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Bicycling is the nearest approximation I know to the flight of birds. The airplane simply carries a man on its back like an obedient Pegasus; it gives him no wings of his own. -- Louis J. Helle, Jr., Spring in Washington

The San Diego Recyclers Bicycle Club would like everyone to think about riding safety. New riders join the club throughout the year and it takes some time before a group of riders to ride smoothly together.

On Every Ride

• Rides are announced with a meet-up and departure time. Out of courtesy for other riders, arrive early and be ready to leave on time.
• Make sure your bicycle is in proper working order BEFORE you arrive (i.e. bike operating correctly and with your tires pumped up).
• Carry a spare tube, patch kit, pump and water bottle.
• Practice safety and obey all traffic laws.
• Wear a helmet.
• ALWAYS NOTIFY THE WAGONMASTER before leaving the group.
• Any rider who appears to be riding in an irresponsible manner may be asked to leave the ride.
• In the case of inclement weather, or if the "WAGONMASTER" fails to appear (probably because of an emergency), form a group and go on a ride if you like.

Riding with the Group

Remember that the safety of a group depends on the actions of each rider. The dynamics of riding in a group are more complicated than riding alone. Only ride close to riders you have learned to trust.

BE AWARE - Watch out for the road, traffic, and other riders. Anticipate what is going to happen. Glance over your shoulder before you move out of your line. Be prepared for the unexpected.

BE PREDICTABLE - Predictability is the foundation of safe riding. Be sure that others know what you intend to do. Don't brake hard unless you absolutely must and then call out to warn other riders. Avoid passing on the right. Avoid cutting off others by maintaining your line and not cutting corners during turns. Use voice and hand signals.

BE RESPONSIBLE - Always ensure that you are not placing yourself in danger. Never blindly trust the actions or signals of other riders. For example, sometimes the group can become spread out and safe maneuvers made at the front of the group, such as merging across traffic lanes to make a left turn, may not be safe for the back of the group. Always verify that the actions you take are safe.

DON'T OVERLAP - Do not ride so that your front wheel is to the direct right or left of the rear wheel of the bike in front of you. In general, this is a blind spot for the rider in front of you and if they swerve to avoid a hazard, the 2 bikes may collide. When a collision occurs in this scenario, the rider in back typically loses control of their bicycle and crashes.

SIGNAL - Use voice and hand signals to alert fellow riders to potential hazards. Some standard voice signals include:

• HOLE/BUMP - For potholes or speed bumps
• TRACKS - Railroad tracks
• GLASS - Broken glass in the path
• RIDER/CAR RIGHT/LEFT - A bicycle or car is approaching from that direction
• RIDER/CAR BACK/UP - A bicycle or car is coming from the rear (or front)
• ON YOUR LEFT/RIGHT - You are close to or are passing another rider on their left (or right)
• SLOWING/STOPPING - You are reducing your speed in a way that may impact other riders. When possible, signal before you start braking

Safe Riding Tips

• Yield to pedestrians. When riding on a shared-use path, slow and announce your intent to pass before reaching a pedestrian. For example, "Passing on your left".
• Cross railroad tracks at a 90° angle.
• Watch for car doors opening in your path.
• If you stop for any reason, move yourself and your bicycle completely off the road or trail.
• Ride as far to the right as possible (but not in the gutter) to allow room for others to pass if necessary.
• Pass on the left (not the right), and use a bell or your voice to alert others that you're passing.
• When there's traffic behind you, ride single-file so cars can pass.
• Additional safety tips (e.g. hand signals and bicycle light requirements) are available on the California DMV website

Riding in a Paceline

During some rides, when conditions are appropriate, some members of the group choose to ride in a pace line. This is optional, not a requirement. If you do plan to participate in a pace line, please familiarize yourself with the basic procedures and risks.

USA Cycling has some good tips for riding in a paceline

Disclaimer: Club (Recyclers) rides typically range from between 30 and 50 miles at an average speed of approximately 15 MPH. To the best of our ability, we try to keep the group together during rides by making route instructions available prior to the ride and by regrouping at various points along the ride. Routes are subject to change without notice. Riders are responsible for their own actions and ensuring that they can find their way if they become separated from the group. Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The club makes no representations as to safety; road, traffic, animal, or weather conditions; level of difficulty; accuracy of route descriptions; or availability of provisions and/or facilities on routes provided for club rides.