P.O. Box 1234
Montpelier, Vermont
05601

802.279.7545

info@vtbikeped.org

GROUP RIDE TIPS

GROUP RIDE TIPS • LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES

We recognize that ride leaders are volunteers who are giving of their own time to support your bike club. We expect all ride leaders to exercise their best judgment in all situations.

  • Introduce yourself as the ride leader.
  • Talk to new or less experienced riders to make them feel welcome.
  • Be sure everyone signs the waiver forms if they have not yet signed in for the year.
  • Be sure everyone signs the log in sheet so you will know if all riders return.
  • If possible, have some blank membership forms with you to offer new riders.
  • Review safety guidelines (see checklist, next page).
  • Review highlights of the ride, including food stops.
  • Tell riders to let you know if they are going to modify their ride (eg, turn around early, add an extra leg, etc.) so you won’t be waiting somewhere for them.
  • Start the ride on time—you are not obligated to wait for late comers
  • Take steps to insure that new of less experienced riders are not left behind by doing one or all of the following:
    • Ride sweep yourself
    • Ask someone else to ride sweep
    • Talk to riders at the back to assess their experience and fitness level and to determine that they will all ride together.
    • If the last riders are experienced and specifically request that you not wait for them, it is not necessary to do so.
    • If the ride breaks into more than one group, determine which group needs the sweep—it will usually be the shorter ride and/or slower group.
  • It is not your responsibility to repair bikes. However, if you have the following, it is a good idea to bring it: spare tube and/or tube repair kit, pump, very basic tools or all-in-one tool.
  • Account for all riders at the end of the ride.
  • Ride leaders are obligated to show up at every ride they are leading with maps, regardless of the weather. Ride leaders are not obligated to ride in bad weather.
  • If you can’t lead your ride, please find a substitute – either one of the other leaders or another responsible person.
  • Call (club leader) if you have any questions.
  • Leader or rider should report any harassing motorist incidents to the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, PO Box 4003, Burlington, VT 05406 or info@vtbikeped.org.
These checklists were developed by the Green Mountain Bicycle Club's Touring Committee, with input from the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition. Thanks to Amy Otten, Touring Chair, and the other club members who developed this list.

BEFORE YOU START PEDALING

SAFETY & COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENTS

As ride leader, please quickly go through the following when you “circle up” at the start of the ride. Even experienced riders can use a reminder.

  • Everyone must wear a helmet and straps should be adjusted correctly.
  • Follow all traffic laws, including obeying signals.
  • If the ride will wait for people at intersections, this is the time to discuss.
  • Use your own judgement at each stop sign.
    Don’t yell out “Clear” for the next rider.
  • Use hand signals for turns and to point out road hazards (If there are new people, review the signals.)
  • Wear visible clothing. In fog and rain, might also want lights.
  • If there is a thunderstorm, get away from your bicycle and see shelter in a building or a stand of trees (not a lone tree).
  • Get license plate or description of harassing drivers, and report it to the police, the ride leader, and the VT Bike/Ped Coalition.
  • Single up when cars are passing, out of courtesy.
  • Wave your thanks to drivers who are polite and wait for you. Even wave (5 fingers) to drivers who are a little rude.
  • Finally, a quick safety check for your bike: ABC Quick Check
    • A = Air in tires
    • B = Brakes working
    • C = Chain lubed and crank in good shape
    • Quick = Quick releases tight
    • Check = Make sure everything else seems OK
  • Have fun!