Ride Tips - Passing - http://www.ms150.org/ms150/SafetyZone/etiquette.html#passing

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Ride Tips - Passing

Passing on a bicycle is a two-way process. As a general rule, the passer has primary responsibility for a safe pass; however, both the passer and "passee" have a few simple responsibilities to make a pass safe and friendly.

The passee(s) should:

  • Be aware of approaching riders (look behind and listen! NO headphones); consolidate to single file to allow a safe pass;
  • Acknowledge calls to pass; saying "Thank You" is a GREAT way to do this!
  • Maintain a steady speed and hold a consistent line-don't suddenly slow down or speed up as you are being passed, and don't swerve.

The passer(s) should:

  • Call "Approaching rider" as you get close;
  • Slow a bit to allow buffer space; communicate "Rider up, slowing" to your group; groups must only pass as a single line;
  • Check the road behind to ensure no approaching vehicles, making sure there is enough room for everyone to safely pass;
  • Call "Passing on you left" after the other rider has acknowledged your presence, indicating number of riders in line if passing as a group;
  • Move left to allow adequate space as you come around as you smoothly accelerate to your previous speed to make the pass;
  • Allow plenty of room before pulling back in to the right so as to not cut off the passees;
  • If in a line, the last rider should indicate "Last rider."

And