TEAM B2G

OFFICIAL GROUP RIDE STANDARDS & SAFETY GUIDELINES

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PURPOSE

Team B2G group rides are structured, organized training sessions designed to:

• Create an opportunity to train with teammates and community members

• Build fitness safely

• Allow athletes of varying ability levels to ride together

• Represent Team B2G positively within the community

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Our standard:
Smooth. Predictable. Communicative. Safe.

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1. WAIVER REQUIREMENT

Any rider who is not a formal Team B2G member must sign a waiver prior to participation.

• This is a digital form which can be completed prior to the ride or at the ride start.

• No waiver = no ride.

• Waivers apply to all future rides unless revoked in writing.

This protects:

• The rider

• The ride leaders

• The organization

 

2. RIDE STRUCTURE

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Phase 1 – Social Warm-Up

• All riders begin together.

• Conversational pace.

• No surging.

• No splitting.

• Lasts a designated time or distance.

Purpose:

• Gradual warm-up

• Social time

• Allows riders to position appropriately

 

Phase 2 – Group Formation

Before pacelines begin:

Each rider is responsible for positioning themselves in the correct group.

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Pace Groups

A Group - 21+ mph average

B Group - 19–20 mph​

C Group - 18 mph and under​

Choose honestly!

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Ride leaders are responsible for:

• Setting consistent pace

• Maintaining structure

• Enforcing safety standards

 

Ride Type: Not a No-Drop Ride

This is NOT a no-drop ride.

• Regroups occur at designated locations.

• Riders who fall off pace may ride solo until regroup.

• Riders must download the GPX file and are responsible for knowing the route.

• Self-sufficiency is expected.

Bring:

• Flat repair kit

• Nutrition

• Hydration

• Cycling computer or smart watch with route

 

3. TRAFFIC LAW COMPLIANCE

Cyclists are legally considered vehicles in Florida.

All riders must:

• Obey traffic signals

• Come to a stop at stop signs

• Stop at red lights and remain stopped

• Yield appropriately

We do not assume “group privilege.”

We ride like ambassadors of the sport.

 

4. COMMUNICATION & HAND SIGNALS

If you see it — you call it.

Clear communication prevents crashes.

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Hazards

• Point directly down.

• Call out “hole,” “sand,” or “bump.”

Railroad Crossing

• Arm angled across the back.

• Verbal callout required.

Slowing

• Arm down, palm down, pumping motion.

• Verbalize.

Stopping

• Hand straight up, fist closed.

• Verbalize clearly.

Turns

• Right turn = straight right arm.

• Left turn = straight left arm.

Moving In or Out of Line

• Point toward the space you are moving into.

• Move gradually.

• No abrupt lateral movement.

Other Verbal Calls

• “Biker/runner/walker/car up” - positioning may need to adjust to accommodate people/traffic ahead.

• "Car back"- CRITICAL- call it as it approached from the back and repeat it up the line so whoever is pulling knows it's not a good time to cycle off the front.

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5. PACELINE SYSTEM

Our pacelines are structured and intentional.

This allows riders of slightly different levels to train together effectively.

 

Pull Length

When at the front:

You may stay 30 seconds to several minutes.

Use pull length to manage your effort.

Stronger riders: longer pulls.
Developing riders: shorter pulls.

This keeps the group intact while allowing individual workload control.

 

Ending Your Pull

1. Tap your right hip.

2. Maintain pull speed.

3. Move LEFT.

4. Once fully clear, gradually reduce speed.

5. Drift to the back.

Do NOT:

• Sit up abruptly

• Stop pedaling

• Coast immediately

• Surge before peeling off

 

Taking Over the Front

When the rider ahead taps and peels:

• Increase effort approximately 20–30%.

• Do NOT surge- i.e. if your power was 150 watts it should not suddenly go up to 250+.

• Do NOT hold the same power- hold the same SPEED initially (which will require extra power) and then maintain the same effort level throughout the pull (speed may change based on wind/hills/etc).

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If You Can Sit In But Cannot Pull

If you are comfortable in the line but unable to take a pull:

Peel from 2nd or 3rd position:

• Tap your hip.

• Move left.

• Drift to the back.

You do not need to reach the front.

Effort management is smart riding.

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6. DOUBLE PACELINE FORMAT

Used when:

• Larger group size

• Slightly more relaxed pace

• Appropriate road conditions (lots of space)

Two riders ride side-by-side.

Riders still work their way forward to the front. Each still pulls as long as they like and then peels- LEFT PEELS LEFT, RIGHT PEELS RIGHT. Then slowly drop back to the end of the line.

Space must be left open on the right side of the paceline!
 

7. SPEED CONTROL — THE RUBBER BAND EFFECT

All speed changes must be gradual.

When the front rider accelerates sharply:

The line stretches like a rubber band.

Each rider must accelerate slightly more than the rider ahead.

By the time it reaches the back:

The last riders must sprint to close the gap.

This is exhausting and destabilizes the group.

Therefore:

• Accelerate gradually.

• Decelerate gradually.

• Roll into speed.

• Roll out of speed.

Smooth transitions preserve group integrity.

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8. AERO POSITION POLICY

Riding in aero increases risk in group settings.

It is not generally advised unless:

• You are behind someone you know well and trust.

• The pace is steady.

• You leave a few feet of space.

If riding in aero:

• Maintain a buffer.

• Be ready to come out immediately.

If too close and the rider ahead slows abruptly — you will crash.

When in doubt — come out of aero.

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9. NON-NEGOTIABLE SAFETY RULES

• No overlapping wheels.

• No sudden braking.

• No surging.

• Hold your line.

• Helmet required at all times.

• COMMUNICATE!

The strongest rider is the smoothest rider.

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10. CULTURE & EXPECTATIONS

We expect:​

• Respect

• Clear communication

• Honest self-assessment

• Encouragement of others

We represent Team B2G at all times.

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FINAL PRINCIPLE

Group riding is not about ego.

It is about discipline, smoothness, and teamwork.

Smooth. Predictable. Communicative.

That is how we get better together.