Paceline Rules

Please be aware of, and follow, these rules when participating in COTT group rides.

  • Do not use your aero bars unless you are leading the front of the paceline.
  • Look towards the front of the paceline. Do not stare at the wheel in front of you. If you stare at the wheel you can't react to things around you.
  • Ride at a constant, even speed at all times.
  • Keep about a 1 to 2 foot gap between you and the leading rider.
  • Try not to use brakes. Soft pedal or move out of the draft to slow slightly.
  • If you must brake, feather your rear brake gently.
  • Don't overlap wheels. If the rider in front of you moves and hits your wheel, you will crash, not the other rider.
  • If you do contact wheels, turn your wheel towards the wheel of the rider in front. If you turn away you will go down quickly.
  • If you make contact with another rider, don't turn away; relax and keep your bike straight.
  • Don't make any sudden moves.
  • Don't open Gaps! Keep the paceline tight.
  • If someone accelerates to open a gap, do not jump to close the gap; Close it slowly.
  • When standing, don't throw your bike back. You may hit the rider behind you.
  • When assuming the front of a paceline, keep your speed constant. Do not accelerate rapidly!
  • Never brake when at the front of a paceline.
  • Do not coast or soft pedal at the front of a paceline.
  • Wiggle your arm to signal that you are moving off the front. The arm that you wiggle indicates the side that you wish the following riders to pass you on.
  • Keep pedaling as you move off the front. Don't stop or slow your cadence until the following rider has begun to pull through.
  • If you are too tired or weak to do your turn at the front of the paceline, don’t pull at the front. Just rotate smoothly through without disrupting the group's pace. Then sit at the back about 1 bike length and let others fill in the space.
  • When re-entering the paceline from the back, begin pedaling about 2 or three riders from the back to increase your speed and move smoothly into the line. If you wait until everyone has passed to accelerate, you'll have to jump to catch the group.