Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

Ride Leaders Manual Group Riding Guidelines

Table of Contents1…..Program Basics2…..ABC Checklist3…..Maine DOT Rules for Bicyclists4…..Ride Checklist5…..Group Riding Guidelines6…..Incident Report

Bike to School Basics Thank you for choosing to volunteer as a chaperone for CommunityBicycle Center’s Group Rides. Enclosed you will find importantdocumentation to assure a safe, successful and fun bike to school experiencefor you and the students.Scheduling: If your ride is scheduled, that is great. At the time of thisdrafting there is no information concerning ride schedulingBefore the Ride: For each ride, there is a gathering time where everyonewill get organized and prepare for the ride. During this time, leaders willcheck with the youth and make sure that both they and their bikes areprepared for the ride. Five minutes prior to departure, there will be anaddress to the participants which will go over the rules associated with groupriding.During the Ride: During the ride, there should always be a “lead” and a“sweep” chaperone. Other chaperones are free to position themselves in thegroup as they see fit. During the ride it is important for the chaperones tolead by example and follow the guidelines detailed in this manual.Included in this manual is a detailed breakdown of group riding procedures.This is information from the stand point of a group road ride at a baseline ofbicycling skill and is provided for you to gain a more completeunderstanding of your responsibilities as a chaperone. For many of the youthparticipating in these rides, this will be their first exposure to group riding.Because of this there are five rules which we must reinforce. 1. Ride Single File! 2. Call out obstacles! 3. Keep a safe distance in front of you! 4. Ride on the right side of the road! 5. Only pass on the left!

Break Down of MaterialThe ABC Check List: The ABC Quick Check is a handy list of thingsthat should be checked and verified prior to beginning any bicycle ride.This checklist is of increased importance when conducting a ride withyouth as their knowledge of bicycle maintenance and diagnostics are notyet developed.The Rules Of The Road (TROR): The TROR is a list of Maine trafficlaws concerning cyclists. Know these rules. They are there to protect youand ensure a fun and safe ride.Pre Ride Checklist: A list of things that both the ride leaders andparticipants should be equipped with. A good ride is had by all if all areprepared.Group Riding Guidelines: This is a comprehensive list of guidelinesthat should be followed when riding in a group. Some of the informationmay not pertain to your particular ride, but is worth knowing. Whileriding in a group is fun and fast, it is also more dangerous if these rulesare not adhered to.Incident Report: If an accident occurs on a ride that you arechaperoning, you may be required to fill out an incident report.Familiarize yourself with this document. If an accident occurs, there willbe a person in charge of first aid, and a person who will be charged withmanaging the group.

ABC Quick CheckThe ABC Quick Check is an easy way for you to remember what parts of the bike you need to check in abasic safety inspection. Practice the ABC Quick Check so that you can do it in about 45 seconds.Ais for Air (in your tires) o check everything to do with tires o are they inflated? o are they true (the wheel should be straight)? o is there any looseness in the axle bearings? o is there badly worn tread?Bis for Brakes o are the levers far enough from the handlebars? o are the brake pads in the proper position, not too worn? o do the brakes fully tighten against the rim? o are the cables worn?Cis for Chain or Cranks o check everything to do with the drive chain o is the chain on and lubricated? o do the pedals spin freely? o are the gear derailleurs in the correct position? o is there any looseness in the bottom bracket?Quickis for Quick Release o are the levers on tight? o are the nuts on the axles tight? o are the levers flush against the forks?Checkis for Final Check Over o drop check to listen for loose parts (lift the bike a few inches off the ground, drop it and listen for loose parts) o check the headset for looseness (apply the front brake, rock the bike back and forth) o check the handlebars for looseness (hold the front wheel between your knees and try to twist the handlebars from side to side, up and down) o try your brakes as you ride off

