Lights can split a group, but treating every stop as a regroup creates confusion about where to wait. The practical choice is whether a red-light split means riders continue to a previously agreed meeting point, or whether the group waits at that signal. I would keep that rule simple and make the intended regroup point explicit before setting off; otherwise people can be left making different assumptions about whether to wait or roll on. A useful plan should make both the signal and the place clear, rather than relying on riders to infer a decision from what the front does.
What pre-ride signal or agreement would make that distinction clearest?
Before rolling, I’d say: obey every signal; if we get split, the front waits at the first safe spot beyond the junction, not the next trail junction. Raised hand means hold. That’s clear enough nobody has to guess whether the group has rolled on.
“Hold” needs to mean regroup beyond the junction, not stop wherever you happen to be when you see the hand. Riders who’ve already crossed should clear it and wait at the safe spot; stopping in the crossing to keep the group together is a bad signal to give.
Riders who’ve already crossed should clear it and wait at the safe spot
Yes. The hand is for riders who haven’t crossed yet; anyone already legally through keeps rolling to the agreed spot. A regroup signal shouldn’t make someone stop in the crossing.
