In our club rides, you are part of the group. Each member contributes to the well-being and functioning of the group as a whole. Safety is a primary concern for us, and by choosing to participate in a club ride, you agree to abide by our norms and practices.
Rules of the Ride
- Obey traffic laws.
- Riding single file is the norm, two up the exception. “Share the Road” is a two-way street; act with respect and courtesy to all others on the road.
- Helmets, ID, and medical and emergency contact information are mandatory on all Meraloma Bike rides.
- Wearing earbuds or headphones or using cell phones while riding is not permitted on Meraloma Bike rides.
- Ride predictably and use hand signals so that others can anticipate your movements and respond safely.
- Use of tribars is not permitted.
- Lights strongly recommended on days where we have flat light/no sun and mandatory during dusk and dark.
RIDER RESPONSIBILITIES – STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Communicate
Communication is a requirement of safe cycling, to provide advance notice of rider intentions, upcoming hazards, and approaching vehicles. It is incumbent on all of us to offer courteous input regarding mistakes and riding habits that are dangerous. Failure to correct dangerous riding habits may result in warning, suspension, and eventual dismissal from Meraloma Bike.
Be Predictable
Group riding requires extraordinary attention to cycling in a very predictable manner. Others expect you to consistently ride in a straight line, at a constant speed, and to clearly signal changes. Pedal continuously at a cadence and speed that are consistent with those around you.
Do Not Overlap Wheels
When riding in a pace line it is important to maintain a small gap between your front wheel and the rear wheel of the cyclist you are following. If your front wheel overlaps the rear wheel ahead of you and the rider ahead of you moves laterally — to avoid a pothole, blown by a gust of wind etc. — and by doing so touches your front wheel you will be on the pavement before you know it. It’s also likely that other riders behind you will crash into you.
Look Ahead, Past the Rider In front Of You
In order to see hazards before you’re upon them, and to anticipate movements within the pace line, look ahead; don’t focus on the wheel immediately in front of you.
Announce Hazards
When riding in a group many cyclists may not have a good view of the road surface ahead because of the riders in front of them. The rider at the front of the group is responsible for communicating and clearly pointing out hazards well in advance to warn those riding behind. The riders behind the front rider then follow suit, pointing out the hazard to those behind, and so on. If the hazard is not seen until the last minute or riders are unable to take one hand off the handlebars to point out the hazard (e.g. riding downhill), riders are to communicate by shouting out the hazard such as shouting "Hole!" or "Glass!" or “Rock!” It is also acceptable to use voice calls at any time as clear communication is the key for safety when riding in a group. As cars approach from ahead, shout "Car up!" and maintain your position as far to the right as is reasonable. When you are the last rider in a group, watching for vehicles approaching from the rear and calling “Car back!” is your responsibility. If you are at the front of a rotating pace line and are pulling over to allow the group to pass by, it is your responsibility to look back and ensure it is safe with no cars behind so that you can pull out safely into the traffic lane.
Change Positions Safely
If you want to pass, do so on the left only and say "On your left!" to warn the cyclists ahead that you are passing. NEVER pass another rider on the inside/on the right!
Obey Traffic Lights & Stop Signs
Use hand signals and a loud voice to let other riders know that you are “Slowing!” and “Stopping!” Follow traffic laws: In B.C. red lights and stop signs require a full stop at the line. At 4-way stops yield to vehicles that stop first. Through light-controlled intersections, do not ride through when the light is red. If the light changes from green, stop and wait for the next green before proceeding, just like you would when driving. Proceed in small groups after each rider comes to a stop at the limit line. Communicate your intentions clearly to motorists. When riding through roundabouts, or past side streets where motorists may pull out in front of you, shout “clear” to riders behind if it is safe to ride through. NEVER pass motorists when riding downhill. Do not cut corners at an intersection to “make the light”.
Move Fully Off the Road When You Stop
Ensure individual and group safety, and do not interfere with traffic. Watch for cyclists approaching on the shoulder and ensure they have space to get by as well.
Communication is a requirement of safe cycling, to provide advance notice of rider intentions, upcoming hazards, and approaching vehicles. It is incumbent on all of us to offer courteous input regarding mistakes and riding habits that are dangerous. Failure to correct dangerous riding habits may result in warning, suspension, and eventual dismissal from Meraloma Bike.
Be Predictable
Group riding requires extraordinary attention to cycling in a very predictable manner. Others expect you to consistently ride in a straight line, at a constant speed, and to clearly signal changes. Pedal continuously at a cadence and speed that are consistent with those around you.
Do Not Overlap Wheels
When riding in a pace line it is important to maintain a small gap between your front wheel and the rear wheel of the cyclist you are following. If your front wheel overlaps the rear wheel ahead of you and the rider ahead of you moves laterally — to avoid a pothole, blown by a gust of wind etc. — and by doing so touches your front wheel you will be on the pavement before you know it. It’s also likely that other riders behind you will crash into you.
Look Ahead, Past the Rider In front Of You
In order to see hazards before you’re upon them, and to anticipate movements within the pace line, look ahead; don’t focus on the wheel immediately in front of you.
