• Riders must be prepared to come to a full stop at all stop signs and traffic lights.
• Riders must never cross the centerline of the road.
• Riders must never pass cars that are moving or stopped in traffic.

• Obey all traffic signs and laws - see VDOT Bike Law Summary
• Helmets must be worn at all times.
• Front and rear lights are encouraged at all times and required 30 minutes prior to sunset.
• No TT bikes, clip on aero bars or riding in “puppy paws” position. These bikes/positions result in reduced maneuverability and access to brakes, which is dangerous in group riding situations. Additionally, TT extensions/aerobars create a spearing hazard.
• No earbuds.
• No fixed-gear bikes - all bikes must have front and rear brakes.

• Allow for traffic to pass whenever possible.
• Use pre-defined routes.
• Establish group sizes - if need be, split the group up.
• Ride 2-4 feet from the edge of the road - avoid creating a scenario where the group is tightly bunched up against the side of the road.
• Pull off the road/trail when regrouping, fixing mechanicals, etc.
• Respect the intended pace of the ride.
• Respect motorists, pedestrians, and fellow cyclists.

• Ride a steady pace in a straight line.
• Be predictable and hold your line in turns - avoid cutting off other riders or squeezing riders into the gutter.
• Communicate what you are doing - passing, stopping, turning, etc.
• Protect your front wheel - do not overlap your front wheel with the rear wheel of the rider in front of you.
• Do not move up in the group when the group is braking towards a corner, stop sign, stoplight, etc.
• Move away from others before blowing a snot rocket or spitting.
• Avoid passing on the right.

• Follow the posted route. It is discouraged for riders to leave mid-ride, but if they must, they should communicate this clearly and move to the back of the group before turning off so as to avoid confusion or crossing wheels.
• Use audible call outs for out large bumps, potholes, traffic, and changing traffic lights.
• Always use hand signals for turning, slowing, and stopping.

Ride leaders are encouraged to establish ahead of time how the group will ride together:

1. Non-rotating
1. Riders single or double file with a leader and sweeper
2. Alert other riders if you plan to pass
2. Single paceline
1. Riders take turns on the front and then rotate to the back. Riders can “sit in” behind the group of riders who are “pulling”
3. Double paceline
1. One line travels slightly faster than the other, riders move to the slower line once they reach the front of the faster line
4. Attacking or "race intensity"
1. Riders may work together or try to attack each other (where appropriate and safe)
2. Please note that RBC rides are not races, and the most important thing is that we as a community of cyclists take care of and look out for one another.

• Many rides have their own different features, known tricky spots of the route, etc.
• Ride leaders will inform riders if there are opportunities where additional rules can lead to better and safer rides.
• Some examples of ride-specific rules: 
• whether or not to allow e-bikes
• locations to slow-roll or regroup
• intersections where the rider who arrives first has a specific responsibility to “clear” the road
• leader/sweeper responsibilities