See page 8 from the Participant Packet on our Downloads page.

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Some helpful links:

► ABC Quick Check from League of American Bicyclists
► What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know from League of Michigan Bicyclists
► Traffic Skills 101 from League of American Bicyclists
► Essentials Short Course from CyclingSavvy
► Safe Cycling Overview from National Highway Traffic Administration
► MDOT Bicycling from Michigan Department of Transportation
► Michigan Bicycle Law from BikeLaw

► Be Responsible.

Obey ALL traffic laws. In particular, STOP at stop signs — don’t just yield.

• Keep to the right of your lane when safe to do so.
• Don’t ride in low light conditions without lights.
• Keep your head up and scan your surroundings. Regularly check your mirror.

► Be Polite.

• Ride no more than two abreast.
• Drop to single file when traffic approaches.
• Get bikes completely off the roadway when stopped.
• Use paved shoulders where available, debris free, and of sufficient width.
• Call out, “Car back”, “Car up”, “Slowing”, or “Stopping” to alert other riders as to what you see and what you are doing.

► Be Predictable.

• Use hand signals for all turns.
• Stay in your lane — ride straight; don’t swerve.
• Say and signal “stopping” or “slowing.”
• Warn other cyclists before passing. Ring bell or call out “On your left!”
• Don’t swerve around potholes or debris without first checking that it is clear behind.

► Be Careful.

• Watch out for vulnerable cyclists.
• Watch for gravel, sand, potholes and other hazards.
• Warn other cyclists if you spot a hazard.
• Pass parked cars a door width out, in case one opens.
• Always cross railroad tracks at a right angle.
• If chased by a dog, squirt with water bottle, yell “GO HOME” at the dog, or try to out run it.

► Be Helpful.

• Be grateful for SAG drivers — they’re volunteers too!
• Get involved — you’ll be glad you did.
• Above all, be safe and have fun!

To signal a SAG driver:  Tap-tap-tap the top of your helmet.

Remember this tour is run entirely by volunteers who are on vacation too — help out if you see an opportunity. Things will run smoother and you’ll have as much fun as we do!

► More tips:

Proper helmet fit Your helmet should sit straight on your head — not tipped toward the back of head. The chinstrap should be slightly snug — only two fingers should fit between it and your chin.

Where to ride Always ride on the right side of the road and as far to the right as is safe. Use paved shoulders where available, debris free, and of sufficient width. Don’t ride more than two abreast, and single file in traffic. Don’t swerve around potholes or debris without first checking that it is clear behind. Pass parked cars a door width out, in case one opens.

Hand signals Proper hand signals are necessary to let drivers, as well as other riders, know your intentions. Left turn: Left arm and hand straight out. Right turn: Right arm straight out OR left arm bent at elbow, hand pointing up. Stopping: Left arm bent at the elbow, hand pointing down. Debris on the road: Point to alert riders behind you.

Riding with other riders Stay to the right and pass only on the left. Give a warning when passing other riders. Say “Passing on your left”. Ride predictably, never more than two abreast, and single up when a car or truck needs to pass. Call out, “Car back”, “Car up”, “Slowing”, or “Stopping” to alert other riders as to what you see and what you are doing.

Scanning Keep your head up and keep it moving while looking around you. Regularly look in your mirror. Don’t have a mirror? It’s highly suggested you get one.

Making a left turn First, check that it is clear behind, signal and if on a two lane road, move to left side of lane. Signal again and complete the turn. If on a multi-lane or a road with a left turn lane, move across each lane in steps.

Loose dogs If chased by a dog, squirt with a water bottle, yell “GO HOME” at the dog, or try to out run it. In case of attack, use pepper spray. (Make sure younger riders know not to entice a dog to enter the roadway.)

Crossing railroad tracks Always cross railroad tracks at a right angle. Make sure the bike is perfectly upright and not tilted when crossing, especially if it is wet. If there is any doubt, get off and walk your bike across.

There is a Bicycle Education class after each nightly PALM meeting!