SearchHand signals and warning calls for all riders
Friday 13 October 2023
When riding in a group, all riders should use a combination of hand signals and calls to tell riders behind what they are about to do, and to warn them of any imminent hazards which they might not be able to see.
This page describes the common hand signals and warning calls that should be used. They are an important element in ensuring safety.
These should be quickly passed down the line as successive riders echo the original call and/or signal.
Extend your left or right hand out to the side before you make the turn. Get in the habit of looking over your shoulder to check it is clear and always signal clearly before you turn. Clear signals are essential on a group ride to warn the riders behind and to warn other road users.
Call out 'Stopping!' or 'Slowing!' before you apply your brakes to warn the others riding behind you. You can also signal by extending one hand and move it up and down as if gently patting an invisible dog to indicate that the group is slowing down.
Call out 'Hole!' or 'Gravel!', sometimes adding 'on the left!' or 'on the right!'. You can also point down at the road, sometimes with a circling motion to indicate a hazard on the road such as a pothole or drain cover. Be sensible with this signal and only point out major obstacles that should be avoided.
Call out 'Bollard!' or 'Post' as you approach these obstructions and echo the call if a rider ahead makes the call. It's best to err on the side of caution and call out every time there is a post or bollard because these obstructions are dangerous and easy to miss in a group.
Wave and point behind your back to indicate that there is an obstruction such as a parked car or pedestrian in the road and that the whole group needs to move in the direction indicated to avoid it. This signal is also used when passing a walker or another cyclist on a narrow path (in either direction). This signal indicates moving right/left rather than turning right/left. You can also call out the type of obstruction.
Call out 'Puncture!' if you, or someone near you, has a puncture to let the other riders know and pass the message to the leader. The group will usually wait while you repair it and other riders will usually offer to help. You can use this same call to report other mechanical problems that require you to stop.
If there is a motor vehicle coming up behind or approaching the group from the front, call out 'Car behind!' or 'Car ahead!' as appropriate. Riders should move in and single out if needed.
When the group is crossing or joining another road, you can call out 'Car left!' or 'Car right!' To warn that a vehicle is approaching and riders need to stop. Only call 'Clear!' if you can see that the road is completely clear in both directions and do not echo a call of 'Clear!' unless you can see that the road is still completely clear.
Call 'Moving in!' if you want to move in and join a line of riders. Similarly call 'Moving out!' if you want to pull out to overtake. If you move without letting those beside you know your intention they can easily run into you.
Other calls by ride leaders or backmarkers
This section describes the other warning calls that are mainly used by ride leaders when leading a group. They are an important element in ensuring safety.
This call from the ride leader or backmarker is used when a column of cyclists riding two abreast blocks cars from passing safely on narrow or busy roads or when riding round bends. This applies to both passing situations: overtaking cars or oncoming cars. Relay this call quickly (before you move) to ensure that the move to single file is executed quickly and safely. When singling out, the inside rider of each pair should normally move forward, allowing the outside rider to slot in behind.
The leader or backmarker calls 'Open gap!' to indicate that the group should split into two with a wide gap (minimum of 4 car lengths) between the groups. This is done to help motor traffic overtake the group in two stages.
When approaching horses from behind, the first rider should draw attention to your presence by calling out 'Cyclist behind' or a greeting to the horse rider(s). Slow down and give the horse rider enough time to react before passing slow and wide. Pass as widely as possible and the last person past can inform the horse rider(s) that all are past.