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Ride Leaders Manual Group Riding Guidelines

Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

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Page 1: Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

Ride Leaders Manual

Group Riding Guidelines

Page 2: Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

Table of Contents 1…..Program Basics 2…..ABC Checklist 3…..Maine DOT Rules for Bicyclists 4…..Ride Checklist 5…..Group Riding Guidelines 6…..Incident Report

Page 3: Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

Bike to School Basics

Thank you for choosing to volunteer as a chaperone for Community Bicycle Center’s Group Rides. Enclosed you will find important documentation to assure a safe, successful and fun bike to school experience for you and the students. Scheduling: If your ride is scheduled, that is great. At the time of this drafting there is no information concerning ride scheduling Before the Ride: For each ride, there is a gathering time where everyone will get organized and prepare for the ride. During this time, leaders will check with the youth and make sure that both they and their bikes are prepared for the ride. Five minutes prior to departure, there will be an address to the participants which will go over the rules associated with group riding. During the Ride: During the ride, there should always be a “lead” and a “sweep” chaperone. Other chaperones are free to position themselves in the group as they see fit. During the ride it is important for the chaperones to lead by example and follow the guidelines detailed in this manual. Included in this manual is a detailed breakdown of group riding procedures. This is information from the stand point of a group road ride at a baseline of bicycling skill and is provided for you to gain a more complete understanding of your responsibilities as a chaperone. For many of the youth participating in these rides, this will be their first exposure to group riding. Because of this there are five rules which we must reinforce.

1. Ride Single File! 2. Call out obstacles!

3. Keep a safe distance in front of you! 4. Ride on the right side of the road!

5. Only pass on the left!

Page 4: Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

Break Down of Material

The ABC Check List: The ABC Quick Check is a handy list of things that should be checked and verified prior to beginning any bicycle ride. This checklist is of increased importance when conducting a ride with youth as their knowledge of bicycle maintenance and diagnostics are not yet developed. The Rules Of The Road (TROR): The TROR is a list of Maine traffic laws concerning cyclists. Know these rules. They are there to protect you and ensure a fun and safe ride. Pre Ride Checklist: A list of things that both the ride leaders and participants should be equipped with. A good ride is had by all if all are prepared. Group Riding Guidelines: This is a comprehensive list of guidelines that should be followed when riding in a group. Some of the information may not pertain to your particular ride, but is worth knowing. While riding in a group is fun and fast, it is also more dangerous if these rules are not adhered to. Incident Report: If an accident occurs on a ride that you are chaperoning, you may be required to fill out an incident report. Familiarize yourself with this document. If an accident occurs, there will be a person in charge of first aid, and a person who will be charged with managing the group.

Page 5: Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

ABC Quick CheckThe ABC Quick Check is an easy way for you to remember what parts of the bike you need to check in abasic safety inspection. Practice the ABC Quick Check so that you can do it in about 45 seconds.

Ais for Air (in your tires)

o check everything to do with tires

o are they inflated?

o are they true (the wheel should be straight)?

o is there any looseness in the axle bearings?

o is there badly worn tread?

Bis for Brakes

o are the levers far enough from the handlebars?

o are the brake pads in the proper position, not too worn?

o do the brakes fully tighten against the rim?

o are the cables worn?

o check the headset for looseness (apply the front brake, rock the bike back andforth)

o check the handlebars for looseness (hold the front wheel between your kneesand try to twist the handlebars from side to side, up and down)

Cis for Chain or Cranks

o check everything to do with the drive chain

o is the chain on and lubricated?

o do the pedals spin freely?

o are the gear derailleurs in the correct position?

o is there any looseness in the bottom bracket?

Quickis for Quick Release

o are the levers on tight?

o are the nuts on the axles tight?

o are the levers flush against the forks?

Checkis for Final Check Over

o drop check to listen for loose parts (lift the bike a few inches off the ground, dropit and listen for loose parts)

o try your brakes as you ride off

Page 6: Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

For More InformationThe Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) advocates bicyclingsafety, education, and access in Maine. Our vision is tomake Maine accessible and safe for all bicyclists so theymay comfortably and responsibly bicycle. The BCM

promotes bicycling for transportation, health, recreation, and fun to enhance our communities, environment, and economy. Contact the BCM at P.O. Box 5275, Augusta, ME 04332

(207) 623-4511, [email protected]

www.BikeMaine.org

Driving on the roads requires care and courtesy whether you are driving a car or a bicycle. As road users, bicyclists must be predictable and obey all traffic laws by riding in a responsible manner. Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. Do your part by being a good ambas- sador to bicycling. Below are a few bicycle driving rules for your review.

Bicyclists

Thanks and have fun!

Maintain and Regularly Inspect Your EquipmentBe safe and keep your bike tuned up. Take it to a bikeshop at least twice a year for professional inspection.Secure any loads tightly to a rack or trailer.

Some icons courtesy City of Portland, OR.

Be Prepared for ConditionsAlways carry appropriate repair supplies, clothing, and plentyof water when traveling by bicycle. When you use yourbrakes in the rain, allow yourself extra distance to stop.

