TBi
RULES OF THE ROAD
Approved by the TBi Executive Committee - Published
09/08/03
PDF Version
Team
Bicycles, Inc (TBi) is an organization to develop and
promote safe cycling in and around the North Texas area
for all forms of bicycle road racing, fast recreational
riding and track racing.
Preparation, training and common sense are what make
bicycling safe. Whether you are new to cycling or an
experienced rider, knowing these safety rules and tips
will make your ride safer and more enjoyable. When you
ride a bike in traffic, you are a driver. You have the
same rights and responsibilities as the driver of an
automobile.
All
TBi members are expected to observe the following
TBi
Rules:
·
All
TBi Team Members are to be excellent ambassadors of the
Team and it’s Sponsors whenever wearing the Team Kit or on
club rides.
·
All
TBi Team Members are expected to operate their bicycle in
a safe and courteous manner.
·
The
use of foul language, aggressive/dangerous riding, and/or
discourtesy to other participants or observers is not
allowed.
·
All
riders must wear helmets.
·
The
use of Time Trial bars in a pack is not allowed. (Aerobars
are still allowed to be attached to your bike and used
while riding alone, but the use of aerobars in or around a
pack is not allowed).
·
NEVER
wear headphones while riding.
·
Do not
draft behind motor vehicles.
Enforcement
All TBi
members are empowered to counsel other riders for
violating the rules of the road as outlined above. If
anyone witnesses another rider violating these rules, the
offender should be counseled at the time of the
violation. In the event an occurrence of “counseling a
rider” is reported to the Executive Committee, it should
be done either verbally or in writing within one week of
the occurrence.
The
Executive Committee is expected to maintain a record of
these reported violations and review these occurrences for
their validity. If the Executive Committee determines the
report legitimate, the following will apply:
TBi
members found to have exhibited behavior that is
determined unsafe by the Executive Committee will be
notified of this decision in writing within one week.
Additionally, these rulings will be added to each meetings
agenda for announcement to the club and will be included
in the meeting minutes. Anyone warned/suspended/expelled
by the Executive Committee for unsafe or discourteous
behavior should understand their name may be announced at
a meeting.
Appeals
TBi
members who are found by the Executive Committee to have
violated the rules of the road have the right to appeal
the decision. These appeals must be in writing and should
be presented to the Executive Committee within one week of
receiving the written decision. The Executive Committee
is obligated to review the appeal before making the
“final” determination and/or applying the penalty.
Additional Safe Riding Tips
·
Ride
on the right, with traffic, a couple of feet from the
edge.
·
Ride
in a straight line, don’t weave.
·
When
passing another rider, look back to be sure it is clear
and signal. When passing another cyclist, yell out “ON
YOUR LEFT”. When you hear someone calling out “On your
left”, do not turn around. Hold steady on course and ride
straight.
·
Glance
back often, always before moving right or left.
·
Warn
automobile traffic when stopping or turning by giving
appropriate hand signals. Try to make eye contact with
drivers before turning.
·
Keep
clear of road-edge hazards such as trash, drains and
parked vehicles. Point out hazards to your fellow
cyclists following you by pointing.
·
Watch
out for sand and gravel.
·
Cross
railroad tracks at a right angle.
·
Talk
to your fellow cyclists. Let them know “CAR BACK”,
“PASSING ON YOUR LEFT”, or “STOPPING”.
·
When
stopping to rest, get off the pavement.
·
Ride
friendly and defensively.
Dealing with other road users
On a
straight stretch of road with little traffic, motorists
can easily and safely change lanes to overtake a cyclist.
On a narrow road or with heavier traffic, be courteous!
When possible, pull into a single line well before cars
reach you. Call out, “CAR BACK” to let other cyclists
know its time to single up. Never ride two abreast on a
hilly or winding road because you must change lane
positions frequently according to sight lines and traffic
conditions.
When
preparing a lane change or turn, YOU ARE YOUR OWN
LOOKOUT. Look out for cars, or other bicycles
approaching from the rear just the same as when you ride
alone. Look left and right for traffic at stop
signs—don’t blindly follow the rider ahead of you into an
intersection. And when you stop to rest, remember to pull
completely off the road.
Riding in wet weather
Braking
technique is different when the road surface is slippery
or if you are turning. Under these conditions, the front
wheel can skid. You must brake lightly and use the front
brakes less. In wet weather, the streets can be slick,
and so will your rims. Dry the rims by applying the
brakes AHEAD of time. It can take 100 feet or more before
the brakes begin to work normally. In the rain, pay
special attention to metal and slick surfaces such as
manhole covers, painted traffic markings, wet leaves and
oil slicks; they are all especially slippery. Avoid these
spots, or ride over them slowly, being careful not to
turn, brake or accelerate. Be ready to put a foot down
for balance. Avoid riding through puddles if you cannot
see the bottom—a puddle can hide a nasty pothole. When
you get home, it’s a good idea to re-lubricate your bike
chain to help prevent it from rusting.
