EMCycling.com - Pre-Ride Safety

Pre-Ride Safety Discussion

Last Minute Inspection

Wheels are adequately locked in place

Tires properly inflated and inspected for cuts & defects

Front and back brakes function properly (not too loose or tight)

Handlebars and seat post adjusted to the correct height and secure

Water bottles properly secured in place

Helmet properly adjusted and free of any damage

Road Safety Tips

OBEY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS - Bicycles must drive like other vehicles if they are to be taken seriously by motorists. Remember it's the law.

NEVER RIDE AGAINST TRAFFIC - Always ride on the right side of the road. Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road.

USE HAND SIGNALS - Hand signals tell motorists and cyclists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy, and of self-protection. Review right, left and slowing hand signals with riders.

WEAR A HELMET - Always wear a properly adjusted helmet that is free of any damage. Buy a new helmet if it is damaged during a spill. Helmets older than 5 years may need to be replaced.

DON'T PASS ON THE RIGHT - Motorists as well as other cyclists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.

COMMUNICATE WHEN PASSING - "I'm on your left"

KNOW WHAT'S BEHIND YOU - Learn to scan the road behind you while riding. Look back over your shoulder without swerving (placing your left hand on the back of your seat when you look over your left shoulder will help you keep a straight line), consider using a rear-view mirror.

MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH DRIVERS - Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do.

COMMUNICATE ROAD HAZARDS - Watch out for wet oily surfaces, parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, dropped water bottles, or other debris. Call out identified hazards to trailing riders.

KEEP BOTH HANDS READY TO BRAKE - You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since breaks are less efficient when wet.

RIDE IN MIDDLE OF LANE IN SLOW TRAFFIC - Get in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.

KEEP YOUR BIKE AWAY FROM OTHER BIKES - When riding in a pack never let your bike come in contact with another. Use your body (not your elbow) to keep other bikes from becoming entangled with yours.

Hydration

Pre-Exercise

Drink approximately 17 to 20 oz of fluids 2 to 3 hours before activity

Consume another 7 to 10 oz after the warm-up (10 to 15 minutes before activity)

During Exercise

Drink approximately 24 oz every hour on the bike

Post Exercise

Rapidly replace lost fluids within two hours after the ride is completed to enhance recovery by drinking 20 to 24 oz for every pound body weight lost through sweat

Report Accidents:

If you happen to take a spill report it to the ride leader or one of the ride safety coordinators. This is need to ensure that you are ok and to help prevent future incidents.