Safe Riding Guidelines

  1. Helmets are required.
  2. Traffic Laws:
    • Obey the rules of the road!
    • Adhere to all traffic laws.
  3. Ride with lights:
    • We strongly recommend front blinking lights, rear blinking lights and use of rear view mirrors.
  4. Group riding is not pace lining:
  5. Primarily Ride Single File as far right as possible:
    • Allow breaks in a large group for cars to pull in.
    • On a wide shoulder, it is OK to ride 2 abreast when safe and only when not blocking overtaking vehicles.
      • Riding two abreast limits maneuverability, ride accordingly. The left-most rider must slow, accelerate, or move over to allow the adjacent rider to maneuver around debris or obstacles.
      • The furthest left rider must pull right into single file when “car back” is announced. Other riders should adjust pace to allow rider in.
  6. Pass on the left, when clear of traffic:
    • Passing on the right is discouraged. If you have room, and it is safer than passing on the left, then announce that you are “on the right”.
  7. Stopping/Waiting:
    • Make sure you and your bike are completely out of traffic lanes when stopped.
  8. Hand Signals:
    • Primarily use hand signals to indicate hazards, turns, stopping and slowing. You cannot over signal.
    • Do not solely rely on hand signals from the front rider. Pass signals back through the group.
    • Hazards include holes, bumps, cattle guards, road kill, gravel, sand, pedestrians, cars, etc., basically anything disruptive to a cyclist.
  9. Verbal Warnings:
    • Verbal warnings should be used in extreme cases or when you cannot signal.
      • Call out examples are “glass”, “hole”, “trash”.
      • Call out “car up” – to warn of approaching vehicles.
      • Call out “car back” – to warn of overtaking vehicles.
    • On busy roads where there is constant traffic up and back then you do not need to announce every “car up” or “car back”.
    • Announce “on your left” when overtaking an unsuspecting cyclist. You should expect to be passed if you are in the group but you are slowing for whatever reason.  In this case “on your left” is not necessary.
  10. Keep your head up and your eyes scanning:
    • Do not fixate on the wheel in front of you.
    • Use your peripheral vision to monitor the wheel in front of yours while you watch the road and riders ahead. You will better see the paceline slowing or accelerating, as well as traffic lights and stop signs..
  11. Rider responsibility:
    • All riders are responsible for group safety.
    • Everyone (not just ride leaders) has the obligation to request that riders adhere to these guidelines and to ask them to leave the group if they continually refuse.