Cycling Etiquette
In cycling, it is important that all riders understand the importance of safety first. Should your athletes ride single file or two-by-two? As a coach, you need to determine what is the safest for your riders depending upon the roads you are training on. Practice both ways.
Riders should never wear headphones or use cell phones while riding. Riders need to learn to recognize traffic noises and alert the group as to a car approaching from behind the group. An announcement such as CAR BACK will alert the group. Practice what you should do when a car approaches.
When a rider in the group flats: Develop a plan before riding so everyone knows who waits and who does not. But remember to teach your athletes NOT to wait for another rider during a race!
Water bottles: Athletes should each have their own water bottles clearly marked — no sharing bottles. Teach the athletes and their caregivers to properly clean bottles after each use; using bleach once a week helps to keep the bottles clean. Practice with your athletes on how to drink from their water bottles if they are going to be riding for any length of time. Athletes without the appropriate skills to do so should not have a bottle on their bike, i.e., their bottle can be carried by the coach. Riders should be taught not to throw bottles while riding.
Riders in the lead of the group should alert riders behind of an obstacle. This can be done verbally or by pointing. When an obstacle on the road is seen ahead, the lead rider points with the right or the left hand depending upon where the obstacle is. For some athletes, this is not practical due to balance or control problems; in those situations, coaches should develop a verbal warning plan for obstacles and practice with their athletes.
Spitting and blowing noses: Bike riders may need to spit or blow their noses while riding. Some athletes may not be able to take a hand off of the handlebars to blow their nose. As a coach, you will need to work with each athlete to determine an appropriate technique for spitting or blowing the nose. In a race situation, the athlete needs to be considerate of the other racers.
Going to the bathroom: Remind your athletes to use the bathroom at least 30 minutes before their competition.
Changing clothes: When possible, athletes should not travel to the event in cycling attire. Athletes should change out of cycling shorts as soon as possible after training or racing. Dry clothes should be available to change into after racing or training. At no time should athletes be allowed to change in the open.
Warming up on the course: Riders may warm up on the course only during open course times. Riders must understand that it is not always possible to practice the course at race speed. Riders must respect other riders practicing on the course and give way to all officials and course marshals working on the course. Riders should alert race officials as to any potential hazard seen on the course while warming up.
At CompetitionStaging: Riders should be ready to race approximately 20 minutes before the start of their race. Riders need to know how to get to the starting line and line up according to official instructions.
Racing: Racers must respect their fellow racers and should not use profanity at any time during the competition. Safe riding is required at all times; no abrupt or erratic moves are allowed. Riders need to be taught not to move from one side of the road to the other abruptly.
After the race is over: Athletes should congratulate riders they were racing with.
Listening to officials: Athletes need to obey all officials' commands during warm-up and racing.
Bell ringing: The ringing of the bell signifies the last lap of the event. All competitors finish on the same lap as the leader. If a rider has been lapped and has been instructed to stop or leave the course, the rider must do so.
Riding backward on the course: NEVER!
The lead vehicle: Riders are not allowed to pass the lead vehicle.
