The Proper Etiquette When Following Other Cyclists

You ever been stalked on a bike?

You’re out, minding your own business, maybe on a long solo ride, and suddenly—there they are.

A shadow. A presence. A wheel-sucking leech clinging to your back tire like a barnacle on an old fishing boat.

Do you shake them? Do you say something? Do you embrace the sudden companionship, like two stray dogs sharing the same back alley?

Cycling etiquette is a strange beast. Some people love a bit of drafting, others would rather take a headwind straight to the teeth than share their ride with a stranger.

So let’s get into it—the 10 things you should know about following other cyclists without becoming the human equivalent of an overly friendly golden retriever.

1. Ask First, Leech Later

You wouldn’t walk up behind a stranger in a park and start breathing down their neck. Same thing here. If you’re gonna draft, ask. A simple “Mind if I sit on your wheel for a bit?” can save you from an awkward ride and potential glares.

2. Safe Distance or Bust

If you’re not explicitly drafting, give some space. A bike-length or more is ideal. No one wants to glance back and see a wild-eyed commuter about three inches from their derailleur.

3. The Regional Factor

Apparently, in the Netherlands and Belgium, you can practically cuddle your fellow cyclists and no one bats an eye. In the U.S.? Draft a stranger and you might get reported to the local authorities. Know the cultural norms.

4. Don’t Be a Ghost Rider

Nothing’s worse than an unannounced drafter. If you’re gonna ride close, make your presence known. A quick “Hey, I’m behind you” lets the person up front know they’re no longer alone in the universe.

5. Pass With Purpose

Ever had someone pass you, only to slow down immediately after? That’s like cutting in line at the store and then forgetting your wallet. If you’re gonna pass, commit. Otherwise, stay back and enjoy the scenery.

6. No Half-Wheeling

Half-wheeling is when you slightly creep ahead of someone but don’t actually pass them. It’s the equivalent of someone talking just a little louder than you in a conversation. It’s unnecessary, annoying, and begs for a showdown.

7. Respect the Solo Vibe

Some people ride to escape. To be alone. To pedal out their life frustrations in peace. If someone clearly isn’t interested in company, don’t force it. Not every cyclist wants to become best friends with the random guy they met on a Tuesday ride.

8. Ride Predictably

Drafting is dangerous if the person in front has no idea what they’re doing. Sudden braking, erratic swerving—these are how pileups happen. If you don’t know how to ride in a group, don’t pretend you do.

9. Don’t Be a Wheel-Sucking Parasite

If you’ve been drafting for a while and your legs aren’t on the verge of detaching from your body, maybe take a turn pulling. Even if you’re struggling, at least offer. Otherwise, you’re just that guy—the one who takes without giving back.

10. Know When to Break Away

There’s a fine line between casual companionship and unwanted cycling clinginess. If you’ve been trailing someone for 10 miles, maybe it’s time to either introduce yourself or take an exit. No one wants to feel like they’re being low-key stalked by a two-wheeled ghost.

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Quick Summary Table

Rule	What It Means	Why It Matters
Ask First	Get permission before drafting	Avoid awkwardness & collisions
Keep Your Distance	A bike-length or more	Safety first
Know the Culture	Some places allow drafting, some don’t	Avoid unintentional rudeness
Announce Yourself	Let them know you’re there	Prevent surprises
Pass & Commit	Don’t slow down after passing	It’s just common sense
No Half-Wheeling	Don’t creep ahead	Avoid unnecessary competition
Respect Solo Riders	Some people just want to be alone	Don’t ruin someone’s zen
Ride Predictably	No sudden braking or swerving	Safety in numbers
Don’t Be a Leech	Take a turn pulling if you can	Cycling karma is real
Break Away Eventually	Don’t be a silent tag-along forever	Avoid making it weird

I was once followed for ten miles by a guy in a neon green jersey. Never said a word.

Never took a turn at the front. Just latched onto my wheel like a stubborn burr on a wool sock.

By the time I pulled off into a gas station, he rode past, nodded once, and disappeared into the horizon. No words. No acknowledgment. Just gone.

So what’s the moral?

Don’t be the silent wheel-sucker. Don’t be the unpredictable squirrel on two wheels. And for the love of all things holy, if you’re gonna draft, just ask.

Because one day, you’ll be out there. Alone. Minding your own business. And then, you’ll feel it.

That shadow.

That presence.

That unshakable feeling that you’ve become the prey.