Riding Safely – The Rules Of The Road
When you ride a bike on a street or road, you are a driver. Therefore, you have the same road rights and responsibilities as the driver of a car or truck. To have a safe Tour, follow these rules as you ride:
- Wear a helmet. This is mandatory to participate in the BP MS 150 Bike Tour.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Never wear headphones.
- Ride on the right side of the lane, a few feet from the edge.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Ride in single file to allow traffic to pass.
- Never ride more than two abreast.
- Pass on the left only.
- Give hand signals when stopping or turning.
- Ride friendly and respect the communities that we ride through.
Good Ideas For Cycling Smart
It is also important to follow these tips and practice cycling etiquette:
- Ride in a straight line. Do not weave.
- Cross railroad tracks at a right angle.
- Make eye contact with drivers before turning.
- Glance back before moving right or left.
- Watch out for yourself. Do not depend on other riders to spot hazards.
- Talk to your fellow cyclists. Let them know “CAR BACK,” “ON YOUR LEFT” or “STOPPING.”
- Before passing, be sure it is clear, then signal.
- When passing another cyclist, call out “ON YOUR LEFT.”
- When you hear someone say “ON YOUR LEFT,” do not turn around. Hold handlebars steady and your bike straight.
Common Mistakes TO AVOID
Everyone wants to stay safe and have an enjoyable Tour. Here are common errors that you can avoid:
- Following too closely behind other bicyclists or cars.
- Drafting behind motor vehicles.
- Not getting off the pavement when stopping to rest.
- Not keeping clear of road-edge hazards, such as trash, low branches and parked vehicles.
- Not watching out for drains, cattle guards, sand and gravel.
- Riding more than two side-by-side.
Riding in Wet Weather
Texas weather, like the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, can be unpredictable. Everyone hopes for clear skies, but the BP MS 150 Bike Tour still moves out from Houston to Austin in rain or shine. Follow these techniques to stay safe in wet weather:
- Allow for longer braking distances.
- Dry the wheel rims by applying the brakes ahead of time. Even if the ground is not slick, wet rims will reduce performance.
- Brake more gently on slick surfaces and use the front brake less.
- Turn and accelerate more gently to prevent sliding on slick surfaces.
- Pay special attention to metal and other slick surfaces, such as manhole covers, painted traffic markings, wet leaves and oil slicks.
- Be prepared to put a foot down for balance.
- Avoid riding through puddles when you cannot see the bottom. Puddles can often hide deep potholes.
- After riding in the rain, lubricate your bike chain to help prevent rusting.
