I. Know the rules of the road

Bikes are vehicles on the road and typically slower than others. Cyclists also have rules that apply to them including:

• Ride in the direction of traffic as far right as practicable. This means on the right shoulder or right part of the lane BUT, does not mean you must ride in the gutter or far right edge. Leave some space on the right to give you space to maneuver

• You are allowed to move into the lane when needed - look first, move over, give the lane back as soon as it is safe to do so.

• Signal turns (hand pointing right or left) and when you are slowing down (hand down, palm facing backward). Turning right: signal, make your turn when safe. Turning left: Find a safe point as you approach your turn, signal, and move into the lane - into the left turn lane if one is present, and complete your turn when safe.

• Obey traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs, etc. as a cyclist, you are obligated just as a driver is to obey these signs and signals.

• You are allowed to take the lane at a stop sign, traffic red light, etc. so cars don’t crowd you on the road.

• Ride single file when possible. If riding side by side, keep an eye on traffic and single up when cars are approaching.

II. Riding safe with other cyclists
In addition to cars, understanding how to safely ride with others is critical to your safety:

• When you ride behind other riders, maintain a separation and match your pace to theirs.
• Do not ride directly behind, but slightly to one side or the other so you can watch the rider in front of you AND the road in front of them to see what is coming.
• DO NOT cross or overlap your front wheel with the rear wheel of the rider in front of you. Also called “half-wheeling”, in a situation where the front rider has to swerve to avoid something in the road and their wheel hits yours behind them, a crash will likely result. Your front wheel moves. Their rear wheel does not. The rider behind is likely in for a fall in this situation - learn to avoid this when riding.
• Ride predictably. Ride smooth and steady and look up the road so you can pick a travel line/path that will allow you avoid obstacles you can see. Swerving in and out of the shoulder is not riding predictably and neither other riders or drivers will know how to react to you. Keep it steady. Keep it straight.
• Situational awareness: Leave yourself room to maneuver - if you are on the right edge of the road and the rider in front of you moves right do you have room to move away from them? if not, ride to their other side.
• Easy on the brakes. Keeping your eyes on the road helps you ride smooth and steady so you can brake gently. Call out or signal (hand down and out with palm facing backwards) when you are slowing so other riders behind you have time to react.
• Call outs: call out what you see on the road so others in your group can be aware. Hole, Gravel, Car-back, and when you hear call outs, repeat them so the group communication reaches the front and rear of the group.
• Pace: in a group ride, help maintain the pace of the group. Irregular pace, or pace beyond what others were prepared for, creates tired riders whose attention can wander. Work to keep the group moving and safe.
• Keep an eye on your fellow cyclists. If anyone appears tired or is “bonking,” move them in the middle of the group or take a break
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Even in cold weather dehydration can make you unsafe. Bring two bottles of water and drink.