When riding in a group, what formation should be used on most road sections?

STAGGERED FORMATION is the standard group riding formation because it: MAINTAINS SPACING: Each rider has their full 2-second following distance to the rider ahead of them; IMPROVES VISIBILITY: Riders can see farther ahead because they are not directly behind another bike; ALLOWS ESCAPE ROUTES: Each rider has space to move within the lane for hazard avoidance without entering another rider's space; EXCEPTIONS: Single file is appropriate in: curves (each rider needs their own space for line selection); rain (reduces spray on following riders); poor visibility; any situation where stagger creates less safety than single-file. The group leader sets the pace; the sweep (last rider) keeps the group together; no one should pressure others to ride beyond their comfort level.