Rules of the Road

HVCC Rules of the Road

1. Equipment Needs

Always wear a properly fitting helmet
All club rides REQUIRE riders to wear an approved (ASTM, ANSI, Snell) bicycling helmet
After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately
Carry a spare tube, CO2 device/pump and/or a tube patch kit. All riders should be able to fix a flat tire. If you need help learning how to fix a flat, please talk to your ride leader.

2. Equipment Restrictions

Fixed gear bikes without brakes are prohibited on official HVCC group rides
Aero bars are prohibited on all HVCC group rides
Headsets, earbuds or similar music devices are prohibited on all HVCC group rides

3. Nutrition Needs

4. Ride on the Right

Always ride in the same direction as traffic
Use the lane furthest to the right that heads in the direction that you are traveling
Ride no more than two abreast and single file on shoulder-less roads
Slower moving cyclists stay to the right on flat, downhill and uphill roads

5. On the Road

Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights and lane markings
Always use hand signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn to motorists and other cyclists

6. Ride Predictably

Don't overlap wheels
Ride in a straight line and don't swerve in the road or between parked cars
Check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection
Anticipate hazards and adjust position in traffic accordingly
Use hand signals to warn other cyclists of anticipated hazards
Use verbal cues when passing other cyclists in the group, to warn of anticipated hazards or when passing walkers or joggers on the road:
- Car up, car back, hole, gravel, slowing, stopping, clear, on your right and on your left are typical verbal cues used when riding in a group

7. Be Visible

Wear brightly colored clothing at all times
At night use a front light, red rear strobe light or reflector, and reflective tape or clothing

8. Have Fun and Be Safe!