Road Cycling Safety and Etiquette

Bike Safety

  1. Have a working front light and back light for your bike.
  2. Wear a helmet and have a rear view mirror.
  3. Carry a flat tire repair kit (extra tire tube, mini pump or CO2 cartridge and a mini tool kit.)

Rider Safety and Etiquette

  1. Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic.
  2. Ride single file on busy roads as directed by the ride leader.
  3. Ride no more than two abreast on low traffic roads (provided you are not impeding traffic).
  4. Ride in bike lanes, If no bike lane, keep to the right as practicable.
  5. Take the entire lane when there is not enough space for a car to pass you safely (i.e. going through a roundabout).  Also, take the lane when making a left turn and moving from the right side of the road to the center then to the left.
  6. Ride predictably and communicate your intentions with visible hand signals (if that is not possible, loud verbal cues) to:
    • Signal your intentions (slowing, stopping, turning)
    • Alert others of hazards on the road (potholes, gravel, railroad tracks, glass, etc.)
    • Pass these signals all the way to the back of the group.
    • Say “Passing on your left” to alert rider BEFORE you pass — Never pass on the right.
  7. Pace — Ride at a consistent and steady pace; avoid making sudden stops and turns.
  8. Assume responsibility for your own safety.
    • Intersections: Do not call “Clear!” when passing through an intersection.  Just because the person ahead of you goes, does not mean it is safe for you.
    • If you need help, say so.  From the side of the road use thumbs down to signal “help needed.”
    • Don’t drop silently:  Tell someone before dropping from the ride and ask them to inform the leader and/or the sweeper.
  9. BE A FRIEND
    • If you see someone who is having trouble, offer help and notify the leader/sweeper.