Rules for BicyclistsDriving on the roads requires care and courtesy whether you are drivinga car or a bicycle. As road users, bicyclists must be predictable and obey all traffic laws by riding in a responsible SHARE manner. Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. Do your part by being a good ambas- sador to bicycling. Below are a few THE ROAD bicycle driving rules for your review. Thanks and have fun!Maintain and Regularly Inspect Your Equipment Be Prepared for ConditionsBe safe and keep your bike tuned up. Take it to a bike Always carry appropriate repair supplies, clothing, and plentyshop at least twice a year for professional inspection. of water when traveling by bicycle. When you use yourSecure any loads tightly to a rack or trailer. brakes in the rain, allow yourself extra distance to stop. Wear a Helmet Correctly Helmets are required by law STOP Obey All Traffic Laws for anyone under 16 but Ride with traffic. Obey stop signs, everyone should wear a traffic lights, and other traffic controls. helmet to prevent head Bicyclists fare best when they act and injury. Your helmet should are treated as drivers of vehicles. YES NO be level and snug.Be Visible and PredictableWear bright colors. Ride straight in a predictable manner. Ride Single File in TrafficPlan ahead to avoid obstacles. Signal before changing Always ride single file except when Cardirections. passing others. Also, notify other Back! bicyclists of approaching cars.Ride with TrafficAlways ride on the right side. Do notpass motorists on the right. If youapproach an intersection with a rightturn lane and intend to continue Warn Others When Approaching Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians.straight, ride with through traffic. Be courteous by warning others with a ring of your bell or a friendly greeting. Watch for Potential Hazards Allow plenty of space when passing. Scan the road 100 feet ahead for hazards--drains, potholes, tracks, or debris. Allow time to maneuver around these hazards and negotiate with Always Ride with Lights at Night See and be seen! traffic. Avoid riding into open car doors Bicycle reflectors are not sufficient by giving yourself 3 or 4 feet. for safety. Maine State Law requires a headlight and red taillight visible View from behind from at least 500 feet when riding atSignal All Turns night. Flashing tail lights and reflectiveLook back before you clothing are recommended.make a lane changeor turn. Signal safely For More Informationin advance using one The Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) advocates bicyclingof these signals. LEFT RIGHT or RIGHT safety, education, and access in Maine. Our vision is to make Maine accessible and safe for all bicyclists so they may comfortably and responsibly bicycle. The BCM Making Left Hand Turns promotes bicycling for transportation, health, You may turn left as a vehicle 1 by recreation, and fun to enhance our communities, moving into the left side of the travel environment, and economy. Contact the BCM lane (or left turn lane). OR Cross like at P.O. Box 5275, Augusta, ME 04332 1 2 a pedestrian 2 by stopping, dismounting, (207) 623-4511, BCM@BikeMaine.org and walking across crosswalks. Some icons courtesy City of Portland, OR. © Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2002 www.BikeMaine.org

Pre-Ride Checklist – Ride Leader Community Bicycle CenterRide Leader Bike Stuffo Participant permission forms and/or emergency contacts listo Permission to Treat forms for each cyclisto Non-rider emergency backup contact phone numberso Cell phone with In Case of Emergency(ICE) numbers programmedo Accident/incident report formso Emergency whistleo Route mapo Snack money and/or energy barso Cable locko Camera & extra batterieso Dry bago Panniers or bike trailero Rain gearo First Aid Kito Bike repair tools: o Multi-tool with chain rivet o Tire levers o 15mm wrench o Pump and/or CO2 cartridges & dispenser o Spare tubes: 26x1.50 and 700ccx23c and 24x1.50 o Patch kit – glue and patches o Rag o Duct tapeRide Participants Stuffo Water bottle with watero Bike repair toolso Tire fixing supplieso Pump: dual valve (Schrader & Presta)o Cell phoneo Route mapo Helmeto Weather appropriate clothingPre-ride Briefingo Ride route & anticipated stopso Number of bikes & number of riderso Point person & rear persono Rules of the Road – ride predictablyo Hand turning, slowing, stopping, and hazard signalso Verbal signals: “Passing on your left” &” car back”o Bathroom before start of ride

Group Riding Guidance Bike to SchoolI. Ride Leader and Ride Chaperons A. Arrive early at the designated staging area to coordinate pre-commute activities. B. Assign volunteers to manage: attendance check-in, ABC Quick Checks, and helmet fitting. C. Assign volunteers to lead, roaming, and sweep bike commute positions. D. Check students for loose shoelaces and loose pants on drive train side of bikes. E. Be available to answer questions about the commute. F. Ride leaders prepare for two minutes pre-commute talk.II. Pre-Commute Talk A. While participants gather in, take the opportunity to assess their bikes, helmets, and clothing. 1. New participants - you might casually ask them questions. 2. Turn back a rider at the start without a helmet or permission for Bike to School commuting. B. The following group riding skills should be made clear to all riders: 1. Impress upon the group that cycling with a group, as opposed to cycling alone, requires special cycling skills and rules. 2. Safety has to be one of the major concerns of group riding. Describe Rules of the Road and etiquette rules for group cycling. 3. Emphasize cycling predictably, no headphones use, cell phone talking, and no sidewalk or lawn riding. C. Emphasize predictable, single or double line riding attentive to local traffic laws and common sense. Do not bunch up at lights or while riding—maintain the line. D. Notify the group that youll be indicating your intentions by using hand and voice signals, such as stopping, slowing to take turns, and calling out conditions such as holes, glass, and car doors. Expect them to do the same. 1. By not doing so, they might deprive a rider behind them from reacting to a dangerous obstacle and might cause injury or damage to their bicycle. On the other hand, make riders aware of their need to focus on their own in situations such as going through intersections or turns by not always following the group blindly. 2. If riders operate in an unsafe manner or are disrespectful to the ride leader or other riders, they will not be permitted on future bike commutes.III. Group Etiquette and Rules A. Etiquette 1. Be predictable a. In a group, your actions affect those around you, not just yourself b. Riders expect you to continue straight and at a constant speed 2. Use signals a. Use hand signals to indicate turns and point out hazards to others

