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It is important that every cyclist abide by the
rules and regulations of safe bicycle riding.
HILL CITY VELO BICYCLE CLUB is a strong believer in
cycling safety.
You should take the time to review the following information and
understand its
importance before you begin to ride. And remember, always wear a helmet!
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Since cyclists have the same
rights and obligations when traveling the roadways, so too are they
subject to fines for disobeying the law.
Traffic summonses may be issued to cyclists for running stop signs and
red lights or riding on the wrong side of the road. |
| All cyclists are obligated
by law to obey all traffic signals.
Cyclists have as much right to the roadways as motor vehicles and must
abide by the same rules and regulations as motorists. |
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All cyclists
must stop at all marked intersections. At
all intersections, with or without stop signs, cyclists
should yell car left or car right to
other cyclists if cars are approaching from either of those directions. |
One thing that cannot be
stressed enough is riding single file,
especially
in high traffic areas and on narrow roads. During cycling tours,
stay to the right and
ride single file. |
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Before making a
left turn, first check traffic to see if any cars are coming,
then fully extend your left arm and point in that direction. Signal well
in advance of the actual turn, and then position your bike so that
traffic can move around you. |
When making a
right turn, fully extend your right arm and point in the
intended direction. Some cyclists signal a right turn by holding their
left arm out with the forearm pointing up. Either way is correct. You
should signal well in advance of the actual turn, and then use both
hands
to steer through the turn. |
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If there is
debris or a hazard in the road, fully extend your arm and
point to the hazard. Sometimes moving your arm while pointing draws more
attention to the debris. Potholes, branches, glass, sand, storm drains,
etc. should all be called out verbally as a courtesy to riders in the
rear. |
When
slowing or stopping, fully extend your arm down and out with
the palm of your hand facing those who might be behind you. Call out
slowing or stopping while
displaying your hand signal to forewarn riders behind that you are
slowing or stopping. |
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When
passing, call up to the rider you are passing and announce,
on your left. Check that you are not
cutting off another rider and only
pass on the left, leaving about three feet of clearance. If you are
being passed, continue straight, do not turn and look back. |
When a
car is approaching from behind, call out to the riders up
ahead of you, car back. This warning
should be passed along by each rider to the front of the group until
there is no one left to warn. On hearing this warning,
move to the right and ride single file. |
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When a
car is approaching from ahead, call out to the riders behind
you,
car up. This warning should be passed along by each rider to
the back of the group until there is no one left to warn. On hearing
this warning, move to the right and ride single file. |
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Ride on open
trails only. Respect trail and road closures and avoid possible trespass
on private land. Stay on existing trails and do not create new ones. |
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Leave no trace of
your presence. Be sensitive to the trails you ride. You should not ride
under conditions where you will leave evidence of your passing. Don't
skid. Take turns and climb hills slowly enough to avoid trail marks. |
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Control your
bike. Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle
speed regulations and recommendations. Bikers should space out on grades
to allow riders use of the full width of the trail to select the best
line of approach. |
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When encountering
hikers head on, stop and pull over. If approaching from the rear, greet
them, or sound a bell, then pass. Be friendly to land managers, hikers
and equestrians. When encountering equestrians from the front, stop, get
off your bike and move well off the trail until they pass. When
approaching from the rear, ask permission to pass and ask for advise as
to the best way to pass. |
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Never spook
animals. All animals are startled by unannounced approach, a sudden
movement, or a loud noise. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to
you. Disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found
them, or as marked. |
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Plan ahead. Know
your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding. Be
self-sufficient at all times and keep your equipment in good repair.
Carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions.
Always wear a helmet! |
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Get involved with
trail maintenance by using your spare time to clean up and repair the
trails you ride. |
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