What is proper paceline and riding abreast procedure?

Question

(I know:multi-questions in one, but I think the answers are related.) Is there a standard rule for direction of rotation of the point rider in a paceline, i.e. does he break out left or right before allowing the line to pass him? It must depend on the right-of-way law (UK style, left hand vs. US style right hand rights-of-way). And what is the standard English word to warn the line that you are relinquishing the point position? "Gimme a break!!" seems too wordy.
Likewise, when riding abreast on a (usually low traffic) two- lane road and being overtaken by a car, should the outside rider brake and drift back behind his buddy, or should the outside rider accelerate while the inside rider brakes? This assumes that the car can't be trusted to pull out to pass both riders (never trust a driver you can't look in the eye!).
Thanks for your collective insight, YA listers.

Answer 1

When riding in a paceline (and there's no traffic, like on a closed course for Tour de France or Giro d'Italia), the correct way to 'break' is so that the rest of the line is on the windward side, sheltering the rider who has relinquished his position at the front of the pack.

When you're doing it and there IS traffic (like everyday club rides), the single pace line rider breaks TO THE SHOULDER SIDE, allowing the paceline to move past and incidentally protecting the now-relieved rider from possible traffic-related injury.

For a double paceline, the front riders always break to the outside of their respective lines, allowing the remaining riders to pass between them.

Typically using the word 'break' or a recognized hand gesture to the riders behind is sufficient to warn those behind of your intentions. (Another good reason to only ride pacelines with riders you DO know well, rather than just anyone!)

As for ordinary riding abreast - this should never be done, if there is any indication that there might be traffic coming up behind (which basically means anywhere that is not a closed course). However, if you DO get stuck out there, the normal practice is for the rider furthest from traffic to brake slightly, allowing the rider nearest the traffic to accelerate and pull in ahead. This keeps both riders out of the way of traffic and is least likely to cause injury.

Remember that a bicycle is a VEHICLE, which means it is always subject to the 'rules of the road' ... which means overtaking and passing on the side of oncoming traffic (left hand side in North America, for example).

Answer 2

Technically, the rider dropping off of the front of the paceline does so on the opposite direction of the wind. If the wind is coming from the left, the rider drops off to the right. This is because the rider coming off may be easing off the pace a bit, but they are exposed to the wind until the rider behind them pulls off. This is particularly important during big crosswinds.

The etiquette when be passed by a car is to do whatever get your over faster. There really is no rule here.