Riding Safely – Road Rules for Cyclists
As a BP MS150 cyclist, you have the same road rights and responsibilities as the driver of a car or truck. In addition to obeying all traffic signs and signals, 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.
- Never wear headphones or talk on your cell phone while riding.
- Listen and respect the Ride Marshals, Medics and HPD officers - they are looking out for your safety.
- Riding safely in big groups requires communicating with other riders around you. Call hazards, call when passing and listen to others. Give hand signals when stopping or turning. (Be sure to check out MS 150 Tips - Vocal Warnings)
- Watch out for yourself. Do not depend on other riders to spot hazards.
- Ride single file on the right side of the lane or max 2 abreast if on a wide shoulder or a road that is closed to regular vehicular traffic.
- Maintain your personal space. Ride smoothly and predictably. Ride in a straight line. Do not weave. Avoid sudden sideways movements.
- Ride your ride at your pace. Be considerate of slower and faster riders around you. Don’t ride above your ability. Pull off and let the group go if the pace feels too fast.
- Passing on a bicycle is a two-way event. The passer and the passee both have responsibilities that will make the pass safe and friendly. The passers have the responsibility to ease up as they approach and wait for safe conditions to pass. The passees have the responsibility to listen, hold a steady speed and line, and go to single file to make room for the passers to get around.
- Pass on the left only. Before passing, be sure it is clear, then signal. When passing another cyclist, call out “ON YOUR LEFT.” Allow plenty of room before pulling back in to the right.
- When you hear someone say “ON YOUR LEFT,” do not turn around. Maintain your speed and hold your handlebars straight and steady.
- If more than 1 passer, announce the number of riders passing.
- If a group has trained together, cycling etiquette says to let the slowest rider set the pace on the way to Austin. The ride is supposed to be fun and it is definitely more fun with a group of friends. - Friends DON’T let friends ride alone...
- Ride friendly and respect the communities that we ride through. Enjoy the ride - Remember that this is a fund-raiser to find a cure for MS, not a race!
Common Mistakes TO AVOID
Everyone wants to stay safe and have an enjoyable Tour. Here are common errors that you can avoid:
- Riding more than two side-by-side.
- Following too closely behind other bicyclists or cars.
- Overlapping the wheel of the rider in front of you. Allow at least 12-24” between front/back wheels.
- Riding in pacelines when you are inexperienced with the general process and the specific group your are riding with.
- Drafting behind motor vehicles.
- Crossing over the center stripe.
- Not getting off the pavement when stopping to rest.
- Not watching out for drains, cattle guards, sand and gravel.
- Not crossing railroad tracks at a right angle.
- Not keeping clear of road-edge hazards, such as trash, low branches and parked vehicles.
- For more information, please review the Think Safe, Ride Safe – Safe Cycling Presentation PDF.
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.
The BP MS 150 Safety Task Force and the National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter thank you for your help in achieving the safest fund-raising bike ride in the world.
