1. Check the route beforehand to avoid surprises like road construction or closed bridges. Bring a map and sign-up sheet for the ride. If you don’t have a sign-up sheet, see item 8.
2. Find out where you can get food, water, and restrooms along the route. Plan a stop near the halfway point. Adjust start times for hot or cold weather.
3. Arrive at the starting point 20 minutes early. Have riders sign the sheet. If you can’t lead the ride, designate an experienced rider as the leader and announce it to the group.
4. Introduce new riders and have everyone introduce themselves. Make new riders feel welcome. Mention any important details about the route, rest stops, and traffic laws. Encourage helmet use without excluding anyone.
5. Start the ride as close to the announced time as possible. Leave the sign-up sheet and maps under your windshield wiper for latecomers. Keep track of the number of riders.
6. Carry a spare tube, pump, and basic first aid supplies. In case of emergencies, use a cell phone to call 911. If you don’t have a cell phone, ask for help at nearby homes. Stay with injured riders if possible.
7. Watch out for slower riders, waiting for them at turns or assigning another experienced rider to do so. Check if they need assistance if they don’t show up after a reasonable time. Fast riders may continue if they know the route. Inform the leader if riders deviate from the announced route.
8. Make sure all riders finish the ride. If someone is missing, drive the route to find them or offer assistance. Complete the sign-up sheet accurately. Submit an accident report if needed or report details to the Ride Captain or RABA Treasurer.

Suggested Safety Briefing “Script” for Ride Leaders to Use at the Start of a Ride

Here are some general safety guidelines for this ride:

• Try to ride single file as much as possible. If you are riding two abreast, make sure that you quickly get into a single file line whenever a car approaches from the back.
• When slowing, give both a verbal and visual “slowing” signal if there are bikes behind you. Likewise, always give the stopping signal whenever coming to a stop.
• If you need to pass a rider in front of you, pass on the left side and always give the “passing on your left” signal.
• If a car is approaching from behind, please give the “car back” signal. Make sure that the riders in front of you hear the signal.
• Point out any obstacles in the road such as holes, bumps, sticks, etc.
• When another rider gives you a signal, acknowledge it.
• If someone is riding in an unsafe or dangerous manner, point it out to them. They probably don’t even realize they are doing it.

Here are some additional guidelines for those of you who plan to ride in a pace line:

• When in a pace line, stay single file at all times unless you are rotating off the pull.
• Ride at a steady pace and avoid coasting. Avoid overlapping the wheel in front of you, especially on the right side. Try to stay a minimum of 2 to 3 feet behind the wheel in front of you at all times.
• Try to minimize braking in the pace line. If possible, soft pedal instead. If you must use your brakes, try to brake as smoothly as possible.
• Limit pulls to one mile or less. If you don’t want to pull, simple rotate through the pull when your turn comes up. Don’t feel like you need to pull – it is strictly optional.
• Try to minimize casual conversation when riding in a tight pace line, especially at speeds over 18 mph.
• If you feel fatigued, drop out of the pace line.

You can download a PDF of the script here.

The importance of the sign-up sheet was discussed on this page.

You can download a PDF copy of it here.