PPCC RIDE POLICY

In order to ride safely in a group, riders must be aware of a number of important factors. Group riding relies on teamwork to ensure a safe, smooth ride. The following outlines the basic riding etiquette that all riders must follow. Every PPCC rider must be aware of and compliant to the expected etiquette and behaviour outlined below.

1. RIDE INFORMATION

1.1 Where we promote our rides

We promote our rides across two social platforms: Strava and Instagram. Rides are advertised up to 2 weeks in advance via the following methods. Refer to Section 5.2 for more information on ride modifications/cancellations.

• Strava event created up to 6 days prior to event

• In-feed post up to 3 days prior to event

• Post in Strava club up to 3 days prior

• Link in Instagram bio to strava event up to 3 days prior

• Instagram story posted 24 hours prior to event to confirm ride is going ahead

1.2 Ride Start/End

Ride start and end locations are clearly outlined on our strava event description. Once each ride concludes at the end location, PPCC forego any responsibility for riders' health and safety.

All modifications to rides prior to commencement will be communicated via PPCC Instagram story and PPCC Strava 'announcements' channel.

1.3 Ride Routes

We aim to create unique routes each week exclusive to PPCC. We try our best to ensure:

• A variety of different terrains, elevation profiles and locations

• Routes are based on PPCC Ride Leader and Founders personal experiences

• Routes are planned based on anticipated weather conditions

• We frequently recon routes before offering them as group rides

• Stops for water and toilets are considered

• Routes reflect the difficulty level advertised

These routes are available for access on our Strava events. If modifications to the planned route are required prior to the event, the updated route will be available via the Strava event as soon as practicable and communicated via Strava and Instagram

1.4 Ride Briefing

At the beginning of every ride, a ride leader will provide a briefing. It’s important to pay attention to this, even if you have attended a lot of group rides, as each briefing is unique and may include key information specific to that day’s route. The ride briefing will cover:

• Ride route recap (distance, elevation, major climbs)

• Regroup points

• Reminder of PPCC ride etiquette and road rules

• Anything to look out for on route (eg. bollards, tight corners, roadworks)

• Acknowledgement of ride leaders

• Acknowledgement of sponsors or any supporting businesses or organisations

• Third party/sponsor businesses when additional announcements are required

2. RIDE PACE

PPCC rides are categorised into the following categories:

• Steady

• Tempo

• Endurance

2.1 Steady
24-27kph hills / 30kph flat

• Steady rides regroup at the top of each major climb. 

• Ride leaders will stop to assist riders with mechanicals, hold the pace on the front where possible, and sweep from behind to ensure everyone is able to keep up with the main bunch.

• You must let a ride leader know if you plan to deviate off the route and continue riding alone at any point. Once a rider abandons the ride or turns off the designated route, PPCC forgoes any duty of care to that rider. 

2.2 Tempo
27-30kph hills / 33+kph flat

• Tempo rides are DROP rides. Riders are expected to have a level of presumed fitness in order to stay with the bunch.

• Tempo routes are 10-15% longer than Steady routes, and are designed to ‘push the pace’, offering a more challenging ride in limited time.

• Ride leaders will not stop to assist with any mechanicals or non-threatening stoppages.

• If a rider is struggling the hold the pace, they can meet back at ride end location, or wait at a common point along the route which intersects with the Steady group, and join the Steady ride once they pass by.

• Should you choose to deviate off the route, you do not have to let a ride leader know. If a rider abandons the ride or turns off the designated route, PPCC forgoes any duty of care to that rider. 

2.3 Endurance
25-28kph

• Rides 100km+

• It’s important to keep these rides moving along swiftly, as long, overdrawn stops will tire out riders and risk potential underfuelling or heat/cold exhaustion.

• Riders are expected to have a level of presumed fitness in order to stay with the bunch.

• Major regroups are longer to allow slow riders to catch up, however should a rider drop too far behind, the group may elect not to wait for them.

• Riders must have an assumed fitness and experience in endurance rides.

• ALL riders must have the GPS route on their bike computer.

• Ride leaders will hold the pace on the front where possible, and sweep from behind to monitor the bunch.

3. RIDE RULES

The following outlines rules all riders must follow when attending a PPCC ride. These rules are standard within the cycling community in Adelaide/Australia, and when followed help keep riders safe and happy.

3.1 Calls and Signals

Verbal calls and hand signals must be obvious, clear and intentional. All riders must be able to comprehend and use the common calls and signals listed below. Riders must actively participate in passing calls down and up the peloton where required by repeating the verbal call or hand signal when first communicated.

• ‘Singles’
  Peloton arranges into a single file. This can be called out, or motioned with one hand placed on top of the head with fingers pointing upward 

  
  

• ‘Rider Up/Car Up/Bike Up/Walker Up/Runner Up/Moto Up’
  This is a verbal call to notify riders a car/bike/motoribike/pedestrian is travelling ahead of the peloton (either in the same or opposite lane/direction), and the group should prepare to pass them with caution.

