Bicycle Safety -Portland Bicycling Club

Bicycle Safety

Portland Bicycling Club Safety Policy

It is the policy of the Portland Bicycling Club to develop and foster a culture of safe riding and to develop training, communication, and corrective procedures to implement this policy. To read the complete Safety Policy, click HERE.

Helmets Required

PBC requires that all riders on all club rides wear a helmet, NO exceptions!

Protective Eyewear Recommended

PBC strongly recommends that cyclists wear protective eyewear at all times while riding. This can help prevent eye injuries from flying insects, pebbles kicked up by car tires, etc. Keep in mind that even if an object that hits your eye doesn’t cause an injury, the resulting discomfort can cause momentary disorientation – potentially resulting in a crash. Another benefit of cycling glasses is that they block UV light which can damage your eyes over time. There are many different models of cycling glasses available and they often come with two (or more) different lenses, e.g., tinted lenses for sunny days and clear for cloudy or dark conditions.

Accident Reporting

The Portland Bicycling Club would like to have a record of accidents that resulted in the need for medical attention, even if only RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), and occurred during Club rides. To this aim, using the form below an accident report should be submitted by the affected individual (if able bodied and aware of circumstances surrounding the accident) and/or by ride participants who witnessed the accident. This information will be channeled to the Executive Board for discussion at the next Board meeting. Discussion will focus on what may have led to the accident and how it could have possibly been prevented.

Accident Report Form

(Click to open form. Be prepared to complete information for all injured parties. When you submit the form, it will be received by the Portland Bicycling Club Safety Committee)

Safety Articles from the Quick Releases Newsletter

Safety: The Door Prize

Road Hazards

Navigating Intersections

The New Stop Sign Law

Safety: How Not to Get Hit by a Car

Uneven Surfaces

Tire Integrity and Pressure

Riding in Groups

Safety Tips – Brakes

Safety Tips – Potholes

Cycling Safely on Black Ice

6 Tips for Cycling Safety When Leaves Fall

Va Tech Helmet Testing and Reviews

Flashing Lights 

Right Hook Accidents 

True or False? Hats or Caps Can be Worn Under Helmets?

Bontrager’s “ABCs of Awareness” campaign. Three bright videos that might change how you ride!