'll take it.

Clubs should as a matter of principle always grade riders into groups of riders with a similar standard of ability - either through skills assessments or honest self selection of a riders abilities.

I've also used grading and self selection to good advantage in the past, dropping down a standard to recover from a previous hard day in the saddle - or long night enjoying a fine grape based beverage.

And it can be loads of fun riding with the 'slowies' - you'll have time for a bit of a chat and the opportunity to pass on some hard earned knowledge.

Of course if you're already riding with the slowies and can't hold a wheel, then a bit more solo fitness building is required before you progress to riding tight with a bunch.

The PDF of the bunch riding guidelines can be found here.