Accidents Hurt, Safety Doesn't
Don't fall for the myth that wearing a helmet is the first and last word in biking safety. In truth, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It's better to not get hit, fall or have an accident. That's what real bicycle safety is about. While Team 224, Inc does all it can to make our events as safe as possible each rider, support vehicle participant, or volunteer is participating voluntarily and ultimately responsible for their own actions during the event. Try to prepare for what is going on around you. If you see a pothole, you may expect people to veer sharply. If you see a car at an intersection, assume they won’t see you or let you go first. Prepare for it and ride defensively.
Here are some basic principles for safe and effective riding in a group:
Keep a steady pace: No quick accelerations or slowing. Learn to match the pace of the rider in front of you and be aware of their leg speed for slowing and accelerating. Be sure to ride with your hands near the brake levers just in case.
Take turns riding at the front of the group: Everyone should get a chance to pull at the front. Don't pull for too long and exhaust yourself to the point where you get dropped from your group when everyone pulls through.
Keep a close draft but keep it safe: Don't let wide gaps develop. Keep it as close as is safe and comfortable but allow enough time to react to any sudden changes. NEVER OVERLAP WHEELS.
Hold your line: Ride consistently, don't make any sudden movements. Look ahead for potholes, branches, puddles and roadkill. Give your team mates space to react if you see a hazard.
Communicate with your group: Call out hazards, stops, cars, turns and when you are slowing. Call out when you are pulling off the front. Be consistent.
Expect to spread out on hills: When climbing or descending steeper hills, it is frequently normal to spread out the distance between riders in a group. Getting out of the saddle to climb naturally pushes the bike backwards potentially causing it to "slide" backwards as you first stand up. Knowing this will help keep you from riding into the person in front of you as he/she slows down to climb.
OTHER HELPFUL SAFETY LINKS
bicyclesafe.com | bikeleague.org