This Top Ten List May Save Your Life!

1. Always wear a helmet when you ride.
2. Always ride as far to the right as possible, safely sharing the road with all vehicles.
3. Always keep some form of easily locatable ID on you when you ride.
4. Always keep your hands near the breaks while riding in a group, even if you are on the front of a group. Being in aero position is NOT appropriate on any group ride (nor is riding with your hands "on tops" near the stem).
5. Always pay attention to what is going on in front of you. Watch the rider ahead, and sneak peeks of what treasures await you down the road.
6. Always leave a small gap between your front tire and the wheel of the rider ahead of you. Overlapping wheels can quickly lead to trouble.
7. Always have a safe escape route in mind, should the rider ahead slow suddenly.
8. Always communicate with the riders behind either verbally ("slowing") or with a clear hand signal (open palm as a "breaking sign" beside your hip or at your bum). Some terms are universally understood: "Door", "Car Back", etc.
9. Always ride at a steady, smooth pace and never stop or reduce speed
   suddenly when in the group. Ride in a straight line with only subtle and
   progressive movements to avoid road hazards.  Remember that your behavior affects the safety and experience of every person behind you.
10. Always point out  hazards in the road. A simple finger pointing down
    at a rock, hole, etc., can help prepare the rider behind you.
    
     
    Please ride safely!
    
     
     
    Other articles in this series:
       » Pack Your Bike
       » Equipment List
       » Your First Triathlon
    
     
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