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RIDE SAFE / RIDE FUN GUIDELINES
RIDE PREPARATION CHECKLIST
BE NOTICEABLE | Cyclists need to maximize their conspicuity at twilight, at night, and under reduced visibility conditions including fog, overcast, and heavy shade. Cyclists need to wear retro-reflective clothing, use reflective materials on the bicycle, and use front and rear lights.
Lights On: Have lights installed for evening rides. By Virginia Law, every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise must have at least one white headlamp with the light being visible at least 500 feet to the front. On roads posted with speed limit of 35 mph or greater, the bicyclist must additionally be equipped with at least one red taillight visible from 500 feet to the rear. Taillights may be steady or blinking, are allowed under all conditions, and may be attached to the bicycle or to the rider.
The most dangerous time of day for low conspicuity is twilight – the hour before sundown and after sunup. This is when the sun angle is low to the horizon. In the evening it blinds drivers looking toward the West and creates long dark shadows for drivers looking toward the East. This is why we highly recommend using a headlight and taillight during reduced visibility conditions including twilight, fog, and heavily shaded areas. |
WEAR A HELMET | Wear a CPSC certified helmet. Helmets should be replaced every 5 years or if they've been dropped (even if damage is not obvious). Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) or Angular Impact Migration (AIM) technology helmets are recommended. |
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY | Install ROAD ID or a similar product on your mobile phone lock screen (free to download) and/or on your person. Include emergency contacts and critical medial information. If under 18 years of age, have a parent sign the permission slip. If under 15 years of age, a parent must ride with the rider. |
OTHER PREPARATION RECOMMENDATIONS |
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RIDE SITE CHECK-IN
RIDE GUIDELINES
BE PREDICTABLE | Ride a steady pace and avoid sudden movements. Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road with verbal cues and hand prompts. Signal to turn and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes. Look for, and pass on, audible and hand prompts
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BE RESPECTFUL | Respect motorists, pedestrians, and fellow cyclists. Do not exceed the intended pace of the ride. Call out poor rider behavior such as bullying, shouting, harassment, or VDOT or RBC rule/guideline infringement. Follow the guidance of the Ride Leader. |
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY |
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