BICYCLE SAFETY INFORMATION

Discovery Bicycle Tours takes bicycle safety very seriously, and we want and expect you to share this commitment. Safe bicycle riding is largely a matter of common sense. Cyclists have a right to use the road, but this right carries the obligation to be responsible, alert and courteous – all the time. Please understand that you are not biking safely for us, you are biking safely for you!

TOP 5 SAFETY RULES & GUIDELINES

1. Wear a helmet! Helmets are required. Please bring your own for this tour.
2. At all intersections, stop and assess the traffic situation before proceeding through the intersection! Make sure you look to the LEFT, then RIGHT, then LEFT again, then RIGHT again! When you are sure there is no traffic coming, cross the intersection.
3. Ride with the traffic in a straight line. Ride on the RIGHT side of the road. Riding predictably and in a straight line is the single most important aspect of safe country cycling.
4. Ride single file. Riding single file is not only common sense, but also common courtesy to the other users of the roadway. Do not ride too abreast.
5. Do not ride too close to the edge or shoulder of the road. If there is a wide shoulder, use it. If not, ride in a straight line about two feet from the edge of the pavement. To be courteous to drivers behind you on windy roads, please pull into driveways or small side roads and allow the cars to pass before continuing.

OTHER CYCLING SAVVY SAFETY HINTS

• Always ride under control. Keep several bike lengths between you and other cyclists. When riding downhill, leave even more space between you and the cyclist in front of you, and pump your brakes for control and effectiveness (particularly when the roads are wet).
• Get your bicycle off the road completely whenever you stop.
• If you are with a minor, you are expected to ride with and be responsible for the minor at all times.
• Obey all applicable traffic regulations, signs, signals, and markings as if you were driving a car.
• Turning around on your bike to look behind you can cause you to swerve and is dangerous.
• If you accidentally ride onto the soft shoulder of the road, stop, get off your bike and walk back on.
• In the rain, be extra careful. Go slowly and leave a greater distance between you and other cyclists (especially when riding downhill). It is extremely important to pump your brakes. This clears the rims of moisture so that the brake pads can work efficiently.
• Walk across railroad tracks or cattle guards instead of riding over them, especially if they are wet.
• If a dog gives you undue attention, dismount and walk away, keeping your bike between you and the animal. Trying to outrace a dog, hit it with one’s foot or other object, or trying to spray it with one’s water bottle, is often the cause of an accident.
• While in towns, do not ride on sidewalks; and be alert for car doors opening and for cars pulling into traffic.
• Pace yourself. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself beyond your limits.
• Please wear brightly colored clothing.
• Do not leave wallets or other valuables on unattended bikes.
• E-bikes are heavier and more dangerous than standard bikes. Test your e-bike skills in a protected area for 15 minutes before heading out on a ride. Do not ride faster than 25 mph at any time. Leaders have full discretion to switch you to a standard bike if safety, mechanical or battery issues arise. Please respect their decision.

IMPORTANT RULES TO ADHERE TO

• Maintain safe speeds.
• Watch ahead for debris on the trail.
• Keep to the right of the trail.
• Announce when approaching/passing from behind.
• Pass on the left.
• Pull off the trail when stopping.
• Yield to downhill cyclists.
• Stay alert.
• When using lights to go through the tunnels, point lights to a spot 10-15 feet ahead of the trail.