Ride Start Checklist
Ride leaders should cover the following items at the start of their ride:
- Introduce yourself and identify and introduce anyone new to the ride.
- Ask if everyone has signed in and provided emergency contact information
- Offer printed route maps (if on a non-group ride)
- Identify and welcome riders new to the club
- Explain road safety:
- Helmets are required on club rides
- Keep your distance from the rider in front of you (don’t overlap wheels)
- When stopping or turning let the rider behind you know what you are doing
- Call out any road hazards such as glass, potholes or large rocks
- Call out “car back” when car is attempting to pass the group.
- If you hear “car back” move to the right (all riders should be single file)
- We yield at stop signs (Idaho Stop) and stop completely at red lights
- Don’t pass on the right of riders in a tight area
- On bike trails call out “on your left” if you can’t pass safely
- No spitting or “snot rockets”, if necessary please move to the rear of the group
- Let me know if anybody is stopped at a red light (if on a group ride)
- Explain the ride type (group, non-group or re-group)
- Explain the ride pace (if on a group ride)
- Explain the ride route, route hazards and planned water/food stops
- Ask for a sweep volunteer (if needed for a group ride)
- Ask for any announcements or concerns