Riding Protocols

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All groups, regardless of size or organizational level, must have certain rules and strategies that govern them. These are for
the safety and well being of those who are members of the group. With that said, here are a few things to remember when riding
in any group associated with the forsythbike network.

Obey the prime directive which is: “Never do anything today that will keep you from riding tomorrow.”
Always wear an approved helmet. No exceptions if you wish to ride with our group. No helmet... no ride.
Obey all traffic laws. And, it is not illegal to ride two abreast (regardless of what obnoxious motorists yell.)
Do NOT make obscene gestures or curse at obnoxious motorists or fellow bikers. Nothing good can come from this and a lot of bad can.
When approaching hazards, call and point them out to those following behind. Relay calls, as necessary, to inform all in the group.
Be self sufficient. Bring spare tubes/sewups, gas/pump, water bottle(s), etc.
Know where your front wheel is going at all times as you are ultimately responsible for it.
Avoid lapping wheels; keep adequate distance between your front wheel and the rear wheel in front of you. See #7 above.
Know your limitations and ride within them when group riding. Experiment in a safe environment that does not endanger others.
Know where the route goes if you are leading the group and decide to sprint out ahead.
Avoid the temptation to wear earphones/earbuds while riding, especially in a group. Biking equivalent of texting while driving.
If you need help, ask for it. This is what groups are for...

From the Carolina Cycling News site on how to ride in a group; worth reading: http://carolinacyclingnews.com/2011/09/01/lost-art-of-the-group-ride/

This is not a complete listing but is intended as a starting common point. Above all, use good judgment and common sense.

And then, there is this set of rules. Are you a velominatus?

Rules of the road according to the state of North Carolina

Rules of the road according to the city of Winston-Salem

Bicycling and the Law by Bob Mionske It’s a book worth reading.

Road Rights blog

Georgia DOT Bicycle Manual A lot more than rules of the road

Additional Bicycle Safety Links:

How Not to be Hit by a Car
NHTSA Bike Safety for Adults
California Highway Bike Safety Rules OK, this isn’t California, but, this is still worth checking out.
RoadID Rules of the Road and you might see Bob Roll

And another thing...

The forsythbike group rides generally average 18.5-20 mph. If one cannot maintain this pace, consider training on your own for a couple of weeks before attempting to ride with the group. If one still wants to join in, make sure the route is familiar and speak to one of the ride leaders before setting out. If it is known that a rider is having difficulty with the pace or terrain, someone within the group will stay with that rider until they are comfortable and can return to the start on their own. We will never intentionally leave anyone out in the boonies by themselves and usually regroup at natural stops such as significant turns, hilltops, etc.

And finally, if one is able-bodied, take your turn of pulls at the front. And, when the front leaders peal back after their turns, avoid following right behind them. Spend a few moments there before retiring back. Should the group be exercising full, single paceline, rotating pulls, follow the group examples by spending neither too little nor too much time leading the rotation. If you are new to the group, consider riding at the back and observe the group’s interaction. When confident of what is expected, take a pull or two. If one does not know the route, avoid riding aggressively off the front (for obvious reasons.)

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Horace fills Ronnie in on the law.

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