An enhanced, interactive version of this guide is available in the London Dynamo Knowledgebase.
Every call and hand signal, with a quick-reference card for your phone.
Smooth is fast. Predictable is safe.
A group of eight only stays a group if every rider sees the same things and reacts the same way. Calls and hand signals are how that happens. Learn them, use them, repeat them down the line.
Effective group riding communication. So how do I communicate (and what do all these signals mean)?
The key calls, signals, and related actions, are as follows:
“SLOWING” Wave hand, palm down. Made, preferably before it happens, when the group changes speed because of an upcoming obstacle or hazard.
“STOPPING” Hand down, palm backwards. Indicates the bunch will be coming to a stop.
“ROLLING” Tells the whole group to begin, or continue, moving. Used when the lights turn green or when the group is ready to set off again.
“EASE UP” Asks the riders at the front to soften the pace so the whole group can stay together. Not a sudden slowing or braking, just a small reduction in effort while you keep pedalling.
“STEADY” Tells the riders at the front to hold the current pace and not speed up.
“RIGHT TURN” / “LEFT TURN” Arm out, parallel to the ground, in the direction of the turn. The bunch will turn if the road is clear, stay alert.
“OUT” Left arm bent and placed behind the back with finger pointing to the right. The bunch needs to move right to avoid an object on the left, a parked car or a jogger in the road, for example.
“IN” The mirror of OUT. Right arm bent behind the back, finger pointing left. The bunch needs to move left to avoid an obstacle on the right, a car turning right, for example.
“CLEAR” Made when turning corners or passing through roundabouts to signal it is safe to proceed. Also “CLEAR LEFT” and “CLEAR RIGHT”.
“HOLE” / “DOOR” / “GRAVEL” Point at the obstacle. Slowly move across the road to a position where you, and those following, can avoid the hazard. Point to where the obstruction is so those behind can avoid it, then slowly move back. Pass the call all the way to the back rider.
“CAR UP” On a narrow street, a car coming the other way presents a potential risk. Stay tight to the left.
“CAR BACK” A car is behind the bunch wanting to pass, or a car is overtaking the bunch. Hold your line, hold your pace.
“HORSES” Treat the same as SLOWING. Slow so you can pass the horses safely. As you near them, greet the riders to make sure horse and rider are aware of your approach. Continue soft pedalling to avoid startling the horses with your freehub.
“MECHANICAL” / “PUNCTURE” Informs the whole group of a puncture or other mechanical problem, so everyone can slow down and stop when and where it is safe to do so. Do not brake or swerve suddenly.
“SINGLE” Wave open hand over your helmet pointing forwards. Sometimes it is safer to ride single file rather than two abreast, going up or down a steep hill, for example. Riders on the left, inside line, adjust pace to let riders on the right, outside line, move across and form the new single line.
“PAIR UP” / “TWO UP” Move from single file back into riding two abreast. Shoulder-check before moving out.
“CHANGE ONE” Single finger twirl. Used to rotate riders at the front of the group when riding in pairs (see our Group Riding Guide for the techniques).
“ALL UP?” / “ALL UP!” Made from the front riders to ask if the bunch has regrouped. Riders at the back reply “ALL UP!” or “NO”.
Pass every signal down the line. All signals given by the riders at the front should be passed back through the entire group. Signals from the back travel forward the same way. If you receive a call, you make the call. No exceptions.
GCN publish a good YouTube video about cycling communications here.
Finally, it is customary to acknowledge other cyclists with a wave or cheery greeting. We are a friendly club and respect the traditions of the sport. Doing so is therefore strongly encouraged.
Click here for our Group Riding Guide.
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