Here is what the LAB has to say about  'clear!'.

 

"7. Watch Out At Intersections——When approaching intersections that require vehicles to yield or stop, the lead rider will say "slowing" or "stopping" to alert those behind to the change in speed. When passing through an intersection, some cyclists say "clear" if there is no cross traffic. This is a dangerous practice that should be abandoned. It encourages riders to follow the leader, letting others do their thinking for them. Each cyclist is responsible for verifying that the way is indeed clear."

 

The only help you will be giving by yelling 'clear' is getting people in to their grave or the emergency room.

 

Most people in a bike group assume that the fact that the person ahead of them is going through the intersection means its clear anyway, whether or not it is. This is also a bad practice, as time and position are critical in passing safely through an intersection.

 

When it comes to safety, don't depend on others to provide it for you, this will get you injured or killed. When someone yells 'clear', ignore their misguided help and look for yourself. In the bicycle world there  is sometimes only a half second between 'clear' and death by motor vehicle.

 

Its your life

 

Rob Wilt

GCC VP