Rules of the Road When Riding With PMTCC
- HELMETS ARE MANDANTORY (ANSI/SNELL APPROVED).
- Ride SINGLE FILE when a car or truck is behind you.
- Never ride more than two abreast, in accordance with PA law. Do not be a road hog, yield to riders trying to pass.
- Stay as far to the right as safely possible, except when making a left turn, or when going straight at a right turn only lane.
- Take a full lane when safety dictates. Pull off to let traffic pass when necessary.
- Make eye contact with drivers so you know they have seen you.
- Obey all traffic laws and signals. ALWAYS stop at stop signs. Your bicycle is legally considered a vehicle.
- Do not ride before daylight or after dusk unless you have proper lights on your bike, in accordance with PA law.
- If you stop for any reason, get completely off the road.
- Always ride defensively. Be aware of other riders, vehicles and pedestrians near you. Never assume you know what they are going to do.
- No personal sag vehicles allowed.
Rules for Riding in a Group
- Be Predictable: Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Call out stops and changes in direction to other riders.
- Know your limits. Crashes can occur when inexperienced cyclists do not have the bike-handling skills to make quick decisions in a pack.
- Pass on the left side only. Call out to riders you are about to pass, “On your left” or “Good morning”. NEVER pass on the right.
- Communicate with your fellow riders using Ride Safe Language.
- Use traffic hand signals when appropriate.
- Announce hazards. Alert others to road hazards by pointing down to left or right and by calling out “gravel, hole, tracks, etc.”.
- Maintain control and speed of your bike, even going downhill.
- Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist.
- Courtesy is key! Be respectful of other riders and motorists. Help others when needed.
- For more tips, view the League of American Bicyclist Group Riding Brochure.