GENERAL

• Bikes Bikes must be in good working order. If not, the rider should be asked to leave the ride.
• Turns and Obstacles Cyclists should signal turns and obstacles appropriately.
• Traffic Laws Cyclists must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at all stop signs and lights (one foot down).
• New Members Pay special attention to new members.
• Questions Answer any questions that come up during the ride, or refer them to someone who might know the answer.
• Problems Identify and correct problems early.
• Groups
  • ride at the advertised pace
  • follow the posted route
  • if the group breaks apart, regroup as soon as possible
  • when stopping, ensure riders completely pull themselves off the road
  • always stop at indicated rest stops
  • keep track of riders to confirm that they all complete the ride safely

POOR RIDING PRACTICES

• Watch out for poor riding practices such as:
  • racing
  • unpredictable riding
  • riding more than two abreast
  • riding too close to the centre line
  • wheel overlapping
  • half wheeling
  • failing to check over shoulder when moving around within a group
  • riding faster or slower than the pace of the group
  • failing to signal turns, etc. (whether verbally or with hand signals)
  • wearing headphones

SPECIFIC BIKE AND CYCLIST ISSUES

• Repairs Riders are responsible for their own repairs. The group should stop and wait when repairs are required.
• Dropped Riders/Stragglers Ensure the rider is ok, has a safe way back to the start if abandoning and agrees to check-in when safely back.  Follow-up is required if the rider fails to check-in. Also, consider whether someone should accompany the rider back to the start.
• Exhausted Cyclists Offer drinks or nutrition, ensure the rider has a safe way back to the start if abandoning and agrees to check-in when safely back.  Follow-up is required if the rider fails to check-in. Also, consider whether someone should accompany the rider back to the start.
• Reckless Cyclists Issue warning.  If the behavior continues, remove the rider from the ride.  Stop the ride if necessary and wait for the rider to leave.
• Uninvited Guests Stop the ride and wait for the uninvited rider to leave.
• Solo riding Not permitted. If a rider wishes to break off from the group but continue riding, the rider will no longer be considered part of the ride.
• Accidents If a rider is involved in an accident and is injured, call 911.

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