Avoid the Snaking Paceline:  An Advanced Passing Technique

by John Price

Coastin' Sept/Oct 2005

Much information is available on riding in pacelines.  Mastering this skill can greatly enhance the cycling experience.

This page doesn't teach general paceline technique, but instead promotes an idea the author hasn't seen discussed elsewhere - the correct & courteous way a paceline should pass a slower rider or group of riders.

While riding in numerous recreationalist type events which draw large numbers of cyclists, I've noticed when a paceline passes slower riders, it usually traps the slower rider in the very uncomfortable position of being "snaked" by the faster riders - please see Illustration #1 .  

My suggestion is that the lead rider of the faster group should not move over to the right until the last rider in his group has cleared the slower cyclist - please see Illustration #2.  This requires experience & good judgement on the part of the lead rider, as he shouldn't be constantly looking over his shoulder.

Of course, traffic laws must be obeyed & good judgment exercised.

Illustration #1 of 2

Illustration #2 of 2