Bells AngelsCycling Club · Edinburgh
← Back to Info

Riding with us

Cycling Courtesy

A few guidelines that help keep everyone safe and make rides enjoyable for all — before and during.

Bells Angels out on a ride

Before the ride

  • Ensure that your bike is in a roadworthy condition.
  • Check your helmet. If it's over 5 years old, has been involved in a crash or other hard impact, consider replacing it.
  • Carry spare inner tubes, tyre levers and pump — and ideally know how to use them.
  • Be aware of the weather and pack layers of clothing, especially in winter just in case.
  • Have an emergency contact system: a named person's contact details and any important medical information with you.
  • Carry water or hydration fluid and a snack. Not all rides plan a coffee stop — check with the organiser.
  • Bring a bike lock, especially if there's a planned stop.
  • The planned route will usually be shared beforehand to give an idea of distance and any hills. Full details can be provided by the organiser.
  • Please make sure you arrive in plenty of time to leave at the planned start time.
  • If you can no longer make it on the day, let the organiser know or someone else joining the ride.
  • Planned rides can occasionally be changed at the last minute — check WhatsApp or Facebook for any updates.
  • Share your phone number with the ride organiser.
Cyclists on a group ride

During the ride

  • Cycling in a group can feel a little daunting if you're not used to it. Be aware of other riders — it's OK to chat, but it's important to keep an eye on what's happening around you, especially on roads.
  • Riding close to other riders can carry risks. Be sure to give enough space to manoeuvre, don't overlap the wheel in front, and communicate with the rest of the group.
  • Riding two abreast is fine when it's safe to do so.
  • Single file around corners and blind bends.
  • If anyone drops behind, the organiser will pause the ride to re-group.
  • Anyone riding ahead of the ride organiser should wait at any junctions or turnings.
  • If overtaking another rider, leave enough space — and it's worth saying 'on your right'. Avoid undertaking on the left.
  • It's OK to leave a ride early, but it's essential to let the organiser know.
  • It's also OK to join a ride en route if the organiser agrees. This must be arranged beforehand, and it's essential to be at the meeting point at the agreed time.
  • Enjoy — cycling is fun!