Keep a safe distance. Leave at least a 2-second gap between you and the rider ahead.
Check behind at intersections. Make sure the rider following can see you turn before you proceed.
Ride responsibly. Never follow another rider automatically—always check that it is safe, sensible, and legal before making a move.
E-bike compliance. All e-bikes on club rides must meet Victorian laws, rules, and standards. Riders are responsible for ensuring their bikes comply with requirements for use on public roads and shared paths, including power limits and pedal-assist rules.
Stay off the phone. Using a mobile while group riding is unsafe and inconsiderate. If you need to take a call, pull over and let the Tail-End-Charlie know.
Warn others. Call out hazards, obstacles, or changes on the road/path to protect those behind you.
👉 Please also read the Safe Riding Guide below for more details on these and other club rules.
If the weather is extreme (32°C+ or significant rain), riders must check with the ride coordinator before heading out.
This is especially important when the start point is distant—the coordinator cannot be expected to drive long distances if the ride is cancelled.
Start times may vary through the year and sometimes depends on the particular ride. Check the start time on the calendar if you are intending to ride.
Aim to be at the start point 15 mins before departure.
Visitors are welcome to join Peninsula Pedallers rides at any time.
Before applying for membership, new riders are asked to complete 3 visitor rides. This gives both the rider and the club time to see if we’re a good fit for each other.
Membership fees are:
Individual: $20 per year
Family: $30 per year
Leisurely Group: Ideal for new riders or those returning after a break. Extra support is available if needed.
Faster Group: Suited to more experienced riders looking for a greater challenge.
Regular rides are held on Wednesdays and Sundays.
We also organise weekend trips and other social events.
All riders are expected to:
Keep their bikes in good mechanical order
Carry a spare inner tube for punctures
Experienced riders are always on hand to help with breakdowns and to share skills such as tyre changes and minor adjustments.
Ride calendars, newsletters, and other updates are available here on our website. For further details about our club or rides, please contact one of the committee members listed under the Contacts menu.
This guide has been developed to help you to prepare for and enjoy safe rides with Peninsula Pedallers. Please remember however that you have the ultimate responsibility for your own safety and compliance with road laws.
Always think PENINSULAR PEDALLERS when you are riding as you are an ambassador for the club.
Be prepared, be sensible, think of others and enjoy your rides.
Be aware that the ride coordinator can cancel or change the ride if the weather is inclement (rain or shine) or other conditions dictate. This includes a temperature forecast that exceeds 32°C. If inclement weather is forecast, the ride coordinator will usually send out emails to keep riders up to date with the status of the ride. However, a rider should take the responsibility to contact the ride coordinator if they are uncertain of the ride arrangements.
Ensure your bike is mechanically sound, tyres pumped, chain lubricated etc.
Pack provisions and equipment appropriate to the ride. Peninsula Pedallers recommends you carry a personal first aid kit.
Always bring some food irrespective of the destination. Bananas are an excellent food for cyclists.
Always bring water, irrespective of the season, temperature, or location of the ride.
Always carry a pump, spare tube, tyre levers and a puncture repair kit. (It’s not uncommon to have more than one puncture in a day!)
Wear bright coloured clothing.
Wear / Carry suitable clothing for the anticipated weather conditions.
Always wear an approved helmet.
Be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the advertised departure time.
Introduce yourself to the Ride Leader and complete the sign on sheet.
Listen to any pre-ride announcements by the Ride Leader and take a note of who is “Tail End Charlie”.
Advise the Ride Leader if you need to leave the group before the ride ends.
Ride between the Ride Leader and the “Tail End Charlie” unless otherwise arranged.
Maintain a safe distance behind the rider in front of you.
Riding two-abreast may be legal but it is not always safe. Always ride single file when there are double continuous lines, or a continuous line for your lane. Be guided by the Ride Leader and your common sense.
It is important at intersections that you check to see that the rider following you sees you turn. Those behind you might not be familiar with the route.
When stopping, ensure you are not a hazard to the rider behind you. Call out “STOPPING” or pull over to the left. Do not obstruct the road or pathway when stopped, think of other users.
When pulling out on to the road, ensure you do not do so in front of on-coming riders or traffic.
In the event of a problem, advise another rider as soon as you stop. They or the Tail End Charlie can then assist you if required.
Always keep roads and paths clear when re-grouping so as other uses are not held up.
Do not automatically follow another rider without checking for yourself that it is safe, sensible, and legal to do so.
Riders who notice a hazard (glass pothole etc) on the road / track should advise the riders behind them of the pending hazard.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other club members.
Using a mobile phone while riding reduces concentration and can compromise safety. It may also distract other riders.
If you need to take a call, pull over to the side, inform the Tail-End-Charlie, and rejoin the group after finishing the call.
While VicRoads permits calls if the phone is securely mounted on the bike, they recommend avoiding this practice.
When riding on shared pathways and trails, we must show consideration for all other users. These may include pedestrians, electric scooter riders, skateboarders, horse riders, and fellow cyclists. Respecting others helps keep everyone safe and protects the good reputation of our club.
The leader sets the pace according to conditions.
All riders must remain behind the leader.
Always ride in single file on busy pathways and trails.
Overtake only when you have a clear view both ahead and behind and it is safe to do so.
Communicate your intention before passing (see Communication section).
All riders must have a working bell or horn fitted to their bicycle.
While not legally required, front and rear lights are strongly recommended—particularly when sharing roads with motor vehicles.
Do not block the path or trail.
If you stop, move well off the path/trail so others can pass safely.
Show courtesy at all times to other users, including pedestrians, scooter riders, and cyclists.
Use your bell or horn well in advance when approaching others (except horse riders - see below).
A friendly greeting when passing helps maintain good relations.
Do not approach horses directly. Stop and move well off the trail in advance.
Do not ring your bell or sound your horn.
Keep noise to a minimum—speak quietly or remain silent.
Only pass a horse if it is stationary or walking, and proceed with caution.
Use clear verbal calls and hand signals.
Call “slowing” or “stopping” when reducing speed.
Call “passing” before overtaking another rider.
Alert other riders to approaching other people: “rider up”, “rider back”, “walkers up”, etc.
On road sections, use “car up” or “car back”.
Any member may raise an incident report. This applies to:
Accidents or injuries.
Near misses.
Hazards or unsafe behaviour.
Any other matter that should be formally recorded.
Reporting helps the club improve safety, learn from incidents, and take appropriate action where needed.