Safety

Don’t leave safety to someone else!

The Vermont Challenge is mostly on scenic back roads that are not highly travelled.

However, to have a fun and safe ride, all rules of the road apply and riders are expected to obey them.

Generally:

Be careful at intersections, with restricted sight lines, and when moving in groups.

If you’re riding in a cycling event, take care of yourself. Even if you have the right of way, your bike is no match for a car fender. So be ready to yield for safety.

Make sure your bike is well oiled and in good repair, especially the brake system.

If possible, drive the course ahead of time to look for road damage, sand, narrow road, soft shoulders and potentially dangerous intersections.

When riding, be aware of your surroundings. While you are looking ahead, keep your peripheral vision active and scan for toys, kids and animals darting into your path.

As in a vehicle, stay to the right and pass another cyclist on the left.  Before you pass, look behind you for traffic and other riders. Alert the cyclist before passing by saying “on your left.”

Ride in a straight line and be predictable. Do not make darting moves into traffic or another cyclist.

When approaching an intersection, make eye contact with other traffic/drivers to be sure they see you. Look for oncoming and side traffic. If a motorist is slowing or stopped at the intersection, make eye contact with that person to be sure they see you. Watch for any forward motion of their vehicle, even though they might be stopped.

If a situation looks dicey, have your bailout plan ready. This might be slowing down, stopping or riding your road bicycle off-road.

The extra few seconds you spend taking safety precautions may save your life, literally. Please, be safe out there.