How Can Paceline Mishaps Be Prevented?

Question: There was a crash in our group last week. We were riding in a paceline at about 20 mph. The second rider was going too fast and tried to slow by sitting up to catch the wind. It didn't work and she overlapped the lead rider's rear wheel. At that moment, he swerved to the left to avoid glass. Their tires touched and she went down.

Was she wrong to overlap wheels? If you're going too fast and sitting up doesn't help, is it okay to brake? -- Glenn W.

Coach Fred Replies: Three key factors are involved here.

First, riders in a paceline should avoid overlapping wheels. This requires paying attention and anticipating situations. But as we know, it's easier to say than do.

If you find yourself running up on a rear wheel, it's fine to move slightly to the side, soft pedal (no exertion) and sit higher so the wind acts as a brake. But as the rider in this episode learned, it may not reduce speed enough to avoid an overlap.

Then it's okay to use the brakes. However, they must be applied lightly and smoothly. The term for this technique paints the right picture: "Feather the brakes." Soft pedal as you do it and riders behind won't even realize you're pulling the levers.

Don't brake in a way that makes the bike slow abruptly. That will domino down the paceline, making every other rider react. It won't gain you any friends.

Second, in the incident described, the front rider was at fault, too. He needed to scan the road and lead the paceline smoothly around the glass. By swerving abruptly, he shares responsibility for the crash.

Tip! When a lead rider spots something that must be ridden around, he should alert those behind by pointing toward the side the obstacle is on. For example, if he'll lead the paceline by on the left, he would point with his right arm. The leader might also call out "glass" or "gravel" or "hole" or whatever.

Third, all riders must realize that crashes happen. We try to ride safely, but in situations where people are packed tightly, even experienced cyclists can cross wheels. Look at the Tour de France. Those are the best riders in the world, but sometimes it seems like a demolition derby.

Some riders get extremely worked up about breaches of paceline etiquette. Instead of yelling at less-experienced riders, give them advice that improves their skills. The faster they learn, the safer you'll be.

The exceptions are mistakes by riders who should know better. When they show disrespect for the safety of others by sheer carelessness or needless aggression, they should hear about it.