Ride Guidelines

Ride at Your Own Risk: Cycling is inherently risky. By participating in group rides, you accept these risks and are responsible for your own safety. Be vigilant, ride within your skill level, and ensure your bike is in good working condition.

Safety is a Shared Responsibility: Your actions directly impact the group. Make thoughtful decisions, communicate effectively, and prioritize the safety of all riders and road users.

Respect for Others: Show courtesy to fellow riders, pedestrians, and motorists. Your attitude reflects on the club and the cycling community as a whole. 

It’s Not a Race: Chilkoot Velo rides prioritize camaraderie and group cohesion over competition. Focus on riding as a team rather than chasing individual goals.

Your Responsibilities

Equipment: Ensure your bike is in good working condition before arriving.

Preparedness: Bring essentials, including spare tubes, tools, and hydration.

Accountability: Ride responsibly and hold yourself to the highest standards of behavior on the road.

Before the Ride

• Be Prepared: Arrive on time with a fully functioning bike, appropriate clothing, and essentials like water, nutrition, and repair tools.

• Understand the Ride: Familiarize yourself with the advertised pace, route, and expectations. Choose a ride suited to your fitness and skill level.

• Follow Ride Leader Instructions: The leader sets the tone for the ride. Their guidance is critical to ensuring everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

During the Ride

• Stick to the Advertised Pace: Avoid behaviors like surging or slowing down abruptly, which can disrupt group dynamics.

• Ride Two Abreast: Where legally permitted and safe, ride two abreast. Transition to single file when instructed or when conditions demand.

• Avoid Half-Wheeling: Keep your front wheel aligned with your partner’s to maintain group rhythm and safety.

• Don’t Overlap Wheels: Keep a safe distance from the wheel in front of you to reduce the risk of accidents.

• Signal and Communicate: Use clear hand signals and verbal cues to alert the group to hazards, stops, and turns.

• Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all road rules, including stopping at red lights and yielding where required.

• After Mid-Ride Stops: Allow time for the group to reform before resuming the ride. This ensures no one is left behind and the group can maintain cohesion.

Safety and Awareness

Situational Awareness: Always scan the road ahead and stay alert to potential hazards, traffic, and changes in group dynamics.

Smooth and Predictable Riding:

• Maintain a steady pace and avoid sudden braking or swerving. Unpredictable movements can cause accidents.

• Be mindful of others’ space, particularly in tight group formations.

Communicate Hazards:Call out or signal obstacles like potholes, debris, and approaching traffic to ensure everyone can react appropriately.

Ride Leader Authority: Ride leaders volunteer their time to guide and manage the group. Respect their decisions, follow their instructions, and help enforce the group’s expectations.

Support Group Cohesion: Encourage and assist others, especially new riders, to maintain the group’s unity. Avoid actions that could create gaps or split the group unnecessarily.