Bike helmets are mandatory on all team rides

Keep your bike in good repair. Maintain your bike in good working condition. Check brakes regularly and keep tires properly inflated. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself. Or you can leave it to an expert at a local bike shop.

 

Check your ABCs - Air, Brake, Chain (every time you are going to ride)

 

Obey all traffic signs & signals. Bicyclists must drive like other vehicles - be predictable.

 

Look, Signal & Look Again: Use hand signals to let drivers and other bicyclists know where you’re going. Look and make eye contact. Don’t assume drivers will stop. Be predictable!

 

Never ride against traffic. Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. Ride with traffic to avoid potential accidents.

 

Don't weave between parked cars. Don't ride into the curb between parked cars unless they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic.

 

Follow lane markings. Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked right-turn only.

 

Choose the best way to turn left. There are two ways to make a left turn: 1) Like an auto. Signal, move into the left lane and turn left. 2) Like a pedestrian. Ride straight to the far-side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.

 

Don't pass on the right. Motorists may not look for, or see, a bicycle passing on the right.

 

Avoid road hazards. Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, potholes, and gravel. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles. For better control as you move across bumps and other hazards, stand up on your pedals.

 

Keep both hands ready to brake. You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.

 

Ride a well equipped bike. Be sure your bike is adjusted to fit you properly. Always use a strong headlight and taillight at night as required by law.

 

Dress appropriately. Wear a hard-shell helmet whenever you ride. Wear light colored clothes at night. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to temperature changes on longer rides. For longer rides a change of clothes, loosely rolled up, can be carried with you or you can store clothes at the office.

 

Ride with traffic.

 

Use lights and reflectors at night.

 

Ride as near to the right as safely possible.

 

Use hand signals to indicate your intention to drivers.

 

Follow lane and highway markings. As if you were a vehicle, ride single file.

 

Don't block the road by riding two bikes abreast.

 

Honor others' right of way.

 

Don't wear earphones/listen to music while riding in traffic. Be completely aware of your surroundings.

 

Be safe and have fun!