Warn Others When ApproachingBicyclists must yield to pedestrians.Be courteous by warning others witha ring of your bell or a friendly greeting.Allow plenty of space when passing.

Be Visible and PredictableWear bright colors. Ride straight in a predictable manner.Plan ahead to avoid obstacles. Signal before changingdirections.

Always Ride with Lights at NightBicycle reflectors are not sufficientfor safety. Maine State Law requiresa headlight and red taillight visiblefrom at least 500 feet when riding atnight. Flashing tail lights and reflectiveclothing are recommended.

STOP Obey All Traffic LawsRide with traffic. Obey stop signs,traffic lights, and other traffic controls.Bicyclists fare best when they act andare treated as drivers of vehicles.

Wear a Helmet CorrectlyHelmets are required by lawfor anyone under 16 buteveryone should wear ahelmet to prevent headinjury. Your helmet shouldbe level and snug.

Watch for Potential HazardsScan the road 100 feet ahead forhazards--drains, potholes, tracks, ordebris. Allow time to maneuver aroundthese hazards and negotiate withtraffic. Avoid riding into open car doorsby giving yourself 3 or 4 feet.

Making Left Hand TurnsYou may turn left as a vehicle 1 bymoving into the left side of the travellane (or left turn lane). OR Cross likea pedestrian 2 by stopping, dismounting,and walking across crosswalks.

Signal All TurnsLook back before youmake a lane changeor turn. Signal safelyin advance using oneof these signals. LEFT RIGHT or RIGHT

Ride with TrafficAlways ride on the right side. Do notpass motorists on the right. If youapproach an intersection with a rightturn lane and intend to continuestraight, ride with through traffic.

CarBack!

21

View from behind

See and be seen!

© Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2002

NOYES

Ride Single File in TrafficAlways ride single file except whenpassing others. Also, notify otherbicyclists of approaching cars.

Rules for

THE ROAD

SHARE

Page 7: Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

Pre-Ride Checklist – Ride Leader Community Bicycle Center

Ride Leader Bike Stuff o Participant permission forms and/or emergency contacts list o Permission to Treat forms for each cyclist o Non-rider emergency backup contact phone numbers o Cell phone with In Case of Emergency(ICE) numbers programmed o Accident/incident report forms o Emergency whistle o Route map o Snack money and/or energy bars o Cable lock o Camera & extra batteries o Dry bag o Panniers or bike trailer o Rain gear o First Aid Kit o Bike repair tools:

o Multi-tool with chain rivet o Tire levers o 15mm wrench o Pump and/or CO2 cartridges & dispenser o Spare tubes: 26x1.50 and 700ccx23c and 24x1.50 o Patch kit – glue and patches o Rag o Duct tape

Ride Participants Stuff o Water bottle with water o Bike repair tools o Tire fixing supplies o Pump: dual valve (Schrader & Presta) o Cell phone o Route map o Helmet o Weather appropriate clothing Pre-ride Briefing o Ride route & anticipated stops o Number of bikes & number of riders o Point person & rear person o Rules of the Road – ride predictably o Hand turning, slowing, stopping, and hazard signals o Verbal signals: “Passing on your left” &” car back” o Bathroom before start of ride

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Page 9: Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

Group Riding Guidance Bike to School

I. Ride Leader and Ride Chaperons

A. Arrive early at the designated staging area to coordinate pre-commute activities. B. Assign volunteers to manage: attendance check-in, ABC Quick Checks, and helmet fitting. C. Assign volunteers to lead, roaming, and sweep bike commute positions. D. Check students for loose shoelaces and loose pants on drive train side of bikes. E. Be available to answer questions about the commute. F. Ride leaders prepare for two minutes pre-commute talk.

II. Pre-Commute Talk

A. While participants gather in, take the opportunity to assess their bikes, helmets, and clothing. 1. New participants - you might casually ask them questions. 2. Turn back a rider at the start without a helmet or permission for Bike to School

commuting.

B. The following group riding skills should be made clear to all riders: 1. Impress upon the group that cycling with a group, as opposed to cycling alone, requires

special cycling skills and rules. 2. Safety has to be one of the major concerns of group riding. Describe Rules of the Road and

etiquette rules for group cycling. 3. Emphasize cycling predictably, no headphones use, cell phone talking, and no sidewalk or

lawn riding.

C. Emphasize predictable, single or double line riding attentive to local traffic laws and common sense. Do not bunch up at lights or while riding—maintain the line.

D. Notify the group that you'll be indicating your intentions by using hand and voice signals,

such as stopping, slowing to take turns, and calling out conditions such as holes, glass, and car doors. Expect them to do the same. 1. By not doing so, they might deprive a rider behind them from reacting to a dangerous

obstacle and might cause injury or damage to their bicycle. On the other hand, make riders aware of their need to focus on their own in situations such as going through intersections or turns by not always following the group blindly.

