Rules of the Road

In an effort to encourage safe riding throughout the event and cause as little disruption to local traffic as possible, we ask that all riders follow the basic rules of the road:

• Obey all traffic laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you're a driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
• Ride single file as much as possible. If you must ride double at times, pass as quickly as possible and single up promptly.
• Be courteous and friendly with all motorists and residents you encounter.
• Pass on the left and let the bicyclist you are passing know of your intentions

• All riders must wear an ANSI helmet at all times.
  > Click to view proper helmet fitting tips
• It is the rider's responsibility to bring a bicycle that is in safe working condition. Carry a pump, a spare tube, and patch kit. It is also highly recommended to have bright front and rear tail lights to help alert drivers especially at dawn/dusk and in foggy conditions.
• Bring an extra water bottle. Always carry ID and emergency phone numbers for yourself. It makes sense to also list your medical insurance carrier and your blood type. 
• Go with the traffic flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow, not against it.
• Yield to traffic when appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.
• Be predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.
• Stay alert at all times. Use your eyes and ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don't wear a headset when you ride.
• Look before turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.
• Watch for parked cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out)