oGaryo
Well-Known Member
Morning guys.. I am not an elf n safety expert but have taken up the role of giving you all a reminder of looking after yourself and each other on the ride. Here's a list of things to consider that I've found off the web. Please have a read and add to the list if you think we should cover anything else.
Key safety briefing issued to all participants verbally on the day
● YOU are all ultimately responsible for your own safety - there is no specific traffic management for this ride.
● Remember, THIS IS NOT A RACE, If you are uncomfortable at any time about being in traffic or feel overly fatigued, feel free to stop. If you do need to stop it is good if possible to let someone know what you are doing.
● If necessary, you could walk along/across any section you find difficult.
● Follow all road rules (incl. helmets) and signal where necessary.
● Ride in smooth, consistent lines.
● Do not ride too close to parked cars.
● Do not weave in and out between cars.
● Watch for motorists failing to give way or cutting you off.
● When crossing intersections (even if you have the right of way) it is good to “eyeball” motorists (look them in the eye to ensure they have seen you).
● When starting out at the lights on the green light watch for cars crossing on a red or going across your path on a green.
● Be courteous to all other road or path users especially pedestrians.
● Don't ride more than two abreast and if necessary ride single file, e.g. if there is a motor vehicle trying to pass from behind and it is safe to move over.
● Don't follow too closely to the person in front - feel free to spread out.
● The pace is going to be leisurely, no need to rush.
● In the event of any mechanical problem or injury stop and call the support vehicle if necessary
● Ensure you have serviced your bike before the ride
● Take a puncture repair kit with you as a minimum, ideally take a spare inner tube too.. a pump is essential
● Wear at least one item of safety (reflective) clothing
● Don't worry about having to wait for red lights, traffic, etc; you won't be left behind.
● Don't just follow the person in front across ANY traffic crossings - always check for yourself that there is a safe gap.
● Watch out for each other and warn of any dangers.
● If you spot any glass, pothole, or other debris in the way, call it out and point at it for others behind you.
● Use hand signals to indicate left/right turns or when you are going to stop.
● Ensure that you have drunk sufficient fluid before leaving and drink regularly during the ride before you feel thirsty
● Make a point of having breakfast and eat regularly during the ride before you feel muscle fatigue
● Take advantage of the rest stops to fill water bottles and recuperate
● Ensure you attend the safety briefing on the day
● Consider taking out Personal Liability Cover
● Be prepared for inclement weather
● Above all, have fun, be the rider others would want to be.
Cheers Gary
Key safety briefing issued to all participants verbally on the day
● YOU are all ultimately responsible for your own safety - there is no specific traffic management for this ride.
● Remember, THIS IS NOT A RACE, If you are uncomfortable at any time about being in traffic or feel overly fatigued, feel free to stop. If you do need to stop it is good if possible to let someone know what you are doing.
● If necessary, you could walk along/across any section you find difficult.
● Follow all road rules (incl. helmets) and signal where necessary.
● Ride in smooth, consistent lines.
● Do not ride too close to parked cars.
● Do not weave in and out between cars.
● Watch for motorists failing to give way or cutting you off.
● When crossing intersections (even if you have the right of way) it is good to “eyeball” motorists (look them in the eye to ensure they have seen you).
● When starting out at the lights on the green light watch for cars crossing on a red or going across your path on a green.
● Be courteous to all other road or path users especially pedestrians.
● Don't ride more than two abreast and if necessary ride single file, e.g. if there is a motor vehicle trying to pass from behind and it is safe to move over.
● Don't follow too closely to the person in front - feel free to spread out.
● The pace is going to be leisurely, no need to rush.
● In the event of any mechanical problem or injury stop and call the support vehicle if necessary
● Ensure you have serviced your bike before the ride
● Take a puncture repair kit with you as a minimum, ideally take a spare inner tube too.. a pump is essential
● Wear at least one item of safety (reflective) clothing
● Don't worry about having to wait for red lights, traffic, etc; you won't be left behind.
● Don't just follow the person in front across ANY traffic crossings - always check for yourself that there is a safe gap.
● Watch out for each other and warn of any dangers.
● If you spot any glass, pothole, or other debris in the way, call it out and point at it for others behind you.
● Use hand signals to indicate left/right turns or when you are going to stop.
● Ensure that you have drunk sufficient fluid before leaving and drink regularly during the ride before you feel thirsty
● Make a point of having breakfast and eat regularly during the ride before you feel muscle fatigue
● Take advantage of the rest stops to fill water bottles and recuperate
● Ensure you attend the safety briefing on the day
● Consider taking out Personal Liability Cover
● Be prepared for inclement weather
● Above all, have fun, be the rider others would want to be.
Cheers Gary
