SAFETY



THE BIKE RIDE FOR HEALTH ROUTE IS NOT CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
All riders must follow the rules of the road. Failure to do so jeopardizes our ability to host this event in the future.

To learn more about riding safely, attend one of our safety clinics and open the links below to read more important safety information.


ABC QUICK CHECK
The League of American Bicyclists, as part of their BikeEd program, recommend the ABC Quick Check every time you ride.

A is for air. How are those tires? Are they inflated up right? Most modern bike tires have their recommended PSI on the sidewall. Proper inflation adds to safety and makes the bicycle easier to ride. Also, check for visible damage. If your tires are worn or threadbare, replacing them is a safety measure worth the price.

B is for brakes. Stopping is good. When you pull your brake, is it firm? Do you have at least 1" between the lever and your bar at the innermost point? Also, check your brakepads for wear. You should have at least 1/4" of pad.

C is for crank, chain, cassette. If your chain is bad, your ride will be bad. Loose chains skip and fall off the cassette. They make shifting awkward. Again: If you see these signs, fix it.

Quick is for quick releases. If you have quick release wheel levers, make sure they are closed and tight.

Check is for one last check. Hop on and ride around. Does the bike feel road-worthy?


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THE RULES OF THE ROAD
To be a safe bicyclist, learn the following "5 Rules of the Road."
  1. FOLLOW THE LAW
    Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as other drivers and need to follow the same traffic laws.
  2. BE PREDICTABLE
    Ride in a straight line, signal turns and check behind you before turning or changing lanes.
  3. BE CONSPICUOUS
    Ride where drivers can see you, use lights at night and wear bright clothing.
  4. BE AWARE
    Anticipate the next move of drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists. Watch for debris, potholes, grates & other road hazards.
  5. RIDE READY
    Tires need air, brakes must work, chains should run smoothly, and quick release wheel levers must be closed. Carry repair and emergency supplies and ALWAYS wear a helmet.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the philosophy of the Bike Ride For Health that our cyclists must ride with knowledge, respect and awareness. If you are found to be disobeying the rules of the road, you are subject to ticketing & fines by local law enforcement, and you run the risk of having your rider number pulled, removing you from the Tour. Additionally, failure to follow the rules of the road jeopardizes our ability to hold this ride in the future. Please help us continue the tradition of a safe, sane and fun Bike Ride For Health!

If at any time you have an emergency while on the MS Bike Tour, stay calm and flag down road crew help immediately, or call 911. Safety Clinics are provided at all Rider Check-Ins.

For more information on the rules of the road, check out the publication from AAA, "Sharing the Road" Bike Safety Booklet.

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COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
As much as everyone wants to stay safe, there are some errors that every cyclist makes. These are some common errors to avoid:
  • Following too closely behind other bicyclists or cars.
  • Drafting behind motor vehicles.
  • Staying on the pavement when stopping to rest.
  • Being too close to road-edge hazards such as trash, low branches and parked vehicles.
  • Being too close to drains, sand and gravel.
  • Riding more than two side-by-side.

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RIDING IN WET WEATHER
While we hope that sunny California stays that way, we will have the Tour rain or shine. Follow these techniques to stay safe in case of wet weather:
  • Allow for longer braking distances.
  • Dry the wheel rims by applying the brakes ahead of time. Even if the ground is not slick, wet rims will reduce performance.
  • Brake more gently on slick surfaces and use the front brake less.
  • Turn and accelerate more gently to prevent sliding on slick surfaces.
  • Pay special attention to metal and other slick surfaces, such as manhole covers, painted traffic markings, wet leaves and oil slicks.
  • Be prepared to put a foot down for balance.
  • Avoid riding through puddles when you cannot see the bottom. Puddles can often hide deep potholes.
  • After riding in the rain, re-lubricate your bike chain to help prevent rusting.

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SAFETY AND COURTESY
Get ahead of the ride and be prepared. The Bike Ride For Health IS NOT A RACE. It is an organized fundraising bicycle ride to benefit people living with MS. In a large field of riders from various cycling backgrounds and expertise, all participants MUST practice friendly, courteous and, above all, safe cycling etiquette from start to finish. Everyone in the Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour is united toward one goal: To create a world free of MS.

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PLEASE NOTE: The "Rotary Bike Ride for Health" Routes are not closed to Traffic: All riders Must follow the rules of the road. Failure to do so jeopardizes our ability to host this event in the future.

Bike Helmets are REQUIRED to Ride.

Brought to you by Newport Irvine Rotary Club