Safety & Etiquette
Please familiarize yourself with the Official Bicycling Laws of Colorado. Abiding by the law is required for participation in all Inspire Cycling rides and events.
The primary objective is safety for all Inspire Cycling rides. Always be safe, be smooth, and be predictable. Please review our complete Safety & Etiquette document for more information.
On the road, cyclists are considered a vehicle. You must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at stop lights, following posted speed limits, respecting road closures, and having lights on your bike. Disregard to safety during Inspire Cycling rides may result in disciplinary action or expulsion.
SAFETY
HAND SIGNALS
VERBAL SIGNALS:
GEAR
Make sure your brakes, pads, and other gear is in good working condition. Check that stem bolts are torqued and your equipment is in good working order to avoid accidents. If you are unsure how to maintain your bike, take it to a service shop. We will try to hold basic bike maintenance clinics throughout the season so you can learn what you need to take care of your equipment.
PREPAREDNESS
Inspire Cycling rides are generally "no-drop" rides. Riders will wait for slower riders to catch up at major turn points or intersections. If you need to leave the ride early, please tell a few other riders at the start so that you're not being waited on or worried about. If you need to return home early, decide to take an alternate route, or end up on your own during a ride, be prepared and carry your own tools, tubes, and fuel. What to carry:
E-BIKES
E-bike riders should try to blend in with the speed, skill level, acceleration, and deceleration of the group as if they are riding a traditional bicycle. Be predictable with acceleration and deceleration for group safety.
It is the sole responsibility of the rider to determine if e-bikes are allowed on 100% of the posted route and that the battery can last for the entire ride.
On the road, cyclists are considered a vehicle. You must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at stop lights, following posted speed limits, respecting road closures, and having lights on your bike. Disregard to safety during Inspire Cycling rides may result in disciplinary action or expulsion.
SAFETY
- Wear a helmet at all times while riding.
- Riding with earbuds is prohibited.
- Ride to the right of the white line whenever possible.
- Ride in bike lanes and on bike paths if available. If a motorist hits you in a bike lane, the driver is automatically negligent as a matter of law.
- Be predictable. Ride in a straight line.
- We ride no more than two abreast, although there will be times when we need to ride single file. Please listen for directions from the ride leader who will communicate the need to ride single file by raising a finger above their head.
- Be mindful of where you put your front wheel. Please avoid cross-wheeling; either ride directly behind or beside someone.
- Point out obstacles and road debris, especially things that may present danger or an obstacle to the riders behind you. Rule of thumb: if the person in front of you points something out, you need to point it out to the person behind you.
- Proper hydration is encouraged (20oz per hour minimum). For rides over two hours, a stop to refuel will be planned.
- No spitting or snot rockets within 20 feet of the group. This is both a safety and etiquette issue. Although we love sharing, germs are better kept away from others!
- Always move completely off the road when stopping. Make sure no bicycles or motor vehicles are immediately behind you before stopping.
HAND SIGNALS
- Left and right turns
- Index finger held overhead: move to single-file
- Pointing to obstacles in the road: there's gravel, potholes, broken glass, dangerous cracks to avoid
- Sweeping hand behind back: move over, there's an obstruction in the road ahead
- Open hand behind back: slowing
- Closed fist behind back: stopping
VERBAL SIGNALS:
- "Car back"
- "Car up"
- "Rider up"
- "Rider back"
- "Clear"
- "Slowing"
- "Stopping"
- "On your left"
GEAR
Make sure your brakes, pads, and other gear is in good working condition. Check that stem bolts are torqued and your equipment is in good working order to avoid accidents. If you are unsure how to maintain your bike, take it to a service shop. We will try to hold basic bike maintenance clinics throughout the season so you can learn what you need to take care of your equipment.
PREPAREDNESS
Inspire Cycling rides are generally "no-drop" rides. Riders will wait for slower riders to catch up at major turn points or intersections. If you need to leave the ride early, please tell a few other riders at the start so that you're not being waited on or worried about. If you need to return home early, decide to take an alternate route, or end up on your own during a ride, be prepared and carry your own tools, tubes, and fuel. What to carry:
- Extra tube and patch kit
- Pump/CO2 cartridge
- Tire lever
- Multi-tool
- Chain tool
- Cash
- Phone
- ID (Colorado state law)
- Water and snacks
- Lights (if there's even a slight chance of getting caught in the dark)
- Layers - we live in the mountains - you know how unpredictable the weather can be!
E-BIKES
E-bike riders should try to blend in with the speed, skill level, acceleration, and deceleration of the group as if they are riding a traditional bicycle. Be predictable with acceleration and deceleration for group safety.
It is the sole responsibility of the rider to determine if e-bikes are allowed on 100% of the posted route and that the battery can last for the entire ride.
