Safety on rides
CAT Series is part of the training for AIDS/LifeCycle and as a result there is a highly varied degree of ability on these rides, just like the Ride itself. Given this its crucial that we follow the official safety rules which will allow everyone to have a safe and injury free experience. At the beginning of each training ride you will be required to hear a safety speech. Your safety as well as the safety of those you are riding with depends on you adhering to all the rules. Riding in groups is much different than riding by on your own. The rules you are learning will become second nature by June and once you are riding with hundreds of cyclists the reason behind these rules will become abundantly clear.
AIDS/LifeCycle Safety Speech
(you will hear this before every training ride)
Whenever you ride your bike, consider how your actions will be perceived by Car Drivers and Pedestrians, as well as other Cyclists round you.
- You must stop at all stop signs and stop lights without exception.
- Ride as far to the right as is safely possible, Keep an eye outfor hazards like glass, potholes, or car doors that might open suddenly. Stay out of right hand turn lanes if you are going forward.
- You MUST look behind you before passing to make sure it is clear. Call out “on your left” if you are intending to pass another cyclist or pedestrian. Pass ONLY on the left, never on the right.
- If you are the cyclist being passed, show courtesy by maintaining your current speed and if possible, move slightly to the right- if there is room.
- All of the laws of moving vehicles apply to you while you are on your bike. Your behavior on this ride affects no only you and your personal safety but the safety of those around you as well. Familiarize yourself with the laws and rules governing cycling in California by visiting their website.
Be logical. Be predictable. Be safe. communicate your intentions verbally as well as visually. Use hand signals
- Right Turn
- Left Turn
- Stopping or slowing
- Point out possible hazards by pointing or verbalizing- (pothole, grate, bump, glass, etc)
Use verbal alerts:
- “Car Back” means there’s a car approaching from behind.
- “Car Up” means there is a car ahead coming toward you.
- “Car Left”, or “Car Right” means there is a car approaching from the left or the right.
- “Stopping!”, or “Slowing!” – is called out when you cannot make a hand signal quickly enough.
When on an AIDS/LifeCycle sanctioned ride all of the following rules apply:
- you must ride single file at all times, leaving at least one bike length between you and the rider in front of you.
- you must wear helmet.
- you may not wear headphones, use a walkie talkie, use a radio or use your cell phone while riding.
- you may not use illegal drugs, nor drink an alcoholic beverage of any kind.
- you may not ride in a paceline, nor draft another rider.
- you must stay on the designated route
- you may not ride your bike hands free.
- you may not pass while riding on freeways.
- eat before you’re hungry, drink before you’re thirsty.
If an emergency or accident occurs needing emergency services, call 9-1-1 and direct traffic around the scene.
- Get the name and rider number of the accident/incident victim.
- Wait for emergency personnel to arrive, call a Ride Leader as soon as it is reasonable to do so.
- Get names and numbers of witnesses, try to ascertain what happened then report it to the Training Ride Leader.
Practice patience. Not everyone has the same skills as you when it comes to riding a bike. Training Ride Leaders reserve the right to ask you to leave a training ride if you do not adhere to all safety rules. If a Leader gives you instructions surrounding safety rules you must follow those directions. We reserve the right to ask you to leave a training ride if you do not adhere to all safety rules. If you have any disputes with what is asked of you please contact the AIDS/LifeCycle office at 415-581-7077 or infosf@aidslifecycle.org.