  
  

• 'Regroup’
  This is a verbal call, used to signal an upcoming pre-determined stopping point in the route. Regroup points are highlighted in the ride briefing and enforced by the Ride Leaders. When signalled, pull over to the side of the road (where safe) and wait for the riders behind to catch up. This is a good time to rehydrate and have something to eat. A Ride Leader may also choose to call an impromptu regroup if the bunch is split up considerably.

  
  

• ‘Car Back/Bike Back’
  This is a verbal call to notify riders there is a car/bike travelling behind the peloton. The riders toward the rear of the peloton should decide whether an additional ‘singles’ call is neccessary or not, to allow them to pass. As the car passes, rider should call ‘car passing!’ so all riders are aware and remain close to the left hand edge of the road.

  
  

• ‘Slowing’
  This is a verbal call to notify other riders a traffic light has turned yellow, or there is an obstruction ahead that will cause the peloton to slow. This can also be signalled by pushing a hand up and down by your hip.

  
  

• ‘Stopping’
  This is a verbal call to notify other riders the peloton is coming to a complete stop. This may be due to a traffic light or other obstruction on the road. This can also be signalled by holding a hand, facing backwards, in a ‘stop’ position down by your hip, as pictured below. If at the front of the peloton, riders may do the same signal, except with their hand raised in the air so the group can see.

  
  

• ‘Rolling/Clear, Rolling’
  This is a verbal call to signify to riders that an intersection/roundabout is clear of traffic and safe to ride through. Also used when a traffic light turns green.

  
  

• ‘Gravel/Rock/Hole/Tracks’
  This is a verbal call + point (if capable) to notify other riders of an oncoming hazard or disruption to the road surface. This could be gravel, sand, dirt, leaves, fallen branches, roadkill, potholes, tram tracks, litter etc.

  
  

• 'Split'
  This is a verbal call, used when the peloton is split, for example at traffic lights. When this happens, the ride leader will slow the pace of front group to ~20kph, allowing the split group to catch up.

  
  

• 'All On’
  This is a verbal call, used after the peloton is split (see previous list item), once all riders have rejoined the main bunch. This should be called by the very last riders in the bunch, and passed up row by row to the front Ride Leaders, letting them know they can increase their speed to the original ride pace.

  
  

• ‘On your inside’
  This is a verbal call, used to notify a rider you are coming up next to them on their inside/left. While this should be avoided where possible, in unavoiable circumstances, it’s best to call it out so the other rider is aware and doesn’t swerve to the left.

  
  

• ‘Passing on your right/On your outside’
  This is a verbal call, used to notify a rider you are passing them on their outside/right.

  
  

• Obstruction Right / Obstruction Left
  This is a hand signal, used for many things. Predominantly, it is used to signal a parked car/fallen tree/road rubble etc. blocking the bike lane, and tells the behind riders they need to move over to avoid it. The signal is done by motioning a hand behind your back, as picutured below. If the obsctruction is on the left, motion with your left hand L—R. If the obstruction is on your right, motion with your right hand, R—L. 

  
  

• Pointing to claim place on road
  When wanting to claim a place on the road, or speed up to pass a rider etc, a rider may point to the space they want to occupy, to let the behind rider know you are slotting in in front of them. This ensures there is enough space, as the behind rider may have to slow down to allow this. 

3.2 Traffic/Motorists

The relationship between cyclists and motorists can be tumultuous at best, so it’s important to exercise a degree of caution to ensure a mutual respect between the two. The following points outline how riders are expected to interact with motorists on a PPCC ride.

Road Traffic
Riders should always be aware that motorists are often distracted, and can struggle to accurately estimate relative speed/distance of cyclists, which can heighten the risk of accident to all. Erratic or inconsistent cycling puts additional pressure on drivers and risks the safety of the group. Ensure that all your movements are clear, noticeable and predictable to everyone around you. It is expected that PPCC riders will abide by the road rules per the Road Traffic Act 1961 and the Australian Road Rules at all times whilst participating in a ride.

Slow/Stopped Traffic
When in slow traffic do NOT ride through the traffic to move past vehicles unless there is a clearly marked bike lane. When traffic is stopped in front of the group, stop behind the last stationary vehicle as you would as if you were in a car. A large group is as big as a vehicle on the road and needs to behave like one. 

Road Rage
Under NO circumstances should a PPCC rider engage or respond to a motorist’s aggression. We understand it is frustrating when a motorist abuses a cyclist simply for being a cyclist, however confronting/calling out/responding to a motorist only puts more riders at risk. If an actual issue arises, a ride leader will take charge where possible and negotiate with the motorist to diffuse the situation.

4. RIDER REQUIREMENTS

Below is a list of minimum requirements riders must meet to join a PPCC ride.

