As members of MUCyc you are fully covered by Melbourne University Sports Association Insurance while riding at an Official MUCyc Event, but why bother with all the paperwork and pulling gravel out of your legs when you can avoid the risk of damaging yourself or your bike by simply following MUCyc Road Cycling Group Ride Rules?
While it may seem like an overly cautious and extensive list, one little incident can buckle your wheel, scratch your paintwork, rip your jersey and your skin, and otherwise turn your beautiful bike into a very expensive carbon fibre paperweight, so please take the time to brush up on our safety rules.
- Don’t cycle more than two abreast
- Do not overlap your front wheel with the back wheels of those in front of you
- Always keep your hands on your brakes
- Stay alert, don’t follow the person in front blindly
- Don’t undertake, pass on the right only when safe to do so
- Don’t follow the group through traffic lights if they are not green, the group will wait or slow down so you can catch up
- When informing other riders that it is safe to take off from or roll through the lights, say “Clear”, not “Go”, as this can be easily misheard as “Whoa” or “No”
- Avoid unnecessary adjustment of your bike or drink bottle/phone/food etc while in the pack
- Ride in a gear that allows you to quickly adjust your cadence (speed of pedals) and pace
- Make sure your brakes, gears, clips, chain and tires are in good condition before each ride
- Indicate with your hands if you intend to slow or turn. It is customary to use the hand opposite the direction you are turning, crossing it across your back so that anyone behind you is sure to see it.
- Assume that cars will NOT stop for you
For more tips and diagrams see: http://www.bikenow.com.au/tips/road_tips.htm
Follow these guidelines, and everyone will have a much safer and more enjoyable riding experience.
