Safety is the club’s top priority. Cycling is an enjoyable activity that has significant health benefits. Like all other physically active sports, cycling has inherent risks.
 
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 Killington Pico Cycling Club, or in renewing your membership, is to read, understand, and accept the following Safety Policy.

 

1.  Obey the Law

• Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway is granted all the rights and is subject to all of the duties of the motor vehicle driver.

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

• Be familiar with Vermont bike law. (see below for Vermont Statues).

• Use proper hand signals to indicate turning and/or stopping.

• Always ride with traffic, never against it.

• Always obey all traffic signals.

• State Law prohibits riding other than in single file when traffic can be impeded.
   

2.  Follow KPCC Club Rules

​

• Wear a helmet on all KPCC rides.

• Do NOT call out “Clear!” at an intersection. Conditions can change for the following riders faster than you think.

• Do NOT use earphones or earbuds while riding.

• Do not use anything that will distract you or another member while riding. This includes checking cell phones, smart watches and any audio devices such as speakers playing music. 

• If you witness unsafe riding, discreetly discuss their concern with the member concerned, 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 Leader.
   

3.  Practice Ride Etiquette

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

• The lead rider should ride around the rough road so that others will follow as opposed to yelling the name of an obstacle.

• Single-up immediately 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. Always, call out “on your left” or “on your right” when passing another rider.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Do not follow other riders too closely. Your front wheel must never overlap the back wheel of the rider in front of you.

 

4.  Use Proper Equipment

• Required items:

  • Proper fitting helmet.

  • Bicycle in good working condition (always do check before ride).

  • At least one spare tube, tire levers, and pump or CO2 cartridge with inflator (you should be capable of repairing a flat if necessary).

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

  • Some source of hydration - water bottle or “camelback”.

  • Identification (on your body, not in backpack or saddlebag)

  • required medications (asthma inhaler, etc.)
     

• Recommended items:

  • sunglasses

  • backup tube and CO2 cartridge

  • rear view mirror

  • cell phone (ringer turned on and volume high)

  • food, snack or electrolyte pills

  • mini first aid kit

    • Benadryl (for allergic reactions)

    • band aids

    • antiseptic wipes 
       

• Optional items:

  • tire patch kit

  • tools: multi-tool, screw driver, chain tool, spoke wrench

  • tire boot, zip ties

  • spare chain link

  • sun screen, rain gear

  • safety pins

 

5.  Use Common Sense

• Be prepared for the ride you have chosen.

• Choose a ride of pace, length and terrain matched to your ability.

• Wear suitable clothing for the expected weather conditions.

• Carry adequate fluids, and carry spare tubes, pump and tools, etc.

• Make your own determination that weather and road conditions are suitable for your cycling abilities and level; and take full responsibility for cycling in any and all conditions that will be encountered during the course of the ride. If road conditions are unsuitable, a ride leader has the discretion of cancelling a ride. If a rider chooses to proceed without the ride leader, they do so at their own risk; without club insurance coverage.

• Carry a cell phone to summon help should you become lost, injured, or otherwise separated from the group. Please turn the ringer on your phone on during the ride in case the Ride Leader tries to call you. Always have the phone number of the ride leader in case you or another rider becomes injured, should you make a stop or detour from the ride for any reason or abandon the ride.