Suggestions
for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride
Outline
- Ride Levels
- Purpose and Guiding
Principles
- Behavior, Courtesy and
Respecting the Rights of Others
- Ride Practices
- Dealing with Mechanical
Problems and Emergencies
- Food and Clothing
- Aero Bars
- Child Protection Policy
- Role of the Ride Leader
- Limitation of Liability
Ride Levels
A+
23-25 MPH
A
20-22 MPH
B
18-21 MPH
C
16-18 MPH
D
14-16 MPH
Purpose and Guiding Principles
These suggestions for a safe and enjoyable ride
summarize the expected behavior for participants in all BRBC club rides. They do not apply to races since club rides
are not races.
Behavior, Courtesy and Respecting the Rights of
Others
We recognize that the public judges all bike riders
by our actions and behavior and that cycling’s reputation with the non-riding
public is at stake. We understand that
our conduct is an example to others - for better or worse. Therefore we …
- Encourage riders to
project a good public image and encourage responsible riding.
- Exhibit considerate
behavior towards other riders, pedestrians, motorists and the public
showing respect, courtesy, responsibility and due regard for the rights of
others.
- Avoid confrontations
and report incidents to the police as appropriate.
- Avoid language that is
obscene, insulting or threatening, even when provoked.
The BRBC neither encourages nor condones any
disregard for traffic laws. Such actions
may endanger or injure yourself and others and can lead to possible civil and
criminal actions by third parties and law enforcement authorities.
Ride Practices
- Ride at a steady pace,
accelerating and decelerating smoothly.
- Warn before braking or
slowing. Use hand and verbal
signals to identify approaching hazards.
Alert riders to upcoming turns, road hazards, pedestrians, cars,
potholes, etc.
- Be aware of cars and
riders behind you, along side of you and in front of you.
- Ride assertively
anticipating hazards and taking the space you need on the road to avoid
them.
- Allow enough time for
the entire group to negotiate obstacles and intersections.
- If the group
inadvertently becomes split (usually due to an obstacle or intersection),
riders in the forward group should slow down or find a safe place to stop
and reform the group.
- Check after
intersections to assure no one behind you was caught by a light.
- Wait for the last rider
in the group unless the rider has requested to be left behind or an
agreement made with everyone’s consent that the group will not wait for
dropped riders.
- Passing vehicles on the
right is always dangerous and should be avoided with the possible
exceptions of when passing a car that is turning left and/or when vehicular
traffic is completely stopped in a traffic jam. Even then, be sure to pass carefully
giving the vehicles ample clearance.
- Abide by traffic
signals (red and yellow lights) and be very cautious at stop signs, yield
signs, etc.
- Overtake slower bikes on
the left side giving ample clearance and warning when passing.
- Do not overlap the
front wheel of your bicycle with the rear wheel of another bicycle.
- Maintain a safe gap
from the rider in front of you.
- Avoid being
“doored”. Be alert to stopped and
parked cars. Look for drivers
inside a car, making positive contact with them (eye contact) and be
ABSOLUTELY sure they actually see you.
- Do not ride closer than
one car length behind a moving motor vehicle and never hold on to one
(i.e. no slip streaming)
- Don’t leave the group
without notifying other riders and the ride leader.
- If you are not
confident of finishing the ride, let the ride leader know. When that happens during a ride, you may
either drop back to another slower group or someone may accompany you back
separate from the group. If you
have mechanical problems, someone will assist with repairs, call for
assistance, etc.
- Ride in single file
pacelines most of the time staying within 5 feet of each other whenever
safe. Ride no more than two abreast
at other times unless passing another rider.
- Pacelines longer than
15 riders may be unmanageable under certain road and traffic
conditions. When necessary, divide
into group of 15 or less.
- Earbuds are not allowed on club rides as they are forbidden by law.
-
Dealing with Mechanical Problems and Emergencies
- Stop and offer assistance
in the event of mechanical breakdown by a BRBC member or fellow cyclist.
- Rider’s tool kits
should include: Pump or other means of inflating tires; Spare inner tubes;
Tube repair kit; Tire levers; Wrenches and tools appropriate to your bike;
Cell phone; Personal ID; Medical Information; List of Emergency Contacts
(phone numbers, names and relationship); Medical insurance IDs, etc.
Food and Clothing
- Helmets are mandatory
- Assure your bike is
properly equipped and maintained.
- At night use bright or reflective
clothing, equipment and lights.
- Dress appropriately for
the weather and be prepared for changes in the weather (rain, wind, etc.)
- Rides include rest stops;
however, you should carry enough drinks and food to get you thru the ride.
Aero Bars
- Only riders of the
highest skill and training levels should use aero bars. If mounted on your bike, they need not
be removed for BRBC rides; however, we recommend they not be used during
those rides.
Child Protection Policy
- A parent must accompany
riders under 18 years of age and Special Liability Releases may be
required.
- Children under 18 years
of age are not permitted on regular weekly club rides. However, certain special “family” events
such as the Tour of Boca and Frank Stark rides may allow younger participants.
Role of the Ride Leader
- To represent the BRBC a number of FBA certified ride marshalls help ensure rides are conducted in a safe and well organized fashion. BRBC members should enthusiastically support them.
- To welcome new riders,
explain procedures and describe the route, distance and speed. They assure the group stays together,
assure assistance with mechanical problems
during the ride, assure medical treatment for injured riders etc.
- To lead by example and advocate
safe riding practices; educate ride participants in the Suggestions for Safe and Enjoyable
Riding and encourage compliance.
Limitation of Liability
- The BRBC is not
responsible for errors and omissions in this document or for injuries or
damage caused or incurred by riders because of these guidelines or during
club related rides.
- BRBC members must sign
a liability release in favor of the BRBC when they join the club or renew
their memberships.
- Non-members
participating in club sponsored rides must similarly sign liability
releases.