Bike Safety 101

New to PaxVelo? Welcome! Here’s how we ride together safely. Everyone follows these on every club ride, and after a ride or two they’ll be second nature.

1. Listen to the pre-ride brief. Before we roll out, your ride leader goes over the route, any hazards, and anything else you need to know. Get there a few minutes early so you don’t miss it.
2. Keep one ear open. You need to hear what we’re calling out, so keep at least one ear free of earbuds or headphones. Bone-conduction headphones like Shokz are fine, as long as you’re still tuned in to the group and the road.
3. Call “Car back.” If you’re at the back and a car is coming up behind us, speak up so everyone knows. The ride leader decides whether it’s safe to single up.
4. Call out hazards. Potholes, gravel, debris: if you see it, say it, so the riders behind you can steer clear.
5. Obey traffic laws. Every time we ride, we’re representing the sport. Stop at red lights and stop signs. No exceptions.
6. Ride with traffic. Always ride in the same direction as traffic. Don’t cross a solid yellow line or drift into oncoming lanes. The one exception is Point Lookout, and only when the ride leader says so.
7. Wear a helmet. A certified cycling helmet, on your head, the whole ride. No helmet, no ride.
8. Two abreast, max. Never more than two side by side, and let cars behind us get by when it’s safe.
9. Say what you’re doing. Slowing, stopping, changing lanes: call it out so nobody gets surprised.
10. Use hand signals. Signal your turns, and signal when you’re slowing down.
11. Pass on the left. Always on the left, never on the right.
12. Say “On your left.” Give riders and pedestrians a heads-up before you pass them.
13. Safety first, always. Ride defensively, make smart calls, and be courteous to other riders, pedestrians, and drivers. We all share the road.

Every rider on a PaxVelo ride is expected to know and follow these. Questions? Grab any ride leader before we roll out. We’re always happy to help. See you out there!