Safety & Road Etiquette

Ride like you’re part of traffic—because you are

The Basics

• Wear a certified helmet; replace after any crash.

• Obey signals, hold lines, predictability > entitlement.

• Hand-signal every turn, make eye contact with drivers.

• Night kit: ≥ 400 lm front, ≥ 50 lm rear, reflective ankle bands.

Legally-Required Hand Signals (US)

• Left turn: left arm straight out.

• Right turn: right arm straight OR left arm up at 90°.

• Stop/slow: left arm down, palm back

Defensive Habits

1. “Scan” over shoulder before any lateral move

2. Claim the lane when too narrow to share.

3. Make eye contact with drivers at junctions.

4. Use front daytime-running light even in sun.

Group Ride Etiquette

• Smooth pace lines, no sudden braking.

• Call out “Car back,” “Hole,” “Slowing.”

• Rotate pulls every 1–2 min; flick elbow, move left.

Takeaway

Respect rules, earn respect, arrive alive.