Originally Posted by
Ph4r
How close does one need to be in order to be considered drafting? I ride as fast as I can on my commute (mostly Rail Trail) which is pretty slow. Occasionally, I will get passed by someone [on the trail] going a little faster than I and I will come up to about a bike lengths gap, and over about half a me and try to keep up for a couple miles. It makes me feel good to ride at the faster pace, which feels like reduced effort, but it may be adrenaline. I'm not fast enough to have ever had anyone ride behind me who wasn't just blocked. I'm new to commuting this year, and nobody has ever been mean to me when they see me doing this, to announce my intention, what should I say?
The draft benefit decreases as you get further away but you'll still get a decent draft with a bike length between you and the rider in front. Whether that bothers someone is a different question. For reference in triathlon where drafting is not allowed I believe they have to leave a minimum of 7 bike lengths. Even at that distance there can be some benefit if the wind isn't from the side.