Safety is our—and should be your—number one priority.
· All riders must wear a properly fitted helmet approved by SNELL, ANSI, ASTM, or CPSC.
· No rider is permitted to wear earphones or to use a cell phone or radio/CD player while riding.
· Be aware of what you are doing and how it may impact someone else. Your riding directly impacts everyone that is around you whether they are on a bike, in a car or standing on the side of the road.
· If you ride unsafely, you could cause death or injury to yourself or others!
· Be vigilant when riding in the presence of cars and trucks.
· No drafting!!! Never draft behind another rider or vehicle. This includes pace lines!
· Obey all traffic rules/laws; stop at all stop signs/traffic lights.
· You must ride single file. Don’t weave.
· Signal and call out when you are turning. Always make left turns from the center of the lane.
· Always cross railroad tracks at a right angle.
· Beware of sand, rocks and loose gravel. Alert fellow riders to these hazards.
· Pass other riders on their left; call out “Passing on your left”, as you approach them. Never pass on the right.
· Communicate to other riders when you are slowing/stopping and turning.
· Yell out when you see a hazard in the road, or if a car is ahead/behind you (“car up/car back”).
· Stretch before (and after) you ride and at every rest stop.
· Check your bike over before you start – make sure everything is in working order: tires inflated, brakes adjusted, chain lubed, gears shifting.
· If you see a rider doing something unsafe, gently let him/her know what it is so they won’t do it again.
· While riding, if you experience extreme weather conditions, go to a safe place immediately.
· Be aware of the signs of dehydration – dry or sticky mucus membranes in the mouth, fatigue, dizziness or confusion, decreased urine output, heartburn or stomach ache, recurring or chronic pain, lower back pain, headache, mental irritation or depression, lack of skin elasticity, sunken eyes.
· It is important to alternate your consumption of water with sports drinks. It is possible to drink too much water, diluting your sodium level, which puts you at risk for hyponatremia. Water ALONE can cause electrolyte imbalance, as can profuse sweating. This is why we recommend you drink water and sports drinks that contain sodium, sugar, and other electrolytes. Signs of hyponatremia – bloating, swelling of hands and forearms, nausea, headaches, cramps, confusion, slurred speech.
Thank you for helping make Ride to Provide a safe and fun experience for everyone!