2. If riders operate in an unsafe manner or are disrespectful to the ride leader or other riders, they will not be permitted on future bike commutes.

III. Group Etiquette and Rules

A. Etiquette 1. Be predictable

a. In a group, your actions affect those around you, not just yourself b. Riders expect you to continue straight and at a constant speed

2. Use signals a. Use hand signals to indicate turns and point out hazards to others

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3. Give warnings a. Announce turns before the intersections to give riders a chance to position

themselves. b. Try to avoid sudden stops or turns except for emergencies

4. Change positions correctly a. Passes on the right are not a usual maneuver and not permitted

5. Announce hazards a. Announce potholes and other hazards so others can avoid them b. Call out the hazard and point down to it, either left or right

6. Watch for traffic from the rear a. The last rider should frequently check for overtaking cars b. Announce "car back" clearly and loudly c. It is also helpful to announce "car up" on narrow roads or when riding two abreast

7. Watch out at intersections a. Leader should announce slowing or stopping at intersections if necessary b. Cyclists should not follow others through intersections without scanning c. Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if you must stop, signal

8. Leave room for cars a. Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of every cyclist

9. Stop off roadway a. When stopping for a mechanical or regrouping, always move clear off the road b. Always yield to traffic in the roadway

10. Ride single file a. It is illegal in Maine to ride two abreast. b. Groups will be double file at times. Keep in mind that it’s the group’s

responsibility to be single file when being overtaken by traffic. c. Group rides should NEVER be more than two across.

IV. Group Riding Skills

A. Positioning 1. Do not overlap your front wheel with the back wheel of the rider in front of you.

a. This is the number 1 reason for falls in a group ride. b. If the lead rider swerves to avoid a hole or obstacle, the REAR rider will fall! c. Every rider is responsible to monitor her/his own position. d. Look at the lead rider's helmet or beyond, and become acquainted with the correct

distance of body-to-body. e. Often referred to as “half-wheeling”. f. The rider that is ahead has the right of way. g. Ride right! Ride safe! Don't overlap wheels!

2. Moving into the line for traffic: a. When you hear “Car Back”, you should be IMMEDIATELY looking for a place

in the right hand line. Call out “Car Back” to pass it up the line. i. It’s important for the first person in line to maintain the pace or even speed

up. This prevents the group from bunching. ii. If you have a rider to your left you should make a space for him.

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iii. Remember that cars will overtake the group quickly so we must get into line quickly but safely.

B. Be Smooth and Predictable

1. No sudden accelerations or slowdowns! 2. If a gap opens in front of you, try to close it gradually 3. Sharp braking should be used ONLY in emergencies 4. Do not move out to pass the rider in front of you without checking to be sure that you

don’t have another rider in your ‘blind spot’ (coming up behind you on the left) 5. Riders should verbally communicate upcoming stop signs: “SLOWING”, “STOPPING” 6. If you’re getting too close to the rider ahead:

a. Soft pedal b. Sit up higher to catch more of the wind c. Move over slightly to catch more of the wind (but don’t overlap your front wheel

with the next rider’s back wheel, and again, watch out to be sure there is not a rider coming from behind who you would be cutting off)

d. Try not to coast – when the riders behind you see you coasting, they will slow down too and cause an accordion effect

e. If all of the above do not slow you down enough, feather your brakes 7. It’s better to roll over minor obstacles like small holes or sticks than to make a sudden

move over or slam on your brakes. 8. Go to the back of the group to drink, eat or adjust clothing. When in the midst of the

group, keep your hands on the handlebars at all times.

C. Communicate 1. Hand signals and verbal signals 2. Right turn, left turn 3. Slowing, stopping 4. Pointing at obstacles and calling them out (you need to point before going by the obstacle

or you are not giving the rider behind you enough warning) a. “Hole” b. “Rough Road”

5. “Car Back”, “Car Up” 6. Move over for obstacles ahead (example, “Walker up”)

Page 12: Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

Incident Report Form Community Bicycle Center

INJURED PERSON Name_________________________________________________ Gender____ DOB____________ Age_____ Address________________________________________________Phone______________________________ Guardian____________________________________________ Phone_________________________________ Witness_____________________________________________Phone_________________________________ Witness_____________________________________________Phone_________________________________

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE Were police called? Yes No If yes, police report #_______________Officer badge #______________ Was ambulance called? Yes No If yes, EMS report #_____________Attendant badge #_______________ Was injured hospitalized? Yes No If yes, hospital name___________________________________________ Could victim continue riding? Yes No Describe treatment at the scene___________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

Date___________Time____________Location_______________Terrain_____________Weather___________ Program/Activity___________________________ Cause of Injury___________________________________

_____ Collision with another bicyclist? Name____________________________________________ _____ Collision with a motor vehicle? License plate # _____________________________________ Driver’s Name____________________________ Phone____________________________________ _____ Collision with a stationary object _______ A Fall _____ Other_________________

Incident Description________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

Form completed by_________________________________Date/Time_______________________________ Subsequent action taken: __________________________________________________________________________________________