Pace Line Basics
Riding In The Line
Be predictable.
Keep pedaling except when slowing for an intersection or going downhill.
Ride in a straight line when not avoiding obstacles.
Keep your following distance consistent at 1 to 3 feet (don't yo-yo).
Do not pull out of the line.
In a double line, ride next to your partner (don't half wheel).
Leading The Line
Keep pedaling on downhills.
When taking the lead, maintain the speed of the previous leader; slowly adjust speed if desired after the previous leader gets on the back.
Do not overstay on the front; leave enough energy to get back on when you move off (there is no minimum pull).
Do not overstay on the front; maximum pulls should be 1-2 miles; others want their turn.
Do not yield the lead while the line is going through an intersection.
When accelerating after a stop, do so gradually. Use your mirror to ensure gaps are not opening.
Obstacle Notification
The rider leading the line needs to look ahead for obstacles.
When a serious obstacle is spotted (one that could easily result in a crash) do three things:
1. If safe to do so, lead the line as far around the obstacle as possible. Use your mirror to check for overtaking traffic.
2. Yell bloody murder (what you yell is not very important).
3. Point at the object.
a. When you spot the object, wave your arm at shoulder level to get attention.
b. As you approach the object, lower your arm slowly.
c. At the object, give a quick jab to locate it for those following, then stop pointing.
Most obstacles will be annoyances; move over a bit and point.
Don't point at objects that are clearly not in the line of travel of the line. Most items within six inches of the pavement edge can be ignored.
Yielding The Lead
1. MAINTAIN SPEED.
2. Check for traffic to be sure there is room to fall back to the end of the line.
3. MAINTAIN SPEED.
4. Signal in the direction you will pull off (usually left).
5. MAINTAIN SPEED. (If you're in the right line of a double paceline, speed up to get in front of the left line leader.)
6. Move clear of the line.
7. ONCE CLEAR, stop pedaling and drop to the end of the line. If the line is long, you may need to apply your brake.
8. As you approach the end of the line, increase your speed to avoid falling off the back.
Going Through An Intersection
The line should slow when approaching an intersection where it will turn or does not have the right of way.
When approaching the intersection, maintain normal spacing while slowing; don't open big gaps.
The leader checks for traffic and gives an audible warning if any is spotted.
For right turns, stay in line and avoid opening gaps.
For left turns or straight ahead where the group must stop, bunch up near the intersection so multiple riders can cross when clear.
For left turns, the first riders should accelerate a bit to make room for those following to form the line.
