In a paceline, each bicyclist works hard for a little while at the front and then drops back to the rear along the left side of the line of riders. Large groups may ride in two lines side by side: a double paceline, with the leaders dropping back along the outside.

A well-coordinated paceline is poetry in motion, but drafting is always a little risky. To take advantage of the windbreak effect, you must follow the rider ahead of you closely; but you must never let your front wheel overlap that rider's rear wheel. If the wheels touch, you suddenly can't balance, and you'll almost certainly take a quick, hard fall. Other riders behind you will land on top of you. Ride in a paceline only if you've developed good control over your bike.

Everyone in a paceline must ride smoothly, with no quick braking or swerving. Look past the rider in front of you: Don't stare at his or her rear wheel. Try to anticipate the moves the lead rider will make. The lead rider should announce road hazards: "Whole," "Dog right," "Red light," and maneuvers: "Slowing," "Left turn." The last rider should announce "Car back" when a car is about to pass the group. Hand signals aren't a good idea in a tight paceline group. It's more important to keep both hands on the handlebars. When you pull in behind another rider to draft, call out "On your wheel" so he will know you're there.

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