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Green Valley Cyclists

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Ride Etiquette & Group Riding Basics Guidelines to help every Green Valley Cyclists ride stay safe, predictable, and fun.

All riders participating in a Green Valley Cyclists group ride are expected to follow these ride etiquette guidelines so everyone can enjoy a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience. Riders who consciously and persistently disregard ride etiquette or create unsafe conditions may be asked to leave a ride and may have their Green Valley Cyclists membership reviewed.

The expectations below cover rider responsibilities, group-riding behavior, communication, and safety. Please review them before joining a GVC ride and help us model good habits for new and experienced riders alike.

Core Rider Responsibilities

  • Obey all traffic laws, signals, and signs. Bicycles are treated as vehicles under Nevada law.
  • Wear a properly fitted helmet on all GVC rides. Front and rear lights are strongly recommended, especially at dawn, dusk, or low-light conditions.
  • Follow the ride leader’s instructions unless doing so would compromise safety.
  • Ride predictably: hold a straight line, avoid sudden braking or swerving, and signal before changing position in the group.
  • Do not cross the centerline into oncoming traffic except when it is clearly safe and legal to pass, and only for the shortest distance possible.
  • Avoid unsafe behavior such as racing through intersections, “tucking” on descents in traffic, or weaving between vehicles.

Group Ride Etiquette

  • Arrive early, prepared, and ready to roll at the posted start time with your bike in safe working order, water, nutrition, and basic repair supplies.
  • Respect the advertised ride category and pace. Choose a ride that matches your current fitness and skills.
  • Ride no more than two abreast where allowed, and single up when traffic, lane width, or conditions make it safer to do so.
  • Do not “half-wheel” (riding half a wheel ahead of the person next to you) or surge at the front of the group. Keep the pace smooth and steady.
  • Pass other riders on the left only, giving clear verbal notice (for example, “On your left”).
  • Do not overlap wheels. Keep a small but safe gap behind the wheel in front of you to reduce the risk of touching wheels and crashing.
  • Regroup only at safe, designated spots off the main travel lane—never in the middle of an intersection or blocking driveways.

Hand Signals & Verbal Call-Outs

Good communication is essential on group rides. Use standard hand signals and clear verbal call-outs so riders in front and behind you can react safely.

  • Stopping / Slowing: Hand down with palm facing back, or call “Stopping!” / “Slowing!”
  • Turning: Point clearly left or right well before the turn and repeat the call “Left turn!” or “Right turn!”
  • Hazards: Point to road hazards (potholes, debris, grates, glass) and call them out (“Hole!”, “Gravel!”, “Debris!”).
  • Traffic: Use “Car back!” for vehicles approaching from behind and “Car up!” for vehicles approaching from ahead.
  • Slowing group: Call “Easy!” when the group needs to ease pace or compress safely.
  • Passing pedestrians or other path users: Call “On your left!” and reduce speed to pass in a controlled manner.

Regroups, Mechanicals, and Leaving the Ride

  • For regroup rides, wait at the designated regroup points until all riders have arrived and the ride leader signals it is time to roll.
  • Apply the same courtesy at water, restroom, and snack stops—depart as a group unless the ride leader announces a split.
  • When another rider has a mechanical issue, safely move off the roadway if stopping and offer assistance if you are able.
  • If you need to leave the ride early or take a different route, notify the ride leader so they know you are no longer with the group.

Safety, Conduct, and Courtesy

  • Choose equipment and behavior that prioritize safety over speed or style. Aero bars should not be used while riding in a paceline or tight group.
  • Use headphones, if at all, in a way that does not block your ability to hear traffic, riders, and ride leader instructions. Many GVC rides strongly discourage or prohibit dual-ear headphones.
  • Be courteous to drivers, other cyclists, and pedestrians. A friendly wave, thank-you, or clear signal goes a long way toward maintaining good community relations.
  • Show respect for fellow riders regardless of pace, experience, or equipment. Harassment, aggressive behavior, or confrontational language is not acceptable on GVC rides.

Green Valley Cyclists reserves the right to ask riders who do not follow these guidelines—or who create unsafe or disruptive situations—to leave a ride and, if necessary, to review their membership status with the Board of Directors.

Related Resources

For help choosing the right ride and preparing for upcoming events, you may also want to review: