CLUB SAFETY POLICY

Your club takes safety very seriously. Cycling is an enjoyable activity that can have significant health benefits. Yet, like other physically active sports, cycling has many inherent risks.

These risks can be mitigated through the use of properly fitted and maintained equipment, by obeying traffic laws, by understanding proper “bike” etiquette when riding in a group, and most importantly, by always paying attention while cycling.

We welcome members who are as concerned with safe cycling as we are. An important step in joining the Morris Area Freewheelers, or in renewing your membership is to read, understand, and accept the following Safety Policy.

1 - Observe the Law

• Members should be aware that every person riding a bicycle on a roadway is granted all the rights and subject to all of the duties of the motor vehicle driver.

• Members shall obey all motor vehicle and bicycle laws of the state(s) in which they are riding.

• Members also should be familiar with New Jersey bike law. (see: Bike Law)" 

• Proper use of hand signals to indicate turning and/or stopping is required. see: Hand Signals

• Always ride with traffic, never against it.

• State Law prohibits riding other than in single file when traffic can be impeded and MAFW supports compliance with this law.

2 - Club Rules

• All members must sign-in at the ride start and provide the required emergency contact information.

• Helmets shall be worn on all MAFW rides.

• Club policy forbids calling out “Clear!” at an intersection. Conditions can change for the following riders faster than you think.

• The use of cell phones, ipods, MP3 players, or any other device that requires headphones is not permitted while riding.

• Any member who witnesses another member riding in such a manner as to endanger other cyclists should discreetly discuss their concern with that member, explaining the transgression(s) that have occurred, and the reason(s) they are hazardous. Should the offending member fail to correct their riding behavior a complaint should be made to the club’s Ride Coordinator who will follow the club’s disciplinary policy.

3 - Ride Etiquette

• Be predictable. Call out your intentions, e.g. slowing, stopping, etc. Use hand signals.

• Call out and point to hazards e.g. Hole! Rough Road! Car Back! Glass! Gravel! etc.

• Immediately single-up when you hear “car-back” and repeat the warning so that riders in front of you are alerted.

• With few exceptions always pass other riders on the left. In all cases, whenever passing a rider the “overtaking” rider shall call out “on your left” or “on your right” as the case may be.

• Stop to regroup after crossing a traffic light controlled intersection so that riders who may not have been able to “make the light” will not be encouraged to cross on the red.

• Members must be courteous and share the road with motorized vehicles, pedestrians and other cyclists. This includes riding single file on busy roads, singling up quickly when “car back” is called, and leaving gaps in long pace lines to allow vehicles to safely pass.

• Notify the ride leader if you decide to “drop” or leave a ride before its completion.

• All members are strongly encouraged to accept valid criticism graciously and understand that the person delivering such criticism is doing so in the best interest of the club and all of its members.

4 - Equipment

• A proper fitting helmet is required on all club rides.

• Members shall ensure that their bicycle is in good condition, and that they know how to ride it properly.

• Members must carry a spare tube and pump and should be capable of repairing a flat if necessary.

• Lights are required by law on any rides that extend past dusk.

5 - Miscellaneous

• Members shall be properly prepared for the ride they have chosen. This includes: choosing a ride of pace, length and terrain matched to their ability, having suitable clothing for the expected weather conditions, carrying adequate fluids, and carrying spare tubes, pump and tools, etc.

• Each member shall determine for themselves whether or not weather and road conditions are suitable for cycling and shall take full responsibility for cycling in any and all conditions that will be encountered during the course of the ride.

• It is highly advised that members carry a cell phone to summon help should they become lost, injured, or otherwise separated from the group.