Safety

On behalf of NorthWest Cycling Club, we welcome you to ride your bicycle with us. We support all ability levels in cycling and your safety is our concern. Experience has taught us that cyclists on public roads need to have basic bike handling skills and knowledge in order to keep themselves and others around them safe. This brochure has been created to address some of the more common safety issues within our cycling community. It is hoped that this educational component will help to maintain and promote effective safety practices at club riding events.

NWCC safety committee has as it's goal not only to provide quality cycling experiences, but also to help the cyclist understand their rights and responsibilities so they can safely share the road. Tips on group riding, bike maintenance, managing road hazards, and safety by-laws of our club have been included. It is hoped that you will find this information useful, and easy to incorporate into your cycling experience.

Remember, whether you ride for recreation, racing, or commuting, safety is the key that unlocks the door to successful riding. We look forward to seeing you on the road.

Mark Chance
1999 NWCC Safety Chairperson

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE RIDE PREPERATION
NWCC cyclists are responsible for keeping their bicycles in good working order. In fact, get into the habit of checking your bicycle and equipment before every ride.

  • Check wheels for loose spokes, warped rims, worn tires, and improper inflation.
  • Check brakes for cable tightness and pad alignment.
  • Check saddle for bolt tightness and proper fit.
  • Check the chain for debris and bad links.
  • Check to make sure all gears shift smoothly.
  • Check your pedals and cranks for tightness.
  • Check your shoes for tight cleats or straps and buckles in good condition.
  • Check your helmet for proper fit and worn straps.

Personally prepare for every ride including:

  • A nutritious breakfast including liquids.
  • Cycling shorts - highly recommended.
  • Cycling jersey - brightly colored to be seen by traffic.
  • Cycling shoes, or footware that is lightweight, comfortable and low-flew.
  • Headband or bandana.
  • Cold weather attire, if applicable to ride day.
  • Sunglasses with maximum UV protection.
  • ANSI rated helmet.
  • Two water bottles filled with ice water and/or sport drink.
  • Energy food such as Power Bar, Power Gel, Clif Bar, etc.
  • A spare tube, patch kit, tire lever & air pump.
  • Doing stretches prior to riding.

PREVENT ACCIDENTS - DO YOUR PART

RIDING IN A NWCC PACK - THE BASICS
Pack riding takes practice. Feeling comfortable with another rider in front of you, on your right and left sides and behind you may cause you to feel trapped. RELAX. The most important aspect of riding close to others is to create your own safety zone. This may vary depending on the speed and ability level of the people you are with so be FLEXIBLE. Let others know of your limitations - they may also be new at this. Some other helpful hints to keep in mind for that group ride include:

  • Communicate well in advance. Use gestures in combination with verbal commands.
  • Ride with your head up. Look down the road instead of fixating on the person in front of you.
  • Know your limits. Accidents occur when inexperienced riders do not have the bike handling skills to make quick decisions in a pack. Consider taking a NWCC bike handling clinic offered periodically.
  • Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist.
  • Do not use aero bars in a pack or pace lines.
  • Pack mentality is somtimes unpredictable. Expect to stop at all red lights and stop signs - IT IS THE LAW.
  • Adjust your safety zone to fit the conditions of the road, weather and traffic.

COMMUNICATE IN A PACK

SPECIAL SITUATIONS
CARS, DOGS, & PEDESTRIANS
Many cyclists find that when riding alone or in a group, situations occur which require quick thinking and heightened bike handling skills. Passing cars, unleashed dogs and pedestrians are just some of the most common. These are suggestions for managing potential obstacles.

  • CARS and bicycles must interact. Drivers will often not give you ample room when they pass. Give them the right-of-way. In a group, call out "CAR BACK" and move to the far right in single file. Be predictable for your safety as well as the motorists' safety.
  • DOGS can cause panic and accidents in a pack. Handling dogs vary with each situation. You may want to slow down, out sprint him, yell "STOP", "NO", or "GO HOME". Distracting a dog with a water bottle or pepper spray should only be used when you are not in a pack. Whatever you choose to do, remember to be predictable and let others know of your intentions.
  • PEDESTRIANS and joggers have the right-of-way. Signal the pack that a person is being overtaken and move to allow room for safe passing.

DO NOT PROVOKE MOTORISTS

KNOW THE LINGO
Group cycling has its own from of communication. The presence of road hazards, directions, and "need to know" information is relayed through the pack of riders by gestures and words. The following are the most common you may hear on club sponsored rides:

  • "On your left" - This means a rider is approaching your left side. Allow room to pass. May also be called out "on your right."
  • "Car Back" - This means a car is approaching from the rear. All riders make an effort to move to the right of the road in a single file until the car passes. It is state law that cyclists ride no more than two abreast. This ensures that the normal flow of traffic will not be impeded.
  • "Gravel" - "Pot-hole" - "Sand" - "Tracks" - Each of these messages are to alert the riders behind you of road condition hazards. The words are combined with the gesture of pointing to the hazard well in advance.
  • "Flat" - This indicates that a rider has suffered a flat tire. Allow enough room for the rider to slow and move to the right side of the road for repair. Offer assistance if needed.
  • "Slowing" - The cyclist in front of you is slowing down. Gesture with an open hand pointed downward.
  • "Stopping" - This indicates that a rider ahead is stopping. Don't forget to unclip from your pedals.

