By Barbara Jacobs and Nina Siegel

Many cyclists/riders use a system called Human Arrows in group riding. This format allows all cyclists on a led ride to easily stay together and no one gets lost. Bike Thursday and Wednesday Wheelers are known to use Humans (cyclists) as Arrows along the route ensuring all riders make all turns and get through tricky intersections. While all cyclists should have the route via RidewithGPS, Garmin, Wahoo, other, or a printed cue sheet, some do not. Human Arrows keep the led ride intact. Other groups within CRW may also use Human Arrows and other area clubs use them.

So how does this work? To keep the group moving and not stopping at every turn to regroup, a cyclist stands at each corner, fork, or intersection and directs other cyclists. Usually, the cyclist directly behind the Leader takes the position of Arrow. This cyclist stays at their post, until the Sweep comes by and relieves them.

Who becomes the Arrow? The rider directly behind the Leader. The Leader will tell the cyclist behind them an Arrow is needed. That person chooses a visible location, safe from vehicles. This could be at the far side of the intersection, and in the direction of the turn. The Arrow stays at this post until the Sweep  arrives and lets them know they are free to ride on.

Usually, the rider behind the Leader does not have to be asked to take the position; the rider will let the Leader know they are prepared to be the Arrow. Riders who do not want to be an Arrow should not ride directly behind the Leader. Sometimes the Leader will say ‘No Arrow’ because they can see the Sweep.

If you have a speedy rider in your group they might Arrow a lot. The rider will be the Arrow, chill at their post, and then catch up to the Leader safely to take a turn as an Arrow again.

Easy, you think! Usually, but not always. What could go wrong:

1. The Arrow leaves their position before the Sweep comes along to relieve them. This usually happens due to miscommunication. The Arrow might think they see the Sweep, so the Sweep must see them. Be sure to have verbal or eye contact with each other. The Sweep may indicate with a wave the Arrow can move along. Acknowledge the Sweep. The Sweep must relieve the Arrow.

2. The Arrow does not know who the Sweep is. It is essential that the Leader let everyone in the group know who the Sweep is (great opportunity to meet other members) and what they are wearing. Remember, many cyclists wear yellow.

3. The Sweep takes off their jacket at a rest stop. Let the group know they are now wearing red, not yellow. 

4. Riders between the Arrow and the Sweep miss the Arrow. This happens when the Arrow leaves their position or is not visible to all riders. Where the Arrow stands is very important. The Arrow must be visible – ideally the Arrow is watching the road, looking for group riders and the Sweep.

5. The Arrow is left standing for a long time with no other riders coming. Sometimes this happens. The Sweep might be handling an issue with another rider and the Arrow is left standing. Ideally, if there is an issue the Sweep will call the Leader (cell numbers are exchanged at the start of the ride). If there is more than one rider with the Leader or Sweep, a rider will be sent ahead or back to alert the Arrow what is happening and send them on their way.

6. Sometimes the route has a lot of turns and the Leader runs out of Arrows. Do not laugh, it happens. This might be a good time to regroup…

Normally, Human Arrowing works perfectly. Riders thank the Arrow as they turn the corner, and everyone has a good time. If you want to become a Human Arrow, watch how it works first, and then by all means, join in the fun!