Riding Smart
Riding well is about riding smart. You have to know your limits if you want to learn to exceed them. Respect yourself, your bicycle, and your riding buddies.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the thrill of riding that it's easy to forget there are other around us. Being aware of other riders is important, and remembering some basic 'dos and don'ts' will enhance everyone's enjoyment of the sport.
On safety
- Wear bright, reflective clothing if riding in bad weather of poor visibility.
- Always tell someone where you're riding and for how long. Whenever possible, ride with a buddy. And take that mobile phone with you.
- Always wear a helmet. Make sure it's centered on you head and fits snugly for proper protection.
Courtesy Counts
Whether it is a road, trail, or track, blasting down you favorite course in record speed is an amazing thrill that can keep you smilling for days. Just remember that as rewarding as it is to push yourself to new levels of skill, there's also danger involved. Reckless riding can put both you and those around you at risk. A little bit of courtesy will minimize the hazards of riding and maximize respect for your fellow bicyclists.
- Ask first. During training rides on the road, don't draft a stranger without asking first.
- Inspire trust. Riding mere centimeters apart in a paceline is all about trust, so it you're pulling in the lead, call out hazards such as broken glass or potholes.
- Buddy, can you spare a tube? Offer assistance to any rider who is hurt or has mechanical problem. He or she will definitely appreciate it, and so will you when you get a flat kilometers from home.
- Keep it clear. If you must stop on a road or trail, move to the side to allow other riders room to pass through. Never stop just below a jump!
- Coming in for a landing! Call out jumps on crowded dirt jump trails to avoid crashing into others.
- Nice guys can finish first. Everyone wants to win the race, but avoid aggressive riding that can cause others to have accidents.
- Wait your turn. It can be dangerous and disruptive to enter a track when others are doing their laps, so wait until they've stopped.
- Space it out. If riding a trail with a group, keep at least two bike lengths between riders and more during downhill runs. It's bad to crash, but it's worse when your buddy runs over you and bites the dust, too.
- Share the trail. If riding a multi-use trail, respect the rights of pedestrians and equestrians. Slow down when you encounter them, and call out if you're coming up from behind.
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