Rules of the Road

As a member, you will meet new people who share your interest in cycling as well as many other interests. By riding with us, you have the opportunity to share and learn safe bicycling habits and to foster cycling in our community. In effect, you become an ambassador for the great sport of cycling. LBC rides are enjoyable, in part, because we encourage all riders to abide by the Rules of the Road. Basic Guidelines For All LBC Rides Bicyclists fare best when they act like and are treated as operators of a vehicle.

• Wear helmets at all times; they are required of all riders on club rides.

• For safety and communication, riders should not use personal audio devices during club rides. However, a rider with hearing impairment may use a single-ear device that complies with Pennsylvania law (§3314) and does not obstruct surrounding sounds in the other ear. Riders must notify the ride leader prior to the ride and confirm that the device is used strictly for hearing support. (by support of Pennsylvania law (§3314) this does not prohibit the use of hearing aids or other devices for improving the hearing of the rider)

• Stay out of right turn lanes when going straight.

• Stay right, and do not pass on hills with limited sightlines or curves.

• Do not hinder traffic unnecessarily.

• Move to a single file when traffic is present. The most efficient way to do this is for the inside rider(s)—those closer to the center of the road—to pull in ahead of those on his/her right. Call “cars back” and “single up” to help everyone understand traffic is behind.

• Make space for cars to pass large groups of cyclists.

• Ensure safe crossings. Look for yourself and proceed when you feel it is safe. Do not call out “Clear” or attempt to direct traffic. Let others make the decision to cross for themselves.

• Never ride with no hands in a group. If someone needs to ride with no hands (e.g. taking off gloves), make sure they move to the back of the group.

• People are not allowed to use tri bars on a group ride.

• E-bikes are permitted on group rides except for e-bikes that have throttles, which are not allowed.

• Avoid swerving back and forth; ride as steady and consistent as possible.

• Do not overlap wheels (i.e. your front wheel with the back wheel of the person in front of you). Accidents can occur if your front wheel touches a back wheel.

• Give verbal warnings:

  • “Passing on left/right.” Passing on the right should only be done if the slower rider is more than a normal bike width (4 ft.) from the right edge of the pavement.

  • “Car back” then form single line for courtesy to and safety of riders and drivers

  • “Car Up” for oncoming traffic

  • “Hole” or “Gravel” to alert riders behind, as well as pointing out

• Use hand signals:

  • Right or left turn: arm parallel to ground in direction of turn

  • Slowing: arm down at side with palm facing back and pulsing, as well as calling out “slowing”

  • Stopping: arm down at side with palm facing back, as well as calling out “stopping”

  • Obstruction on right side of road such as a parked car or oncoming jogger: right arm behind back with finger pointing to the left or right hand tapping right hip

What To Do If A Rider Is Injured - Immediate Actions 

• All ride leaders and sweeps are strongly encouraged to have a cell phone with them during a ride.

• Stay calm; you are no help to others if you are frantic. Survey the situation before you act.

• Divert or stop traffic. If the injured rider is in the roadway, have other riders divert or stop traffic until you can determine if the person has a possible neck or back injury. Get all other riders and their bicycles off the road.

• Determine if the person is injured seriously enough to require medical attention. When in doubt, call 911 even if the injured person refuses. Let EMS make the determination not to transport. The injured rider should get medical attention if he/she:

  • Is bleeding heavily 

  • Has a head injury and lost consciousness even briefly 

  • Can’t remember what happened 

  • Has obvious pain when moving an injured limb. 

• If the injured individual is not breathing, start CPR immediately! Address any bleeding as well with another person helping while administering CPR.

• Pay careful attention even if there are no obvious injuries. Confusion or disorientation could indicate a head injury.

• Send someone for help, if necessary. Call 911 immediately, if there is any question about whether professional medical attention is needed.

• Check the rider’s cell phone for an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact number. Also, check to see if the rider is wearing a RoadID with contact information. If an ambulance is summoned, make sure the person’s identification/contact information and helmet go in the ambulance with him/her. Hospital personnel will want to examine the helmet to determine the likelihood of head injuries. It may be better for trained hospital staff to make contact with the emergency number as the staff will have a medical update.

Other Actions To Take After The Injured Rider’s Needs Are Addressed 

• Stay with the injured rider until help arrives. The ride leader and preferably someone who knows first aid should remain. Other riders may continue the ride, especially if they need to get back to the starting point before daylight ends.

• Obtain the name, driver license number, plate number, and insurance information of any driver involved in the accident. However, since there is no obligation for a person or party involved to give any information, let the police do so at the scene. Ask the police department for a Case Number.

• Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses and persons that rendered assistance.

• Report the accident to the ride coordinator and ride leader. Make note of the rider’s name/contact information so a followup call can be made to check on their condition.

• Return for the injured rider’s bike as soon as possible, preferably before nightfall. Alternatively, leave the bike at a nearby police or fire station, bike shop, or at the home of local residents.

• Take photos of the road, location, bike, injuries, close-up of the helmet. These should be shared with the rider, safety director and club president but not shared publicly without consent from the injured rider.

• Ride leader is primarily responsible to fill out the incident report found at this link Silent Sports Incident Report and submit it to the safety director and club president as soon as possible. All ride leaders should be totally familiar with INCIDENT REPORT and what is needed. The form can be obtained through the link in the standard Meetup ride notice. Witnesses, date, time, location and first responder information is imperative.