Two-second rule

The two-second rule is a simple way to keep a safe following distance at any speed. When the vehicle in front passes a fixed point, such as a sign or a tree, count 'one thousand and one, one thousand and two'. If you reach the point before you finish, you are too close.

Two seconds is a minimum in good conditions. In rain, on gravel, in darkness, behind large vehicles or when tired, increase it to three or four seconds or more, as braking distances grow and hazards are harder to see.

In group rides with a staggered formation, riders often keep about one second to the rider diagonally ahead and two seconds to the rider directly ahead in the same track. Always leave enough room to stop or avoid an obstacle.