Bike Etiquette

Many years ago, I had not been cycling long. I knew nothing of cycling culture, clubs or "etiquette". I just started cycling from place to place across the country, to visit friends or explore our lovely country.
I was plugging into a head wind with a touring load when a cyclist came past and offered me a wheel to follow. I twigged at once though I had never done this before, and he gave me a nice pull for a few miles. It is extremely unlikely he is reading this, but if you were heading from Otley towards Skipton in the summer of 1981 and offered a wheel to a struggling cyclist, thanks again.

Oh, and I don't know why but it really annoys me when I nod or say hello to another cyclist and they just blank me. I shouldn't care, but I do.

On my commute home the other night some dude in a car was wheel sucking me. We stopped at some traffic lights and I say 'oi, mate, hows about you take a turn at the front'. He wound his window up and looked at me like I was mad.

I end up riding with other cyclists a lot, either catching them or them catching me, and have ridden many miles with people who started out complete strangers.

I'm always a bit wary of solo lady cyclists because, although I would enjoy any company, I'm aware that it can create an uncomfortable situation. Even asking 'Do you want company?' or 'Do you mind if I ride along with you?' can create the need to say 'no', which some folk aren't comfortable with.

Middle class angst, it's a killer...

If I'm out solo and a group ride goes past I always jump on the last wheel and also comment that I'm going to do so for a breather whether I really need it or not.

If someone jumps on mine having caught me up then I'll always suggest that they take a turn on the front, if they've jumped on as I've gone past then I see it as no big deal as they take a breather and also a challenge to get the hammer down and ride them off it.

I always acknowledge other riders with a raise of the hand or a nod of the head.

If they annoy you too much then you can always crop dust them.

Just saying like.

I think the problem with wheelsuckers is not the sucking itself but the social awkwardness of someone you don't know becoming glued to your bottom uninvited. So... if either of the people just say 'hello', then most of the issue clear up.

I had a chap overtake me as I was commuting back from work. I was in trainers and my usual clothes, and he was dressed 'properly' for a ride, in more appropriate cycling kit.

I dropped back a bit at first, but realised that our cruising speeds weren't actually very different, and quite fancied a tug if one was available, so I simply asked him, "is it alright if I try to hang onto your wheel?". He said "yes", and we cruised along together until the next roundabout at which point I thanked him and we parted ways, seemingly amiably.

Of course, I've no idea of his view on the whole thing... he might have thought me a filthy leech in inappropriate clothing, but I don't think he did, and I was certainly glad of the brief partnership we'd struck up on the road.

I think etiquette shouldn't necessarily rule against what can be a beneficial relationship for two riders. But communication is key, as they say.

I'm not sure how many women (or men) come across this. I ride solo, but I've been pestered by male riders while out riding that seem to think I should be conversing with them. A guy last year wouldn't leave me alone and followed me, uninvited, for nearly an hour. Seriously. (He was also terribly patronising, I'm a fairly strong female rider, I build my bikes and do all my own maintenance). A bit creepy to be honest.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it and they're just being friendly. Maybe not.

Wheelsucking? As long as you say 'ta!' for the tow when you break off then it should be fine.

One thing that does get on my tits is other cyclists not acknowledging you when they pass you in the other direction or when overtaking.

We're all supposed to be in this together after all.

Why the problem with wheelsuckers? If you pass someone, then you breaking the wind ahead for them may be all that they needed to go that bit faster, plus there's apparently a slight advantage to yourself, so you actually gain an aero benefit from having suckers. Win win!

Anyway, I'm never going to give up a free tow, if you want me to return the favour, then I'm also happy to take the lead for a few miles. if you can't handle wheel suckers you should be quicker

In the context he was after a free ride but may not have been capable of passing you anyway, a bit naughty. However there is zero excuse for wheel sucking on the open road, it is downright dangerous.

' make a noise before overtaking someone, so they don't drift into your line'
before, during and after. Some kind of 'WHOOOOOOOSH' noise with full doppler effect.

wheel sucking, half wheeling and using flashing lights are all definite nos.

always throw a lifesaver when going past an intersection.
always offer assistance to someone having a mechanical.
make a noise before overtaking someone, so they don't drift into your line
smile and say hello if you see some bloke giving his all with his one leg!

Wave or say hi to people.

I don't find wheelsucking to he too annoying, I think of it as them acknowledging my superiority