Riding two abreast

 
Is riding two abreast or in a larger group advisable or even legal?

Riding two abreast is legal. According to The Highway Code, cyclists should "never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file where the road narrows or on the approach to a bend". The CTC's advice for group riders is similar but more detailed - to quote from their website: "Group riding pattern is normally in pairs. This is sociable and keeps the group together. Single file is courteous and safer on some roads."

The Highway Code specifically allows cyclists to ride two abreast. It's usually the leader's decision when to move to single file because of traffic or when passing walkers or horses. Most groups have a standard method of moving from double to single file that everyone uses to make the manoeuvre smooth and safe. Ask how it's done in your group.

Some of the rules in The Highway Code are law. Those who break them are committing criminal offences - the code tells you that such rules must be followed and there's also an abbreviated reference to the statute creating the offence. While disobeying other rules in the code isn't an offence, they may still be used as evidence to establish criminal liability of other offences.