General Safety
Let’s keep the rubber on the road, the skin on our bodies, and be courteous to other road and trail users. Know our rules of the road and safety best practices.
LISTEN TO RIDE LEADERS
Follow the directions of the group leaders, whom we have given the difficult task of managing the ride and ensuring everyone’s safety. Please follow their instructions and treat them as your boss for the ride.
DON’T BE GROSS
Avoid gross behaviors like snot rockets or spitting within the group. If necessary, step aside and do so away from others.
RESIST GROUP MENTALITY
Think for yourself. Each rider is responsible for their own safety, so use your common sense and ride cautiously.
YIELD ACCORDINGLY
On trails, bikers yield to hikers, not vice versa. Always show gratitude if hikers make way for you. Additionally, downhill riders must yield to those going uphill.
PAY ATTENTION
Stay alert. While socializing is part of the fun, always remain attentive to your fellow riders and the road ahead.
Shared Roadway Safety
Check out our guidelines for shared roadway safety, ensuring both harmony and safety for motorists and riders.
BE SEEN
Use front and rear lights during all times of the day to ensure motorists can see you.
BE PREDICTABLE
Avoid sudden movements and make your intentions clear to other road users.
DON’T GET DOORED
Always assume that parked car doors may open suddenly and avoid riding within the “door zone.”
Use hand signals to alert vehicles and other road users (not the middle finger, in case you were wondering).
COMMUNICATE
RIDE SINGLE OR DOUBLE
Adapt your riding formation based on road conditions and ride leader instructions.Ride single file on narrow roads to reduce the group’s footprint on the road, making it easier for motorists to pass safely. However, single file with a large group can make the line excessively long, making it more difficult for vehicles to pass.
DON’T BREAK THE LAW
Follow the rules and laws of the road. Anything illegal should be stored in Mike McGurl’s jersey.
ANTICIPATE
Don’t assume vehicles are aware of your presence and be prepared for unexpected actions.
OWN THE LANE
Riding to the right of the road doesn’t mean the gutter. It’s generally safer to ride inside the white line on the road. This can help increase your visibility to motorists, reduce the risk of being hit by an opening car door, and give you more space to maneuver in case of obstacles on the road.
Group Riding Safety
Group riding safety is paramount at SPCC. Stick together, communicate clearly, and look out for each other.
STAY CLOSE, NOT TOO CLOSE
Maintain a safe distance of 8 inches to 5 feet from the cyclist in front to prevent accidents while ensuring group cohesion.
BE PREDICTABLE
Avoid sudden movements, surges, or braking. Hold your line from left to right to maintain stability within the group.
ROTATE INTO THE WIND, SELECTIVELY
Consider rotating into the wind selectively in windy conditions, prioritizing safety and group dynamics. Indicate with your elbow to pull through and rotate into the wind when facing strong crosswinds.
COMMUNICATE TO THOSE BEHIND
Front rider(s) scan the road ahead and signal potential hazards to those behind through verbal cues or hand signals. Each rider should follow around the threat and repeat the signal.
ROTATE LEFT BY DEFAULT
When rotating positions, default to rotating left, signaling to the rider behind to pull through with your right elbow. It’s safer to have one rider in the road as they move back than force the entire group into the road.
ANNOUNCE WHEN YOU’RE STANDING
Alert riders behind you by saying “standing” to minimize the risk of collisions when standing up on your pedals.
DON’T OVERLAP WHEELS
Unless you enjoy crashing, keep your front tire behind the rider’s rear tire in front of you.
LEAD FROM THE BACK
Left turns and lane changes should be managed and started from the rear (turns onto Browns Canyon, Democrat, River Road)
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…
Don’t be a dick.
At SPCC, we’re all about enjoying the ride while respecting each other and our surroundings. Remember, being a part of SPCC means being a part of a community that values camaraderie, safety, and good vibes. So let’s make it fun, keep it cool, and most importantly, let’s not be dicks out there on the road.
ONE FINGER SALUTES GET FIVE BACK
With motorists, every gesture counts. It's always classy to out-nice the not-so-nice, especially when flying SPCC colors.
SEGMENT CHASING ENDS WHERE TRAIL-SHARING BEGINS
Love your Strava, but your KOM or QOM ends where courtesy and safety begin. Your personal best should never be a personal problem for others.
BIKERS PAUSE, HIKERS APPLAUSE
You stop, they don’t. If hikers (who have the right-a-way) graciously step aside, pass them SLOWLY and express your gratitude.
BE A DOWNHILL HERO, NOT A PASSING ZERO
Don’t let your need for speed ruin someone else’s ride. If you find yourself coming up on a slower rider, slow down, politely ask for a good spot to pass, and always say, 'Thank you!’
USE YOUR BELL, NOT YOUR YELL
A friendly ring before you approach ensures no one is caught off guard. Keep surprises for birthday parties, not the trail.
LITTER MAKES THE TRAIL BITTER
Carry in, carry out. Gel wrappers and trash should leave with you. Keeping our trails pristine is a team effort, so let’s play like the champions we are.