The Art of Leading Safe, Predictable Group Rides & Bike Buses

A well-led group ride flows smoothly, stays predictable, and keeps everybody safe. Without structure and guidance, a group can quickly become scattered, unpredictable, and stressful—not just for the riders but for all road users.

At Pedal Set Go, we’ve spent years refining the art of leading safe, structured, and enjoyable guided rides and bike buses. Group riding is a skill, just like riding a bike itself, and without structured guidance, things can unravel quickly. How a group moves through traffic impacts not just their safety but also how other road users perceive and respond to them.

Lately, we’ve noticed more group rides appearing, which is fantastic for bike culture. But not all group rides are created equal—small mistakes in group movement can have big consequences. So, what separates a well-organised ride from one that feels like a rolling hazard?

Common Challenges in Group Rides & Bike Buses

Predictability is Key

The foundation of safe group riding is predictability—other road users should never have to guess where a group is going next. If riders are meandering across lanes, switching between single file and bunch riding unpredictably, or leaving erratic gaps, the risk of close calls increases.

At Pedal Set Go, we teach consistent, clear positioning—riding two abreast where safe and legal, shifting to single file when appropriate, and maintaining a structured, visible formation.

Two Abreast: Legal & Often the Safest Option

Let’s clear this up: riding two abreast is completely legal in Australia, as long as both riders stay in the same lane. In fact, it’s often the safest way to ride.

When done well, a group riding two abreast moves through intersections efficiently, protects less confident riders, and remains highly visible. The issue isn’t riding two abreast—it’s when riders unintentionally drift into three or more abreast or switch formations without clear communication.

The Door Zone: A Hidden but Serious Risk

One of the leading causes of cyclist hospitalisation is being doored—when a parked car door suddenly opens into a rider’s path.

At Pedal Set Go, we never position a group in the door zone. If avoiding it isn’t possible, we slow to a walking pace—because at any faster speed, reaction time isn’t enough to prevent a crash.

Wheel Overlaps & Poor Spacing

A classic mistake in group riding is allowing wheels to overlap—where the front wheel of one rider drifts ahead of the rear wheel of another. If the rider in front swerves or slows, the overlapping rider is almost guaranteed to crash.

Another common issue is letting participants ride up front. There should only ever be one ride leader at the front—not multiple participants edging forward, blocking visibility, and increasing the risk of sudden braking or collisions.

Signaling: Progressive Skills & Risk Mitigation

At Pedal Set Go, our skills are progressive, meaning we build each rider’s ability step by step. That’s how we mitigate risk—riders only take on new skills once they’ve demonstrated control.

Signaling is important, but only when riders have the skills to do it without compromising their control of the bike. A common mistake in poorly led group rides is expecting every rider to signal, even those who haven’t yet acquired one-handed riding skills in real-world conditions.

That’s why we prioritise bike handling first. If a rider hasn’t demonstrated they can safely control their bike with one hand, signalling is not necessary—because keeping both hands on the bars is the safest option.

E-Bikes & Group Riding: A Common Misconception

Many people assume a guided ride on e-bikes will be faster than one on standard bikes. While e-bikes help on hills and can support riders with lower fitness levels, speed isn’t dictated by the bike—it’s dictated by riders’ abilities and road conditions.

In NSW, legal e-bikes cut motor assistance at 25km/h. Beyond that, riders rely purely on pedalling. At 25 km/h, a lot can go wrong in a group if riders lack control skills—sudden stops, overlapping wheels, or unpredictable movements become much riskier at speed. And 25 km/h is very fast on a busy cycleway at peak hour!

At Pedal Set Go, we set the speed to match the demonstrated abilities of all riders—never faster—and always in response to road conditions, not the bike’s capabilities. Our guided rides and bike buses are designed to build confidence in using bikes for transport, not performance. These are not training sessions for racing or the velodrome—our goal is to help people ride safely and comfortably in everyday environments.

Why Route Design Matters for Group Riding & Bike Buses

Riding solo and riding in a guided group or bike bus are two completely different experiences. A solo rider can make quick decisions about gaps in traffic, speed changes, and positioning. A group, however, needs to function as one predictable unit—staying together, being highly visible, and avoiding unnecessary stops and starts.

