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Miss Manners says "On your left": A Guide to Basic Cycling Etiquette
by Kathleen Van Detta
appeared in FW Sept '01
As I sit here drinking a cup of my BRAG Brew coffee and reflecting upon BRAG 2001, I have fond memories of the whole experience. I had a great time on BRAG. The weather was extremely cooperative; the people were friendly; the routes were interesting and well-marked (as usual); and ice cream was plentiful in nearly every town. It was especially nice to receive such a warm welcome in Milledgeville (although I probably could have done without the 4:30 a.m. marching demonstration by the cadets of the Georgia Military College) and Jesup. I also want to extend my personal thanks to Team Bliss and Team Marietta Fire Department for their hospitality and companionship.
During my 400+ miles of riding (consistent with last month's column, I rode the century option on BRAG), I was constantly reminded of the importance of cycling etiquette, particularly when it was not followed. Cycling etiquette is not just good manners. It is safe riding. Here are some of the important areas that every cyclist should consider.
Announcing Your Presence
We all watch the BRAG safety video, and we all know that you are supposed to say "on your left" or "good morning" when passing another cyclist. On a larger ride, such as BRAG, this may become tedious for the faster riders, but it is still necessary. A cyclist needs to know if someone is beside her in case she needs to veer to avoid an obstacle or pass another rider. I find this to be an even bigger issue when I am riding by myself on the road. Another rider is suddenly passing me out of nowhere without letting me know that he/she is next to me. This can be extremely startling, especially if you don't expect someone to be next to your shoulder. So when you are riding up to someone on the road, say something to let that other cyclist know you are there. However, it is not necessary to make comments about another rider's body parts (unless you know that other rider really well).
Wheelsucking
I define "wheelsuckers" as those riders who ride behind my back wheel without ever offering to take a turn at the front to pull. The worst offenders are those who ride behind without ever saying a word. If you want to draft another cyclist, you should, at a minimum, greet the other rider and ask if he/she minds you tagging along. Some riders, particularly inexperienced ones, become very nervous when they are aware of another cyclist, especially a stranger, riding closely behind. Once I learned that if a rider behind me touches my back wheel, that rider will likely fall but I will not, I became less nervous about having some stranger creep up on my back wheel. Now, I just get annoyed at any stranger who sits on my back wheel and expects me to do all the work of pulling. At least say "thank you."
Hand Signals
As I have stated in a previous column, a safe rider is a predictable rider. A predictable rider will signal her intentions so that other riders—and cars—know if she is slowing, stopping, or turning. It is also considerate to point out hazards in the road, such as holes or loose gravel.
Riding Single File
I hear a lot of complaints from non-cyclists about "clumps of cyclists who take up entire lanes and block traffic." Most motorists are not thrilled to have us on the road. Don't antagonize them even more by unsafe and illegal riding practices. Georgia law allows us to ride no more than two abreast, and we are supposed to stay as far to the right of the road as possible.
Miscellaneous Bodily Functions
As a courtesy to those riding in your immediate vicinity, please look behind you before blowing your nose, spitting, or whatever it is you need to do while riding your bike.
One of the most enjoyable things about cycling is camaraderie of riding in a group. Let's all do our part to enhance that enjoyment by being considerate, friendly and safe riders.
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