Rules of the Road
HELMETS
ARE MANDANTORY (ANSI/SNELL APPROVED).
Ride SINGLE FILE when a car or truck is behind you.
Never
ride more than two abreast, in accordance with
Stay as far to the right as safely possible, except when making a left turn, or when going straight at a right turn only lane.
Take a full lane when safety dictates. Pull off to let traffic pass when necessary.
Make eye contact with drivers so you know they have seen you.
Obey all traffic laws and signals. ALWAYS stop at stop signs. Your bicycle is legally considered a vehicle.
Do
not ride before daylight or after dusk unless you have
proper lights on your bike, in accordance with
If you stop for any reason, get completely off the road.
Always ride defensively. Be aware of other riders, vehicles and pedestrians near you. Never assume you know what they are going to do.
No personal sag vehicles allowed.
Rules for Riding in a Group
Be
Predictable: Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than
riding alone. Call out stops and changes in direction to other riders.
Know your limits. Crashes can occur when inexperienced cyclists do not have the bike-handling skills to make quick decisions in a pack.
Pass on the left side only. Call out to riders you are about to pass, "On your left" or "Good morning". NEVER pass on the right.
Communicate with your fellow riders using Ride Safe Language. Use traffic hand signals when appropriate.
Announce hazards. Alert others to road hazards by pointing down to left or right and by calling out "gravel, hole, tracks, etc.".
Maintain control and speed of your bike, even going downhill.
Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist.
Courtesy is key! Be respectful of other riders and motorists. Help others when needed.
For more tips, view the League of American Bicyclist Group Riding Brochure.