Safety

Click here for a quick and very easy read about the rules/regulations regarding bicycling in Ohio. PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT.

• Pelotonia is not a race.
• The ride is conducted on open roads. Motor vehicle traffic will be present. Be aware of what’s going on around you at all times.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Ride as far to the right of the road as is safely possible, except to pass.
• Pass on the left side only.
• Helmets must be worn at all times while riding.
• Headphones, iPods and radios are not permitted while riding.
• Endangering the safety of your fellow riders is strictly prohibited.
• Ride defensively in consideration of your fellow riders and ride in control of your bike at all times (i.e. be able to stop within a reasonable distance).
• Communicate with your fellow riders using proper cycling terms such as “On your left,” “Car back,” etc.
• Use proper hand signals when turning.
• Make left turns from center of road or left turn lane.
• Cross railroad tracks at right angles to avoid dropping wheels into space between the rails and road.
• Do not cross the yellow centerline regardless of passing zone.
• Obey instructions from the Pelotonia road crew and pay attention to information posted on Pelotonia road signs.
• Each rider is expected to speak out when observing a violation. When spoken to, the response should be in appreciation of the concern expressed.

Be Predictable
Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to continue straight ahead at a constant speed unless you indicate differently.

Use Signals
Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with fellow cyclists and with other traffic. Hand signals for turning and stopping are as follows: left arm straight out to signal a left turn; left arm out and down with your palm to the rear to signal slowing or stopping; and for a right turn, put your right arm straight out or put your left arm out and up.

Give Warnings
Warn cyclists behind you well in advance of changes in your direction or speed. To notify the group of a change in path, the lead rider should call out “left turn” or “right turn” in addition to giving a hand signal.

Change Positions Correctly
Generally, slower traffic stays right so you should pass others on their left. Say “on your left” to warn the cyclist ahead of you that you are passing. If you need to pass someone on the right, say “on your right” clearly since this is an unusual maneuver.

Announce Hazards
When riding in a group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes, glass, sand, grates, and other hazards. The leader should indicate hazards by pointing down to the left or right, and by shouting “hole,” “bump,” etc. where required for safety.

Watch for Traffic Coming From the Rear
Because those in front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it is the responsibility of the riders in back to inform the others by saying “car back” when rounding curves, on narrow roads, or when riding double. It is also helpful to warn of traffic approaching from the front with “car up.”

Watch Out at Intersections
When approaching intersections that require vehicles to yield or stop, the lead rider will say “slowing” or “stopping” to alert those behind to the change in speed. When passing through an intersection, some cyclists say “clear” if there is no cross traffic. Note that each cyclist is responsible for verifying that the way is indeed clear.

Leave a Gap for Cars
When riding up hills or on narrow roads where you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars between every three or four bikes. That way a motorist can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move around the entire group.

Move Off the Road When You Stop
Whether you are stopping because of mechanical problems or to regroup with your companions, move well off the road so you don’t interfere with traffic. When you start up again, each cyclist should look for, and yield to, traffic.

Ride One or Two Across
Ride single file or two abreast as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by law. Most state vehicle codes permit narrow vehicles such as bikes and motorcycles to ride two abreast within the lane. Even where riding double is legal, courtesy dictates that you single up when cars are trying to pass you.

The following is a suggested packing list for Pelotonia weekend. Each Rider is permitted one duffle bag, which cannot exceed 20 pounds. Please bring only those items essential to the weekend.

• Helmet
• Tuned-up bike with hand pump and at least two CO2 cartridges + nozzle
• Saddle bag with tire levers, patch kit, two spare inner tubes and a cycling multi-tool
• Cycling shoes, cycling shorts and/or tights, cycling shirt or jersey, socks, gloves
• Extra water bottle
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Cell phone for emergency use only (in a zip lock bag, carry with you)
• Identification, money/credit card (carry with you)
• Prescription medications and car/home key (carry with you – do not pack them in your luggage)
• Fanny pack (for additional clothing while riding)
• Casual clothes
• Sleeping clothes
• Rain gear
• Sweatshirt or fleece
• Plastic trash bag(s) – to protect dry clothing in case of rain and to pack wet items
• Pillow and pillowcase
• Sleeping bag or bed linens
• Toiletry kit
• Towels

Please remember to keep yourself well hydrated before, during and after the ride (regardless of weather). It is critically important to avoid dehydration by drinking water and sports drinks on a schedule throughout the ride (roughly one liter per hour, starting with water and switching to sports drinks after the first hour or two). Do not rely on thirst – thirst only kicks in when you are already on the road to becoming dehydrated. It is also important, however, not to over-consume water. Over-hydration with straight water lacking the sodium found in sports drinks may result in hyponatremia, sometimes referred to as water toxicity.

Click here for a quick guide for tips on staying cool and hydrated during your ride.

Learn easy maintenance tips to take care of your bike in these free videos from eHow that cover the basics of how to become a knowledgeable road biker.

• Basic Bicycle Maintenance
• Road Bike Maintenance