Group Riding 

Etiquette & Safety.

Riding in a group is great craic — but it works best when everyone knows what’s going on. Our etiquette and safety guidelines help keep surprises to a minimum and smiles to a maximum.

Give it a quick read. It’ll make you a better group rider, and your fellow cyclists will thank you for it.

Code of conduct
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Pre-Ride Preparation

  • Always wear a helmet – No helmet, no ride.
  • Ensure your bike is in safe working condition (brakes, gears, lights, tyres, etc.).
  • Carry essentials: spare tube, pump,, medication (e.g. inhalers), mobile phone, cash/ bank card.
  • Ensure your ICE details have been communicated to the club
  • Charge your phone and be prepared for emergencies.
  • Know the route and make sure you have the necessary fitness, competence, and bike-handling skills for the chosen spin.
  • Arrive at least 5 minutes before the start time.
  • Use front and rear lights in low light conditions, set to constant mode.
  • Fit suitable mudguards when required by the club to protect others from road spray.

Ride Etiquette — Respectful and Predictable Riding

  • Ride predictably — Your actions affect everyone.
  • Avoid half-wheeling — Match the pace of the rider beside you; ride handlebar-to-handlebar.
  • Maintain a safe following distance — Up to 50 cm between wheels.
  • Do not overlap wheels.
  • Minimise braking and sudden stops — Always signal and call out clearly.
  • Avoid looking sideways when chatting — Keep your eyes forward.
  • On climbs, be prepared for the rider in front to slow, especially when standing up on the pedals.
  • Avoid swarming vehicles or pushing ahead in traffic queues — stay together, stay left.

Group Safety & Communication

  • Make others aware of obstacles — Use correct hand signals and voice calls.
  • Respect the Captain’s decisions — They are responsible for group safety.
  • Help less experienced riders learn proper technique and calls.
  • Avoid spitting or clearing nostrils — If necessary, do so from the back and away from others.

Traffic & Road Conduct

  • Always obey the rules of the road — no exceptions.
  • Never break a red light.
  • Ease up and be ready to stop at junctions — particularly if you don’t have right of way.
  • Avoid running an amber light if it splits the group.
  • Tailor your speed on bike paths — Watch for pedestrians, dogs, and leisure users.
  • Never ride on the footpath, even in traffic queues.

Safety on Group Spins

We’re committed to keeping all riders safe. The following guidelines help ensure every group spin runs smoothly:

  • Route Selection: Routes are chosen to match the group’s fitness and skill level.
  • Visibility: Riders should wear high-vis or reflective gear—especially in low light or poor weather.
  • Weather Conditions: Spins will be cancelled or postponed in unsafe weather (e.g. strong winds, heavy rain, ice). The Committee will always cancel rides during orange or red weather warnings and may also cancel for yellow warnings where appropriate.
  • Group Size: Groups are capped at 15 riders. Captains may split a group at any point for safety reasons.
  • Pace: Ride captains set a pace that suits the group. Please choose a group you can ride with comfortably. Let the captain know if you’re struggling—no one will be left behind unless they clearly say they’re happy to make their own way home.
  • Captain’s Role: Ride captains are responsible for decisions on the road. Their guidance helps keep everyone safe and should always be respected.

Code of Conduct

NBCC is a diverse and welcoming club, and that doesn’t happen by accident. This code helps us keep the culture we’re proud of — friendly, supportive, and inclusive.

Please take a few minutes to read it. It matters more than you might think.

  • Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every individual, regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or race, and actively encourage inclusivity within the club.
  • Always speak and act respectfully. Avoid any form of racist, sexist, sectarian, or defamatory remarks, signs, or gestures.
  • Refrain from exclusionary behaviour, whether verbal, physical, emotional, or social.
  • Uphold the club’s reputation by being mindful of social media use and avoiding foul language or aggression towards other road users.
  • Be considerate on Club Viber message groups, ensuring content is respectful and non-offensive.
  • Support a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and intimidation. Act promptly and appropriately if any form of bullying is identified.
  • Contribute to a positive, supportive club environment. Address issues promptly and treat concerns or disclosures with discretion and confidentiality.
  • Always obey the rules of the road.
  • Show respect to race officials and marshals during races or sportives, and accept decisions in a sporting manner.
  • Comply with Cycling Ireland’s Anti-Doping policies and regulations at all times.
  • Participate in club spins only if fit to do so, avoiding attendance while unwell, injured, or under the influence of alcohol.
  • Prioritise your own safety and that of others by wearing a helmet at all times and maintaining your equipment to a safe standard.
  • Follow club guidelines regarding group size and use of mudguards where applicable.
  • Stop and assist in the event of mechanical issues, punctures, or accidents. The Ride Captain may instruct the group to continue while one or two riders provide help.
  • Never leave a cyclist behind, regardless of ability or condition.
  • Respect the guidance of members in leadership roles, and attend additional training if requested.
  • Welcome and support new members, offering encouragement, mentoring, and promoting safe cycling practices.

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