REMEBER, LOUD, CLEAR COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL IN PACK RIDING

MOUNTAIN BIKING
RULES OF THE TRAIL
Mountain biking is a great recreational experience, but all riders should be prepared before the venture out to the trails. Here is a short list of helpful hints compiled by experienced NWCC offroad riders. Remember, a good ride is a safe ride.

PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR BIKE
Prepare as you would for any ride. Take a loot at the bike checklist above. Mountain bikes are built for trail riding, but you should always make sure your bike is trailworthy.

  • Always Wear A Helmet.
  • Carry plenty of water and energy food.
  • Use bug spray and sun screen.
  • Know your route.
  • Never ride alone especially on a trail that is new to you.

THINGS TO BRING ON A RIDE
Minor mechanicals on mountain bike rides are quite common. You need to carry a repair kit and know how to use it. You may consider running Slime or Airlock-type inner tubes. Have an experienced rider or shop personnel demonstrate flat changing and chain repair. These are the two mechanicals you will encounter sooner or later.
Basics
Patch kit
Extra tube
Tire levers
Pump and/or a CO2 system
Mini-tool with a chain tool
Mini-first aid kit 		Epic Backcountry Rides
Camelbak with pockets
Map, compass and pen
Foldable tire and 2 or 3 extra tubes
Sun Screen
Extra food and money

A FEW TRIED AND TRUE RIDING TIPS
Take the time to learn offroad skills and you'll have a safer and more fun experience. Practice shifting and braking techniques. Don't push yourself beyond your abilities. It is okay to walk tough sections because we all know that hiking is part of mountain biking.
Always look where you want to go: the trail. See obstacles you want to avoid, but don't focus on them. The bike will follow your eyes.
Learn proper body english techniques. On a mountain bike, you'll constantly be changing positions on the bike. On descents, get your weight back and use the rear brake. This is endo avoidance. As you gain experience, you'll gain a good feel on how to manipulate your weight and braking for different situations.
Riding offroad is a privilege, not a right. Always respect the land and other trail users. Be friendly and stop to smell the roses.

IMBA RULES OF THE TRAIL
Do your part to maintain trail access by observing these rules of the trail as formulated by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). IMBA's missoin is to promote environmentally and socially responsible mountain biking. Consider joining this organization.

  1. Ride on open trails only.
  2. Leave no trace.
  3. Control your bicycle.
  4. Always yield trail.
  5. Never spook animals.
  6. Plan ahead.

ALWAYS RESPECT THE LAND

EMERGENY SITUATION MANAGEMENT
Many times cyclists encounter unforseen circumstances while riding their bicycles. It is important to follow some basic principles for increased safety and possibly decrease the time it would take to get help to you if you need it. If you have medical training and have a special qualification such as an M.D., EMT, RN etc. it is important to let us at NWCC know so that you can be identified if needed in a an emergency. Everyone, however, is expected to follow these guidlines for emergency preparedness:

  • Always carry an I.D. with a current address and phone number, health insurance card and an emergency contact number.
  • List any medical conditions or medicines you may be taking that would require special attention.
  • Carry Sunscreen and two bottles of water on every ride.
  • Maintain a current CPR and First Aid certification and carry your card with you.
  • Carry a small first aid kit on your bike and a larger one in your car.
  • Carry a cell phone if possible.

SAFE CYCLING IS FUN

NWCC SAFETY BY-LAWS
With increasing membership it has become necessary to define some basic safety laws while riding with NWCC. These can be found in your membership directory under Member Conduct and are summarized here as follows.

  • The use of an illegal substance or drug during any NWCC function, or the consumption of alcoholic beverages while bicycling shall not be permitted.
  • The possesion of a concealed weapon, or the brandishing of a weapon shall not be permitted while participating in any NWCC function.

HEAD SMART
Severe head injuries can occur without wearing a helmet. Even falling at a slow rate of speed can cause head injuries. Therefore, NWCC has established that:

  • Helmets are to be worn while cycling with NWCC - no exceptions.

TEXAS STATE LAW
Because a bicycle is considered equivalent to a motor vehicle, cyclists must observe and obey all traffic laws while on the road. A bicyclist must ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, except when:

  • the person is overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
  • the person is preparing for a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway.
  • conditions on the roadway, including fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes, make it unsafe to ride next the the right curb or edge of the roadway.

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