BIKE SAFETY & ETIQUETTE - For the Vixens complete etiquette and safety please click here.
Here are the basics:
Here are some things to think about before you ride, during your ride and after your ride.
Wear your helmet on Vixens group rides
DON’T GET ON A BIKE WITHOUT A HELMET. Safety equipment also includes gloves. If you fall they protect the palms of your hands.
Be Prepared when you go on a ride, carry these these goodies
Don't ride with music on Vixens group rides
Ears and Eyes Open. It is safer to ride without music. You need to hear and see everything and everyone around you. And we can be more social with our ears open!
Stop in safe and highly visible spots
Before you stop, make sure no bicycles or motor vehicles are immediately behind you. Stop at the right edge of the roadway and immediately move off the roadway. Stay clear of the roadway. Stopping is especially dangerous at the crest of a hill or on a curve.
Be predictable and don’t weave.
Ride in a straight line to make it easier for those riding behind you.
Ride on Right Side of Road
Cyclists should always ride on the right side of the road. Since all roads utilized and are open to motorists, its important to ride to the right. Hogging the roads might anger motorists and create a negative image of cyclists in their mind. Share the road!
Don’t Cross Solid Yellow Line
The solid yellow line indicates that it is unsafe for motorists to safely pass in this area because it is difficult to see oncoming traffic due to hills, curves or other challenges. Likewise, it is extremely dangerous for cyclists to ride left of the solid yellow or double yellow lines. Cyclists should ride always ride right of solid yellow lines!
"Car Up, Car Back"
These commands should be sounded off to alert fellow cyclists that a vehicle is approaching from up ahead “CAR UP!!!!”or from behind “CAR BACK!!!”. Cyclists should ride with caution and attempt to ride as far to the right and single file to allow the vehicles to safely pass the cyclists. Be courteous to those that we share the road with!
Sound Off When Stopping
When stopping, let those behind you know so they can anticipate and can avoid you instead of possibly running into you. You should signal with your arm straight down and your open palm towards the rear and sound off, “SLOWING!!!” and then “STOPPING!!!”. If you are pulling off the road, please sound off, “RIDER OFF!!!”. Cyclists should pull completely off the road and shoulder to not block the road. Cyclists should not pull into a driveway and stop as this is a danger to the cyclist and to motorists.
Let Other Cyclists Pass
You should ride as safely as possible to the right when possible. If you hear a cyclist sound off, “ON YOUR LEFT”, this means they are attempting to pass you on your left. Do not turn your head to the left to look as you could collide with the approaching cyclist, but rather acknowledge them with a simple “THANK YOU” and let them pass. Be courteous and let faster riders pass safely on your left.
Clothing: Dressing for the Elements
Don’t let the weather determine if you are able to get out for a spin. It isn’t the conditions but the gear. There isn’t one piece of clothing that you need, it is really a layering system. Depending on the conditions lay out your riding clothing, consider temperature and moisture, and your comfort level with both. Don’t be afraid to phone a friend. Talking about ride gear is great for not only looking good, but being prepared.
Here are the basics:
- Wear a helmet at all times while riding.
- Always carry personal identification.
- Be predictable. Ride in a straight line.
- No headphones while riding.
- Use hand signals to indicate left or right turns, slowing or stopping.
- Never assume motorists see you or that you have the right-of-way.
- Move completely off the road and shoulder when stopped and resting.
- Warn fellow cyclists of road hazards.
- Only pass cyclists on their left. When passing, warn cyclists by saying, “On your left.”
- Cross railroad tracks with your wheels perpendicular to the tracks.
- Rearview mirrors are strongly recommended.
- Expect the unexpected; your first responsibility is to be safe.
Here are some things to think about before you ride, during your ride and after your ride.
Wear your helmet on Vixens group rides
DON’T GET ON A BIKE WITHOUT A HELMET. Safety equipment also includes gloves. If you fall they protect the palms of your hands.
Be Prepared when you go on a ride, carry these these goodies
- Spare tube
- Patch kit – just in case that second flat happens
- Tire levers
- Pump and/or CO2
- Multi-tool
- Chain tool
- Phone
- Cash
- Identification / Insurance card or Road ID…just in case
- Water and a snack
Don't ride with music on Vixens group rides
Ears and Eyes Open. It is safer to ride without music. You need to hear and see everything and everyone around you. And we can be more social with our ears open!
Stop in safe and highly visible spots
Before you stop, make sure no bicycles or motor vehicles are immediately behind you. Stop at the right edge of the roadway and immediately move off the roadway. Stay clear of the roadway. Stopping is especially dangerous at the crest of a hill or on a curve.
Be predictable and don’t weave.
Ride in a straight line to make it easier for those riding behind you.
Ride on Right Side of Road
Cyclists should always ride on the right side of the road. Since all roads utilized and are open to motorists, its important to ride to the right. Hogging the roads might anger motorists and create a negative image of cyclists in their mind. Share the road!
Don’t Cross Solid Yellow Line
The solid yellow line indicates that it is unsafe for motorists to safely pass in this area because it is difficult to see oncoming traffic due to hills, curves or other challenges. Likewise, it is extremely dangerous for cyclists to ride left of the solid yellow or double yellow lines. Cyclists should ride always ride right of solid yellow lines!
"Car Up, Car Back"
These commands should be sounded off to alert fellow cyclists that a vehicle is approaching from up ahead “CAR UP!!!!”or from behind “CAR BACK!!!”. Cyclists should ride with caution and attempt to ride as far to the right and single file to allow the vehicles to safely pass the cyclists. Be courteous to those that we share the road with!
Sound Off When Stopping
When stopping, let those behind you know so they can anticipate and can avoid you instead of possibly running into you. You should signal with your arm straight down and your open palm towards the rear and sound off, “SLOWING!!!” and then “STOPPING!!!”. If you are pulling off the road, please sound off, “RIDER OFF!!!”. Cyclists should pull completely off the road and shoulder to not block the road. Cyclists should not pull into a driveway and stop as this is a danger to the cyclist and to motorists.
Let Other Cyclists Pass
You should ride as safely as possible to the right when possible. If you hear a cyclist sound off, “ON YOUR LEFT”, this means they are attempting to pass you on your left. Do not turn your head to the left to look as you could collide with the approaching cyclist, but rather acknowledge them with a simple “THANK YOU” and let them pass. Be courteous and let faster riders pass safely on your left.
Clothing: Dressing for the Elements
Don’t let the weather determine if you are able to get out for a spin. It isn’t the conditions but the gear. There isn’t one piece of clothing that you need, it is really a layering system. Depending on the conditions lay out your riding clothing, consider temperature and moisture, and your comfort level with both. Don’t be afraid to phone a friend. Talking about ride gear is great for not only looking good, but being prepared.