This list of safety tips was prepared by Safety Officer, Chuck Divelbiss. If you have any suggestions on this list, please send them to cycling@valero.com.
Obey all traffic signs and signals
Bicycles must drive like other vehicles if they are to be taken seriously by motorists.
Always wear a helmet
And keep the chin strap secure at all times.
Never wear headphones while riding a bike
You need to hear everything going on around you.
Ride defensively
Be especially vigilant when an oncoming car approaches, it could turn left across your path. The driver may not see you or may misjudge your speed. Another danger is when a driver passes from behind and then immediately turns right. In either situation, your best reaction may be to make a tight right turn in parallel with the vehicle.
Make eye contact with drivers
Assume other drivers don't see you until you are sure they do. Eye contact is important with any driver who might pose a threat to your safety.
Wear bright clothing for visibility
Jerseys and helmets of red, yellow, orange or bright blue are much more likely to catch the eye than shades of natural colors: brown, black, gray or green.
Be predictable
Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate differently.
Communicate with hand signals
Hand signals for turning and stopping are as follows: Left arm straight out to signal a left turn. Left arm out and down with your palm to the rear to signal slowing or stopping. And for a right turn, put your right arm straight out or put your left arm out and bent up.
Communicate with verbal warnings
Along with hand signals, verbally warn cyclists behind you of your changes in direction or speed. The lead rider should call out loudly "LEFT TURN," "RIGHT TURN," "SLOWING," "STOPPING," etc. Announce a turn well in advance of the intersection, so that members of the group have time to position themselves properly.
Announce hazards loudly
When riding in a tight group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes, gravel, grates and other hazards. Indicate road hazards by pointing down to the left or right, and by shouting "HOLE," "BUMP," etc., where required for safety. Everyone in a group should be made aware of hazards. However, not everyone needs to announce them. And be sure to cross railroad tracks at right angles.
Give audible warning BEFORE passing
Generally, slow traffic stays right, so you should try to pass others on their left. Say "ON YOUR LEFT" in a clear, loud voice to warn the cyclist ahead that you are passing. You may also use a bell or horn before passing. Give the person time to respond. Watch for their reaction. Do not move back to the right until safely past.
The rider about to be passed should hold the line, do not speed up and avoid turning your head to the left to view the passing rider.
Watch for traffic coming from the rear
Even when you are occupying the proper lane position, it often helps to know when a car is coming. Since those in front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it is the responsibility of the riders in back to inform the others by calling out "CAR BACK." Around curves and narrow roads it is also helpful to warn of traffic approaching from the front with "CAR UP."
Watch out at intersections
When approaching intersections requiring vehicles to yield or stop, the lead rider should say "SLOWING" or "STOPPING" to alert those behind to the change in speed. Each cyclist is responsible for verifying that the way is clear before entering the intersection.
All riders must observe street signage, and STOP at stop signs, YIELD at yield signs, and adhere to the traffic lights at intersections.
Leave a gap for cars
When riding up hills or on narrow roads where you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars between every three or four bicycles. This way motorists can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piece-meal around the entire group.
Move off the road when you stop
Whether you are stopping because of mechanical problems or to regroup with your companions, move well off the road so you don't interfere with traffic. When you start up again, each cyclist should look for, and yield to, traffic.
Ride no more than two across
Ride single file or no more than double file as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions. Even when riding double is legal, courtesy dictates that you single up when cars or other cyclists are trying to pass you if the lane is wide enough for them to safely do so.