4.1 Fitness
Riders must be fit enough to adhere to the ride pace (listed above)

4.2 Bike Handling
Riders must be able to:

• Ride in wet weather

• Ride one-handed to do hand signals

• Avoid slippery road sections (pothole covers, road paint, metal grates)

• Use and comprehend verbal signals

• Use and comprehend hand signals

• Descend safely and hold their line

• Ride 2 abreast in close proximity

• Maintain a consistent pace and cadence

4.3 Bike Condition
All bikes must have:

• Functioning brakes

• Pumped tires

• Cleats/spd pedals

• Bike computer with GPS route

• Bottle cages & bottles

• Rear light

All bikes must NOT have:

• Disc wheels

• Worn tires

• No E-Bikes

PPCC Founders and Ride Leaders reserve the right to deny a rider's participation of a PPCC ride should their bike be significantly modified/in a condition they deem unsafe or unsuitable.

4.4 Tri/TT Bikes
Riders are not permitted to use TT extension bars at any time, regardless of experience or skill level. Using tri bars in a bunch ride is dangerous, as stopping times are slower and control of the bike is limited.

4.5 Lights
On rides before sunrise, bikes must have a functioning front light affixed. Rear lights must be affixed at all times. Speak to a ride leader about our light sponsor, Knog (knog.com.au), to find out more about what lights are best for your bike.

4.6 Toolkit
All riders must carry the relevant tools requires to assist with a mechanical, such as:

• Spare tube or puncture kit

• Tire levers

• CO2 canister and adaptor

• Pump

PPCC is supported by local bike shop Will Ride Specialized. Should riders need to buy any of the above tools, they can be purchased at their shop on 315 Glen Osmond Road, Glenunga SA.

4.7 Nutrition/Water
Riders are responsible for their own nutrition and water. Please bring 2x500ml bottles of water and adequate nutrition to all rides.

PPCC is supported by The Fuelling Hub. Should riders need to purchase ride nutrition, they can do so using our club code: PPCC15 for 15% off their order.

4.8 Group Riding Experience
We are not a beginner group; experience riding in bunches is highly recommended and preferred. If you are less comfortable, position yourself toward the back of the bunch. Our Ride Leaders will be supportive and provide instructions where possible, but riders attending PPCC rides are expected to be able to ride independently and in a bunch with competence.

5. PPCC POLICIES

5.1 Mechanicals
Mechanicals can include, but are not limited to:

• Flat tire

• Dropped/bent/looped chain

• Dropped seatpost

• Wobbly saddle

If you have a mechanical, call it out to the group, signal slowing/stopping and pull off to the roadside safely. Once safely off the road and out of the way of other bikes, ride leaders will assist a rider who has had a mechanical to the best of their ability.

If easily and quickly fixable, the whole group should wait for it to be fixed before continuing the ride. The rider and ride leader may also opt to let the group go, and work together to rejoin once the mechanical is resolved. 

If the issue is significant, a determination can be made to abandon the group, and the rider must organise personal transport home.

5.2 Weather 
If the weather is predicted to rain heavily, the ride will be cancelled via strava and Instagram story up to 12 hours before the ride start. Routes may be altered in advance to avoid rain.

• Light rain = ride goes ahead

• Heavy rain = ride cancelled

• Unpredicted heavy rain = ride abandoned/route shortened

In the case of hot weather; the following applies:

• 35+ degrees celsius = ride cancelled

• 33+ degrees celsius = ride shortened/earlier start time

5.3 Ride Leaders
Our RLs are trained to support the peloton on each ride. It is important to respect their decisions, listen to their direction and follow accordingly when provided. PPCC is committed to ensuring there are sufficient Ride Leaders (RLs) on every ride to maximise rider safety. A minimum ratio of 1 RL for every 6 riders will be maintained.

5.4 Accidents/Crashes
PPCC takes all reasonable measures to maximise rider safety; however, accidents can still occur. In the event of an accident, the following action plan will be followed:

In the case of a minor accident (eg. rider can move themselves and their bike to safety):

• No ambulance or police are needed

• RLs will guide other riders to slow/stop where safe, and secure the accident zone

• RLs to assess the extent of injuries, communicate to both groups, and decide how to progress

In the case of a major crash (eg. rider cannot move themselves or their bike to safety, may be multiple riders involved):

• RLs will guide other riders to slow/stop where safe, and secure the accident zone

• Determine who is the most qualified to take a lead role in the situation. This should be someone with medical training. In the absence of medically-trained professionals, RLs will assess the extent of injuries. DO NOT move any rider with suspected head/neck/spinal injuries

• RL calls emergency services and stays with the injured rider/s until emergency services arrive. All uninvolved riders and RLs to leave the scene of the accident and continue the ride as planned.

5.5 Route Changes
A change in the route may be made on the spot due to the following reasons:

• Hazard on road (roadworks, traffic, no bike lane, road accident)

• Unsafe terrain (wet roads, loose gravel etc.)

• Unexpected road closures

All routes are trialled prior to being released to PPCC, so these occasions are rare. Route changes can only be made if the majority of the ride leaders/group organisers agree. When a route is changed on the spot, RLs will call a 'regroup' and wait for the rest of the bunch to catch up.