Why is it that so many bicycle riders blast through stop signs and traffic lights? On the surface, it would appear to be simple, self-centered lack of respect. But let’s examine just what it takes to execute an intersection crossing in a group.
Here comes a group of cyclists. There is traffic present, so they are riding in single file, along the right hand side of the road. As the group approaches the intersection, the last two riders are checking to their rear. They make a very good judgment decision. When the group is closing on the intersection, and when there is sufficient gap in the overtaking traffic, this last pair moves out to “take” the travel lane. They report their action to the riders ahead, and the entire group forms into pairs. Now the whole group is making their final, brisk approach to the intersection, two by two.
The lead pair come to a complete stop, stepping to the ground with one foot, and waiting their turn in the rotation. The moment it is their turn to cross, they push off, re-mounting and accelerating, clearing the intersection rapidly. The moment they are completely across, they resume their single file formation. Once they are about a hundred yards past the intersection, and still remaining in single file, they slow down sharply, waiting for the rest of the group to rejoin.
Meanwhile, back at the intersection, the second pair, and each pair in turn, repeats the actions. Each pair pulls crisply up to the stop line, executes a definite stop, waits, and then clears the intersection with deliberate haste. No one jumps out of turn, or disturbs the “rotation” of vehicles through the intersection.
After the entire group has cleared, they are likely to be separated by both distance, and a few intervening cars. Because the leaders are moving slowly, in file, but are stable in their motions and course, the cars that are interspersed are able to pass and go on their way. Also, the trailing members of the group are able to catch up and re-join. When the last pair is re-connected, they shout this news forward, to have it echoed “All in!” The report is repeated by middle position riders, until the lead pair hears it. At that point, the leaders make a deliberate acceleration, returning to the ride pace.
Two things are required to make all this work. Skill and trust.
It actually takes a lot of skill to execute an intersection stop and re-start. A lot of things have to happen, in the correct order, and at a very quick pace. Riders have to position their bikes, retain situational awareness, and downshift prior to the stop, while waiting until close to the intersection to brake. They then brake with deliberate force, unclip from pedals, execute a complete stop, re-mount quickly, and accelerate, maintaining correct road position. Properly executed, this can look like choreographed dance, or precision drill.
The other factor is trust. Each rider has to be able to trust the riders in front and behind. Leaders must be trusted not to blast away, taking advantage of the situation to leave others behind. Following riders must be trustworthy also. They must be depended upon to hold their positions, report situations, and to execute their duties correctly.
Could it be that most group riders lack the requisite skills necessary to accomplish this evolution correctly? Could it also be that riders in the group don’t trust the leaders to wait for them? Perhaps there is reason for both of these conditions?
Believe it. This bears thinking about.
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