From the Sciennes Cycle to School rides, I think we've also learned to completely fill the lane - we found that children, when directed to cycle two abreast, would still be just in the QBiC cycle lane, but strung out for so long that drivers turning left or right through the group was a serious concern.
So, we dispensed with the Highway Code ("no more than two abreast") and simply travel as a lane filling bunch.
For traffic signals, we'll slow down for a late green, rather than split the group, let the stragglers join the bunch again (there are always some, no matter the front pace!) and then proceed through on the next phase. There's always a risk that no drivers will manage through on that phase, but that's not really our concern...
This means that we don't feel compelled to push the rear of the group through a red signal, whilst attempting to hold back joining traffic with a green - the phases are generous enough that the Sciennes bunch can get through in one go, even if it is initially counter-intuitive to slow down approaching a green light!
A roving "sweeper" to request bunching up and filling in the gaps is probably necessary - it seems many parents default to kid in the gutter and parent close beside, so being out in the middle of the lane requires encouragement.
Finally, some "take the lane" minded back markers are required to protect the stragglers (who invariably drift into the gutter again) from overlapping drivers. Stern looks and hard stares are sometimes required, and getting in the way is always required - it's hard for one (or even two) cyclists to fill the entire north-bound carriageway at the rear.
This was not the police advice to us, but they aren't present to deal with the risks their advice creates!
Robert
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