The Crank's Rules of the Road

We would love to have you join our group, but if you decide to ride with us, we have a few rules that we all follow, and we will ask that you do the same. Although our rules are pretty standard, they are very important to us. It is all about safety.

1. Protect Your Noggin: All Cranks must wear a helmet at all times during a ride. Of course this doesn't include times when we stop for a break or at a coffee shop, but when we are moving on the bikes we want every head protected. We will not allow you to ride with us without a helmet.
2. Call out Obstacles: Front riders must call out obstacles in the road to the riders behind them. We ride close to each other in order to conserve energy for the long ride. As a result it is difficult to see obstacles if you are not in front. For this reason it is really important that the lead riders call out anything that could be dangerous for the riders that follow. This could be a pot hole, broken glass, water, a large crack, etc.
3. Stopping / Slowing: Lead riders must communicate to all riders that the group will be stopping or slowing down. This will keep pileups from happening
4. No Crank Rides Alone : This is our club's slogan and we live up to it as best as we can. If a rider can't make it all the way and we are far from home, you can expect that another member of the club will offer to accompany. As a member of the Cranks you are expected to offer from time to time. However, if a rider has to turn back early due to a previous engagement or simply doesn't want to inconvenience anybody else, the rider can request no accompaniment.
5. Follow the Law:Your safety and image of bicyclists depend on you. You have the same rights and duties as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.
6. Be Predictable:Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.
7. Be Conspicuous:Ride where people can see you and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others and don’t ride on sidewalks.
8. Think Ahead:Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other people on bikes will do next. Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes, and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
9. Ride Ready:Check that your tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs smoothly, and quick release levers are closed. Carry tools and supplies that are appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet.
10. Nourishment: Bring something in your pocket to refill your body's reserves. We usually ride between 30 and 50 miles each Saturday. We don't want anybody hitting the wall halfway through the ride.