3. Give warnings a. Announce turns before the intersections to give riders a chance to position themselves. b. Try to avoid sudden stops or turns except for emergencies 4. Change positions correctly a. Passes on the right are not a usual maneuver and not permitted 5. Announce hazards a. Announce potholes and other hazards so others can avoid them b. Call out the hazard and point down to it, either left or right 6. Watch for traffic from the rear a. The last rider should frequently check for overtaking cars b. Announce "car back" clearly and loudly c. It is also helpful to announce "car up" on narrow roads or when riding two abreast 7. Watch out at intersections a. Leader should announce slowing or stopping at intersections if necessary b. Cyclists should not follow others through intersections without scanning c. Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if you must stop, signal 8. Leave room for cars a. Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of every cyclist 9. Stop off roadway a. When stopping for a mechanical or regrouping, always move clear off the road b. Always yield to traffic in the roadway 10. Ride single file a. It is illegal in Maine to ride two abreast. b. Groups will be double file at times. Keep in mind that it’s the group’s responsibility to be single file when being overtaken by traffic. c. Group rides should NEVER be more than two across.IV. Group Riding Skills A. Positioning 1. Do not overlap your front wheel with the back wheel of the rider in front of you. a. This is the number 1 reason for falls in a group ride. b. If the lead rider swerves to avoid a hole or obstacle, the REAR rider will fall! c. Every rider is responsible to monitor her/his own position. d. Look at the lead riders helmet or beyond, and become acquainted with the correct distance of body-to-body. e. Often referred to as “half-wheeling”. f. The rider that is ahead has the right of way. g. Ride right! Ride safe! Dont overlap wheels! 2. Moving into the line for traffic: a. When you hear “Car Back”, you should be IMMEDIATELY looking for a place in the right hand line. Call out “Car Back” to pass it up the line. i. It’s important for the first person in line to maintain the pace or even speed up. This prevents the group from bunching. ii. If you have a rider to your left you should make a space for him.

iii. Remember that cars will overtake the group quickly so we must get into line quickly but safely.B. Be Smooth and Predictable 1. No sudden accelerations or slowdowns! 2. If a gap opens in front of you, try to close it gradually 3. Sharp braking should be used ONLY in emergencies 4. Do not move out to pass the rider in front of you without checking to be sure that you don’t have another rider in your ‘blind spot’ (coming up behind you on the left) 5. Riders should verbally communicate upcoming stop signs: “SLOWING”, “STOPPING” 6. If you’re getting too close to the rider ahead: a. Soft pedal b. Sit up higher to catch more of the wind c. Move over slightly to catch more of the wind (but don’t overlap your front wheel with the next rider’s back wheel, and again, watch out to be sure there is not a rider coming from behind who you would be cutting off) d. Try not to coast – when the riders behind you see you coasting, they will slow down too and cause an accordion effect e. If all of the above do not slow you down enough, feather your brakes 7. It’s better to roll over minor obstacles like small holes or sticks than to make a sudden move over or slam on your brakes. 8. Go to the back of the group to drink, eat or adjust clothing. When in the midst of the group, keep your hands on the handlebars at all times.C. Communicate 1. Hand signals and verbal signals 2. Right turn, left turn 3. Slowing, stopping 4. Pointing at obstacles and calling them out (you need to point before going by the obstacle or you are not giving the rider behind you enough warning) a. “Hole” b. “Rough Road” 5. “Car Back”, “Car Up” 6. Move over for obstacles ahead (example, “Walker up”)

Incident Report Form Community Bicycle Center INJURED PERSONName_________________________________________________ Gender____ DOB____________ Age_____Address________________________________________________Phone______________________________Guardian____________________________________________ Phone_________________________________Witness_____________________________________________Phone_________________________________Witness_____________________________________________Phone_________________________________ EMERGENCY ASSISTANCEWere police called? Yes No If yes, police report #_______________Officer badge #______________Was ambulance called? Yes No If yes, EMS report #_____________Attendant badge #_______________Was injured hospitalized? Yes No If yes, hospital name___________________________________________Could victim continue riding? Yes No Describe treatment at the scene_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENTDate___________Time____________Location_______________Terrain_____________Weather___________Program/Activity___________________________ Cause of Injury___________________________________ _____ Collision with another bicyclist? Name____________________________________________ _____ Collision with a motor vehicle? License plate # _____________________________________ Driver’s Name____________________________ Phone____________________________________ _____ Collision with a stationary object _______ A Fall _____ Other_________________Incident Description____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Form completed by_________________________________Date/Time_______________________________Subsequent action taken:__________________________________________________________________________________________

Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual

by Community Bicycle Center on Mar 21, 2011

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Bike and Walk to School Ride Leaders Manual — Document Transcript