Double file cycling is safer, more enjoyable, and more efficient. It is the default mode for group riding. There are some circumstances when a change to single file riding is justified; this matrix provides guidance in making that decision:
Roads with two or more lanes in the direction of travel: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| QUESTION | DECISION | RATIONALE | |
| Is the right lane wide enough to share so that a passing vehicle can pass safely without crossing the lane line and without crowding the cyclists? | no  |
double file | Passing vehicles should use the next lane if the right lane is not wide enough to share safely |
yes  |
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| Is the road so busy that all lanes would be full if the cyclists were not there? | no |
double file | Passing vehicles can use the next lane to avoid inconvenience to the cyclists |
| yes |
single file | Assist other road users without compromising your own safety | |
Roads with only one lane in the direction of travel: |
|||
| QUESTION | DECISION | RATIONALE | |
| Is the lane wide enough to share so that a passing vehicle can pass safely without crossing the yellow line and without crowding the cyclists? | no |
double file | Passing vehicles should use the other lane if the lane is not wide enough to share safely. In particular, riding single file in narrow lanes at locations of inadequate visibility encourages unsafe passing |
| yes |
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| Is there a significant volume of following traffic? | no |
double file | If there are not many vehicles passing there cannot be many who will be inconvenienced |
| yes |
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| Is there a significant volume of oncoming traffic? | no |
double file | If there are not many oncoming vehicles there cannot be many passing vehicles who will be inconvenienced |
| yes |
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| Is the inconvenience to the motorists who have to wait before passing greater than the inconvenience to the cyclists if they ride single file? | no |
double file | The inconvenience should be shared equitably |
| yes |
single file | Show courtesy to others when it does not compromise your own safety | |