Guidelines for Safe Bike Riding
Be predictable - don’t make any sudden moves
- Keep a smooth pace while cycling – don’t surge and then coast particularly on fast rides.
- Always signal a change AHEAD of time – vocally & visually if possible.
- Hold your line and keep your head straight. Don’t weave or meander from side to side.
- Minimize the need to brake in close quarters by raising your torso or pedaling with less power.
- Predictability becomes essential as you speed up and ride closer.
Maintain a safe interval
- Safe bike riding distance depends on skill & pace.
- Generally leave 2 – 3 wheel lengths when bicycle riding.
- NEVER overlap wheels.
- Pay attention to the riders behind you – let the leader know when others fall way behind.
Stay alert & focused on riding
- Minimize unnecessary conversation especially as your pace increases.
- Avoid taking calls or texts during a ride – wait for a rest stop. Do NOT ride while talking or texting.
- If you must take a call, pull off and let the ride proceed without you. (Leaders & Sweeps excepted)
Give warnings & point out hazards
- Look before you pass and announce your intentions while cycling.
- Safe bike riding means passing on the left. Avoid passing on the right. If you must, be sure to alert the riders ahead of you.
- Pass hazard warnings up and down the line (hole, car back, runner up etc.)
Ride single file most of the time
- Stay as tight to the right as feasible, stay to the left when turning left.
- Ride two abreast only on quiet streets/roads or bike paths.
- Never ride more than two abreast.
Obey Lights & Signs Always stop at red lights – look ahead & anticipate
- Call out “STOPPING” if you become separated from riders ahead of you.
- Never try to beat the light just to stay with the pack.
- Leaders should find a safe place to wait for the group to reassemble after a red light.
- Use caution at all intersections.
- Yield to motorists when they have the right of way.
Be courteous
- Do not block traffic unnecessarily.
- If required to stop, pull off the road where possible.
- Allow overtaking traffic to pass but don’t be afraid to take a lane if necessary for safety.
Follow your leader
- Unless alternating in a paceline, stay behind the leader and in front of the sweep.
- Let the leader or sweep know if you decide to leave the group.
Speak up about other’s unsafe riding behavior
- Tactfully mention it to the ride leader or sweep if it persists.
Additional guidelines for safe pace line riding
- Be smooth and predictable at all times while cycling – make no sudden moves.
- Maintain your speed when taking over the lead, don’t accelerate off the front.
- Stay seated, down shift if needed, but don’t stand up.
- Pull off the paceline to the left only, unless doing double paceline work.
- Fast and more experienced riders can decrease to a 1 or ½ wheel length.
- Look over the shoulder or watch body movements of the person in front of you, not their wheel.
- Ride double pacelines with extreme caution on wide roads only.
- Wait until you’re at the back to remove your water bottle or spit.
- NEVER overlap wheels.