SVTC Group Ride Notes & Etiquette

SVTC welcomes both members and prospective members to our group rides. Non‑members may join one free workout and participate at their own risk. All riders must follow the safety rules listed below and obey all traffic laws.

Before the Ride

• New riders should introduce themselves to the ride lead at the meeting location.
• Our rides are triathlon‑focused and emphasize endurance‑based cycling.
• Riders must be self‑sufficient, prepared to handle mechanical issues, flat tires, or minor mishaps. If you need assistance or a regroup, notify the ride lead so accommodations can be made.
• Roll out from the start and from regroups gently, giving everyone time to warm up and settle in.

Communication & Group Awareness

• Use hand signals and verbal calls for turns, stops, hazards, and road obstructions. Pass messages clearly through the group.
• Let the group know if you plan to leave the ride early.
• Stay predictable and maintain smooth, steady movements.
  

Safety Rules (These rules apply to all SVTC group rides)

• Helmets are mandatory.
• No in‑ear earbuds or headphones.
• Obey all traffic laws at all times.
• No riding in aerobars when in a group or paceline.
• Stay to the right, allowing faster riders to pass on the left.
• Ride single file when a rider calls “car back”.
• Maintain at least one wheel diameter of space behind the rider ahead to allow safe braking.
• Carry a Medical ID with your name, emergency contact, and any relevant medical information.
• Protect your front wheel—avoid overlapping wheels.
• Do not make sudden lateral movements.
  
  
  
  
  

SVTC E‑Bike Guidelines

E‑Bike riders are welcome on SVTC group rides and are expected to follow all standard SVTC safety rules, group‑ride etiquette, and all applicable traffic laws. Riders using E‑Bikes—along with all participants—should review the pre‑ride checklist and ensure they have the required equipment, tools, and supplies.

Approved E‑Bikes for Group Rides

• Only pedal‑assist E‑Bikes (Class 1) should be used on SVTC group rides. These bikes require pedaling for the motor to engage.
• Throttle‑controlled E‑Bikes (Class 2) are strongly discouraged. Their acceleration, braking, and pacing characteristics differ significantly from conventional and pedal‑assist bikes, creating elevated safety risks in a group setting.

Group Integration & Safety

• Experienced riders should proactively speak with new E‑Bike riders to ensure they understand group‑ride expectations and safety parameters.
• If an E‑Bike rider—or any rider—is compromising group safety, a seasoned rider should respectfully address the issue. When appropriate, the rider may be asked to remain at the back of the group to maintain safety for all participants.

Pacing Expectations

• On rides with an established pace of 20 mph or below, E‑Bike riders may ride anywhere within the group and rotate through the paceline like any other rider.
• When taking a pull at the front, E‑Bike riders must not increase the group’s pace. Maintain the established speed or safely reduce it if needed for hazards.
• On rides exceeding 20 mph, E‑Bike riders should recognize the relationship between speed, rider experience, and bike‑handling skill.

• High‑speed group riding requires advanced skills typically developed over many years.
• E‑Bike riders should only join faster rides if they have demonstrated experience at similar paces—ideally gained on a conventional bike.

E‑Bike Etiquette

• Do not surge past riders on climbs or in strong headwinds.
  It is considered poor form for an E‑Bike rider to use motor assistance to aggressively pass conventional riders in these conditions.
• Support the group pace.
  E‑Bike riders should ride in a way that maintains the cohesion and rhythm of the group, not disrupt it.
• Manage your own battery reserves.
  E‑Bike riders are responsible for ensuring they have sufficient battery to complete the full route without assistance.
• Other riders may choose to stay with someone who runs out of battery, but this should not be expected.