Announce Hazards
When riding in a group many cyclists may not have a good view of the road surface ahead because of the riders in front of them. The rider at the front of the group is responsible for communicating and clearly pointing out hazards well in advance to warn those riding behind. The riders behind the front rider then follow suit, pointing out the hazard to those behind, and so on. If the hazard is not seen until the last minute or riders are unable to take one hand off the handlebars to point out the hazard (e.g. riding downhill), riders are to communicate by shouting out the hazard such as shouting "Hole!" or "Glass!" or “Rock!” It is also acceptable to use voice calls at any time as clear communication is the key for safety when riding in a group. As cars approach from ahead, shout "Car up!" and maintain your position as far to the right as is reasonable. When you are the last rider in a group, watching for vehicles approaching from the rear and calling “Car back!” is your responsibility. If you are at the front of a rotating pace line and are pulling over to allow the group to pass by, it is your responsibility to look back and ensure it is safe with no cars behind so that you can pull out safely into the traffic lane.
Change Positions Safely
If you want to pass, do so on the left only and say "On your left!" to warn the cyclists ahead that you are passing. NEVER pass another rider on the inside/on the right!
Obey Traffic Lights & Stop Signs
Use hand signals and a loud voice to let other riders know that you are “Slowing!” and “Stopping!” Follow traffic laws: In B.C. red lights and stop signs require a full stop at the line. At 4-way stops yield to vehicles that stop first. Through light-controlled intersections, do not ride through when the light is red. If the light changes from green, stop and wait for the next green before proceeding, just like you would when driving. Proceed in small groups after each rider comes to a stop at the limit line. Communicate your intentions clearly to motorists. When riding through roundabouts, or past side streets where motorists may pull out in front of you, shout “clear” to riders behind if it is safe to ride through. NEVER pass motorists when riding downhill. Do not cut corners at an intersection to “make the light”.
Move Fully Off the Road When You Stop
Ensure individual and group safety, and do not interfere with traffic. Watch for cyclists approaching on the shoulder and ensure they have space to get by as well.
Courtesy Matters
Provide Camaraderie and Support
We are a social recreational bicycle club. Encourage group cohesiveness and camaraderie. Watch out for your fellow cyclist before, during and after the ride. Help newcomers feel welcome; introduce yourself and share some kilometers with them.
Regroups
As a courtesy, the last cyclist to join the regroup should determine when the group restarts the ride. Faster riders are encouraged to take turns as “sweep” to assist those who fall off the back. If you decide to leave the group and ride on your own, inform the ride leader, or another rider, so that people don’t waste time looking for you.
Watch the Pace
A group ride, by definition, is designed to accommodate a range of abilities. While it is natural for clusters to form, no one should be intentionally dropped. When riding near others, adjust your speed to maintain your position and help keep the group together. Resist the temptation at the front of the group to speed up; maintain a constant tempo or level of effort and check occasionally to confirm the pace is suitable for all. Likewise, if an individual or the pace line is surging, say "Easy or Steady!" to moderate the pace. It may be best to let those who are surging go.
Respect the Ride Leader
The ride leader’s role is to lead the ride according to the club’s safety guidelines and adapt the ride plan for changing conditions or to deal with exceptions. Be respectful of their efforts as active volunteers within the club and support them in their role. If a ride isn’t to your interests, politely discuss with the ride leader and feel free to excuse yourself from the ride.
We are a social recreational bicycle club. Encourage group cohesiveness and camaraderie. Watch out for your fellow cyclist before, during and after the ride. Help newcomers feel welcome; introduce yourself and share some kilometers with them.
Regroups
As a courtesy, the last cyclist to join the regroup should determine when the group restarts the ride. Faster riders are encouraged to take turns as “sweep” to assist those who fall off the back. If you decide to leave the group and ride on your own, inform the ride leader, or another rider, so that people don’t waste time looking for you.
Watch the Pace
A group ride, by definition, is designed to accommodate a range of abilities. While it is natural for clusters to form, no one should be intentionally dropped. When riding near others, adjust your speed to maintain your position and help keep the group together. Resist the temptation at the front of the group to speed up; maintain a constant tempo or level of effort and check occasionally to confirm the pace is suitable for all. Likewise, if an individual or the pace line is surging, say "Easy or Steady!" to moderate the pace. It may be best to let those who are surging go.
Respect the Ride Leader
The ride leader’s role is to lead the ride according to the club’s safety guidelines and adapt the ride plan for changing conditions or to deal with exceptions. Be respectful of their efforts as active volunteers within the club and support them in their role. If a ride isn’t to your interests, politely discuss with the ride leader and feel free to excuse yourself from the ride.
Hand Signals
Riding in a group requires that we communicate constantly with each other. We do this using our voices and using hand signals. All our members should be using the same signals to ensure the communication is clear. Familiarize yourself with the 10 cycling hand signals covered in this blog: https://blog.mapmyrun.com/10-cycling-hand-signals-need-know/
Reporting Safety Violations
If you are uncomfortable discussing a dangerous riding situation directly with a rider, please inform one of the ride leaders or the Sports Director for follow-up.
Remember
When you ride with the club, and when you wear our club jersey you become an ambassador for both the club and cyclists in general. If you ride in a way that is courteous and respectful to others on the road you may or may not be noticed. Conversely, if you behave in a way that antagonizes others it will be noticed - and will reflect poorly on all cyclists.