At Pedal Set Go, we design our routes specifically for group riding.

• We choose routes that allow the group to move efficiently through intersections.

• We prioritise visibility—so the group is seen as a cohesive unit, not scattered riders.

• We minimise unnecessary stopping and starting—reducing delays and keeping the ride smooth.

A poorly planned route can leave a group strung out across multiple intersections, forcing riders to play catch-up, creating unnecessary risks. Good route design means safer, more efficient group riding.

Why Professional Leadership Makes the Difference

Great group rides don’t just happen. They’re taught, practiced, and led with skill.

A professionally led guided ride or bike bus means:

• Predictable movement, reducing conflict with other road users.

• Participants learn the right habits from the start.

• Safe spacing and positioning—no wheel overlaps, no door zone traps.

• Clear, effective signalling—used when it’s safe, not as a default.

• Minimal road rage—because a well-run ride looks like it belongs on the road.

At Pedal Set Go, we take pride in making every ride a safe, positive experience—for our riders and for all road users.

Interested in a professionally led guided ride or bike bus? Let’s chat.

Beyond Bright Colours: A Guide to High Visibility Behaviour for Urban Riders

Navigating city streets safely on a bike goes beyond sporting neon gear. Pedal Set Go champions High Visibility behaviour, a comprehensive approach ensuring bike riders are not just seen, but noticed, by all road users. This guide delves into effective cycling behaviours and practical tips for maximising visibility and safety in urban environments.

Rethinking High Visibility Clothing

While high-visibility gear plays a role in road safety, especially in low-light conditions, reliance solely on bright clothing is insufficient for urban cycling. Emerging research suggests that in bustling cityscapes, such attire might blend into a sea of distractions, diminishing its intended effect.

Recent studies indicate that the effectiveness of high-visibility clothing for cyclists might not hinge on the clothing itself, but on its contrast with the surroundings. Surprisingly, both white and black attire have been identified as capable of providing this necessary contrast.

People riding are encouraged to complement their bike gear with lights and reflective accessories during rain, dusk, or under dappled light conditions. Yet, the essence of being seen lies in behaviour over wardrobe choices.

The Essence of Cycling Safety: High Visibility Behaviour

Effective visibility on the road stems from High Visibility behaviour, which encompasses strategic positioning, like taking the primary position or 'taking the lane,' to ensure visibility where road users are most attentive. This behaviour enhances predictability and communication with other road users, which are crucial for safe urban cycling.

Strategies for High Visibility Behaviour

Smart Positioning: Ride confidently in the centre of the lane, especially in areas with parked cars, to avoid the door zone and ensure you're in the direct line of sight of both motorists and others wanting to enter and use the road space.

Active Engagement: Make eye contact, use clear hand signals, and occasionally, a smile or wave can significantly enhance your visibility to others.

Weather-Adapted Visibility: In poor visibility conditions, ensure your bike is equipped with efficient front and rear lights, and consider flashing lights or wearing reflective items that attract attention without relying solely on high-visibility clothing.

Beyond Gear: A Call for Shared Road Vigilance

Promoting a culture of safety involves recognising that high-visibility clothing is not a foolproof solution. It's a shared responsibility among all road users to maintain vigilance and support a safe environment. This perspective encourages a shift from focusing solely on what people wear to how they can actively engage in safe riding practices.

Incorporating urban cycling safety tips and effective riding behaviours into your routine can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, making city streets safer for everybody.

Conclusion

Embracing High Visibility Behaviour is pivotal for cyclists' safety in urban landscapes. It's about making informed choices—from the strategic use of bike lights to adopting road positions that ensure maximum visibility. At Pedal Set Go, we're committed to educating cyclists on safe riding practices, emphasising behaviour as the cornerstone of visibility and safety on the road.

We invite you to join the conversation. Share your experiences, tips, and thoughts on enhancing visibility and safety while cycling in the city. Together, we can foster a safer, more inclusive urban environment.