Safety Brief

Safety is the most important consideration on this ride and should be your FIRST priority on any ride. You are the only person that can ensure your own safety. Keep in mind that your actions and decisions can also affect the safety of the people around you. Life does not come with an “undo” button, so remember that bad decisions and choices can come with permanent consequences. While riding, stay alert and focused, and be aware of the cyclists and motorists around you. The guidelines in this briefing are here for your safety, so we ask that you review, understand, and follow these rules. Riders who repeatedly ride in an unsafe manner will be asked to abandon the ride.

What the law requires

• Bicycles must obey all traffic laws, traffic signals, and stop signs (a bicycle is a vehicle with the same privileges and restrictions as a car.)
• Ride with traffic, NOT against it.
• Always ride in the “slow” lane, unless you are preparing for a left turn.
• Use hand signals to indicate your intentions for turning and stopping.
• Do not pass cars on the right, and do not weave your way through traffic.

Road Positioning

• Ride as far to the right of your lane as is safe.
• Do not weave in the lane. If you do, drivers behind you will have a hard time passing, which causes an unsafe environment.
• Ride single file. Riding two or three abreast in a lane is very dangerous for other riders and drivers. Riders who repeatedly violate this rule will be asked to abandon the ride.

Ride Defensively

• Assume that drivers can’t see you.
• Always stop and look “Left-Right-Left” before entering or crossing traffic.
• Watch out for:
• Cars turning left in front of you.
• Cars that pass you then cut in front of you to make a turn.
• Parked cars (drivers may be opening doors into traffic.)
• Railroad tracks— they can grab your front wheel and cause you to fall.
• Be careful of making sudden turns or movements that drivers may not be anticipating.

Riding in a Group

• Ride single file and keep a straight line at all times. Be aware of the cyclists around you at all times and do not weave back and forth across the lane.
• When passing other riders, make sure the traffic is clear and always pass on the left. Let them know you are there by calling out “On your LEFT!” before you pass. Never pass on the right.
• When a car is approaching from the rear, call out, “Car BACK!” When a car is approaching from the front, call out, “Car UP!” When a car is approaching from the side, call out, “Car LEFT!” or, “Car RIGHT!”
• Use hand signals to indicate your intentions to other riders and drivers for turning and stopping as shown below:



• When stopping suddenly, you may not be able to take one hand off the handlebars. In this case, call out “Stopping!” or “Slowing!”
• Look for hazards in the road and call out anything unexpected like bumps, potholes, gravel, sand, twigs/branches, broken glass, or “road kill” so the riders behind will know about it.
• Do not look down to adjust gears at an intersection. Wait until it is safe to make any adjustments to pedals, water bottles, gears, or stuff in your jersey.

Other Points

• You must wear a helmet at all times while you are riding. Riders who repeatedly violate this rule will be asked to abandon the ride.
• Make sure your bike is road-ready and safe (we are offering a free safety inspection at the start!)
• Pay attention to course officials and directors during the ride.
• Dispose of your trash properly.

Summation

• BE SAFE
• STAY LEGAL
• PAY ATTENTION
• BE COURTEOUS
• BE CONSCIENTIOUS
• DISPOSE OF TRASH PROPERLY
• WEAR YOUR HELMET
• SIGNAL YOUR INTENTIONS
• CALL OUT CONDITIONS
• BE AWARE OF CARS AND CYCLISTS
• RIDE SINGLE FILE
• …AND REMEMBER “In any accident with an automobile, YOU LOSE!”

We can be an overwhelming presence on the road and in the small communities we pass through. Please help us with our community relations. -Make an extra effort to be courteous to one another and to local citizens.

Thank you and have a great and safe ride.

Before The Ride

• Check tire pressure. Minimum & maximum pressure levels are stated on the sidewall of the tire. Running pressure too low increases the chances of flats.
• Check tires for excessive wear, cracking or gashes.
• Make sure the chain is properly lubricated. Check for rust, excessive dirt, stiff links or noticeable signs of wear. Most chains need to be replaced every 1500-2500 miles.
• Make sure that the brakes grab firmly. Inspect the brake pads for wear.
• Check to be sure the quick-release levers or axle nuts are tight and the wheel is centered, not rubbing against the frame or brakes.
• Spin the wheels, checking for wobbles or hops. Out of true wheels may be a sign of broken spokes or a fatigued rim which could cause further damage or injury if ridden on.
• Check that the gears shift smoothly and the chain does not skip or shift by itself. Look for rusted or brittle cables that may break, causing loss of brakes or shifting.
• Bounce the bike lightly to detect rattles that might indicate loose or mis-adjusted parts.

Common Sense

• Wear a helmet!! Make sure it is free of any cracks and all buckles and straps properly work. Ensure proper & comfortable fit that won’t move or slide around on your head. Check to see if the helmet is CPSC certified for safety compliance.
• Stay hydrated. Bring water or other hydration drinks, especially on longer rides.
• Prepare for darkness. Make sure you have lights, white in the front, red for the rear. Also wear light colored clothing or reflective apparel.
• Have a repair kit/bag with you or on your bike. Pack a spare tube, pump or CO2 inflators, tire levers, and a multi-tool.
• Carry some form of identification.
• Dress properly for the weather. Temperatures can vary with wind, terrain, time of day, and your level of exertion.
• Wear protective eyewear. Road debris are easily kicked up by passing vehicles or other cyclists.
• Have your bicycle inspected and maintained at your local bike shop. Tune-ups are recommended at least once a year, twice for avid riders.