‘Car up’ ‐ A car is approaching the front of the group
‘Car back’ ‐ A car is behind the group
‘Car right’ ‐ A car is either parked on the right or is a warning to a car on the right.
‘Car passing’ ‐ A car is passing the group on the left.
‘Hole (right, left, or middle)’ ‐ There is a pothole or bad road surface that you should avoid. The hand signal is to point downward to the left, right, or middle to the obstruction.
‘Slowing’ ‐ Slow down, prepare to stop. The hand signal is an open palm in the center of a double file. Usually given on the approach to a junction.
‘Stopping’ – The ride will come to a complete stop. The hand signal is a closed fist in the center of a double file.
‘Gravel’ – There is gravel or a loose road surface, you should slow down and or take care. Palm down hand shaking indicates a broken and uneven surface.
‘Crackl’ – There is a crack or joint in the road and riders need to be extremely careful to avoid getting caught so as to lose control of their bike.
‘Clear left’ or ‘Clear right’ ‐ There is no traffic coming from the left or right and it is safe to proceed. Riders should ALWAYS check themselves that it is safe to proceed.
‘Single up’ ‐ Initially announced by the ride leader or sweeper. Move into single file. If riding on the inside, drop behind the rider to your right.
‘Double up’ ‐ Initially announced by the ride leader or sweeper. Move from single file to side by side in pairs.
‘GAP’ – A rider has fallen behind and the group needs to potentially slow down for the rider to catch up.
‘Mechanical’ – a rider is experiencing a mechanical issue with their bike. Ride leader will lead all other riders to a safe location and the sweeper will provide aid to the disabled rider.
‘Rider down” ‐ rider(s) has gone down with their bike. Ride leader will pull all riders to a safe location before rendering aid. Sweeper will immediately render aid. Anyone with medical/first aid experience should identify themself to the ride leader to assist.
‘All On’ – Initially announced by the sweeper. All riders are together and the group can move on at “normal” speed.
‘Rider’s Back’ – Riders have split up, which may be due to some riders having proceeded safely through an intersection on green whereas other riders were halted by the light turning yellow/red before they got through the intersection. Signals the lead riders to slow down or stop safely off the side of the road.
‘Report (left, or right)’ – Signal from the ride leader to the sweeper to report whether the riders can shift into the left or right lane in preparation for an upcoming turn.
‘Take the lane’ – Announced by the sweeper that riders may safely shift into the lane. RIDERS SHOULD ALWAYS LOOK AND DOUBLE‐CHECK TO SEE THERE IS NO CAR APPROACHING IN THE LANE THEY ARE SHIFTING INTO. Sometimes the sweeper may call out, “Take two lanes”.
‘Green‐up’ – The light at an intersection is “green” and the riders are to proceed through the intersection.
‘Rolling’ – Initially announced by the ride leader for the group to proceed forward.