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Rules of the Road and Ride - MBC

Rules of the Road when Riding with MBC

  • 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 Alabama law. Do not be a road hog, yield to riders trying to pass.

  • 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 Alabama law.

  • 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.