Safety is always the number one
priority on any ride with the Mandurah Over 55 Cycling Club. The
following tips might prove useful in preparing for a safe and
enjoyable ride.
Before riding
Is your bike in good mechanical order
Do you have spare tube/s and a tool kit
Do you have some cash, and your mobile phone, in case of
emergency
Include ICE numbers on your mobile phone contacts
Do you have food and enough water with you
Is your bike equipped with a bell
On the Road
Always ride wearing a helmet
Obey the road rules
Respect other road users
Be predictable and indicate your intentions clearly
When riding in formation, maintain a safe distance from
the rear wheel of the rider in front of you.
Ride at a smooth and steady pace
Close up gaps between riders in a group
Leaders call out hazards and directions, which are then
passed on down the line of riders
When passing another rider check behind to see it is safe
Always pass another rider on the right
If you wish to leave the group for any reason tell someone
(preferably the leader).
Calls and Signals (passed down from
the leader)
For hazards such as glass, potholes, rubbish,
water - call "glass", "pothole"
etc. as appropriate and point to hazard
For a slow rider or walker call "walker/bike left"
For oncoming car call "car up"; call
"car back" for a vehicle approaching
from the rear
Alert riders behind of parked cars with a call of "car
left"
For an approaching rider or walker on DUP call "walker/bike
up"
Announce obstacles such as posts on DUP with a call of "post"
Announce your intentions of slowing or stopping by calling "slowing"
or "stopping"
When negotiating an intersection or roundabout call "car
left" or "car right"
if there is approaching traffic
Alternatively, call "clear left"
or "clear right" if the coast is clear
Signal your intention to turn right or left by extending your
arm out at right angles to your body, and in the direction of
the turn
For further information the Mandurah
Over 55 Cycling Club Riding Safety and Road Rules
leaflet can be downloaded here
