spdracr39

I rode in my first group ride this weekend and it was thoroughly enjoyable. It adds a new element to riding that I hadn't experienced on single rides. I did finish with only one protocol question. When riding side by side and someone behind calls "car back" whose responsibility is it to give so we can move to single file the bike on the right or the one on the left? I found it easier if I was on the right to slow and let the other bike in but it seemed they would slow to until they saw what I was doing.

knobster

I've always found it good to discuss this at the beginning of the ride. From what I've found there isn't a known etiquette. I've seen many groups of riders where they won't move over for a car so they stay in the 2 abreast configuration. Frustrates drivers as they may not understand why they are doing it.

Ask the more senior members of the group and ask how they handle it.

Fastfingaz

OK you know that the term group ride is just an expression,,,, you don't ride in a group and take up the whole road or street , usualiy it's 2 abreast max! no matter how many are riding,,, when someone yells carback , then the one closet to the shoulder stays in position and the one closest to the center of the street or road drops back and moves to the shoulder to form single file,,,,, it's always better to ride staggard,,, that way it's easyer to make that decision,,,

Bug Shield

If I'm going to yield to another rider so they can duck in, I usually acknowledge it by inviting them to "go ahead" or something similar. Usually the reason they are out there is because they want to ride beside someone or be near the front so I'll help them stay there. When I want to move, I'll glance where I want to go or flick a finger if I really want someone to open a gap for me. This implies that I'm signaling to someone behind me and that's usually the case.

Homebrew01

Generally the rider more in the road drifts back, to get into single file. Depending on group experience, if you slow to let them in, you might catch the rider behind you off guard by your slowing, leading to wheel overlap and possible "incident". Depends on factors such as how much you would need to slow. If there's almost enough room, then say "go ahead" and slow a touch so they can get in sooner. Ideally the riders behind will anticipate the various options, but there is such a wide range of experience, that "it depends". What ever seems safest.

Retro Grouch 

Situations vary and I don't think you can come up with a simple rule that will work all the time. If you're on the left I think that it's usually better to spurt ahead to pull in. That way you don't have to consider what slowing is doing to the riders who are behind you.

Homebrew01

That works too, if there's an open spot.

spdracr39

So I guess play it by ear and announce your intentions is the rule of thumb, Thanks !!