BASIC SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Wear your helmet proudly.
• Come to each ride with a bike in good working condition.
• Know how to change your tire.
• Carry extra tubes and a pump/CO2 cartridge.
• Have a light, both front and rear.
• Stay hydrated.
• Download or print the cue sheet from the Strava app prior to each ride.
• Carry a phone.
• Aerobars are for triathlons and time trials, not group rides. Aerobars present a safety concern while riding in a group and are prohibited from being present on a bike at a Cadence ride.
• All riders are required to come prepared to ride with the following: repair kit (spare tube, CO₂ cartridge/air pump, basic tool kit), bike lights (front and rear), water bottle, and helmet.
• We ask all riders to refrain from using earbuds during our rides. This makes fellow rides feel comfortable knowing all riders are fully focused on the road and keeping everyone safe.
• Please note that we do not welcome e-bikes to join our rides due to limitations with our group liability insurance coverage.

COMMUNICATION

Good communication is essential to a successful group ride. Use hand and verbal signals to communicate to your fellow riders. It is difficult to hear while riding. Speak loudly and communicate verbal cues forward and back. Use hand signals to communicate to cars and riders.

• Index finger held overhead: move to single-file (i.e., for a narrow bridge).
• Pointing to obstacles in road: potholes, road kill, dangerous cracks to avoid.
• Wavy hand; unsteady surface, gravel, mud, debris.
• Sweeping hand behind back: move over, there’s an obstruction in the road ahead (physical or another rider).
• Open hand on the side: slowing.
• Closed hand behind back: stopping.
• If you peel off early be sure to let someone on the team know so we don’t miss you at the end.

VERBAL CUES

• “Car/walker/rider back”
• “Car/walker/rider up”
• “Slowing”
• “Stopping”
• “On your left” when passing

PRACTICE GOOD GROUP RIDING ETIQUETTE

• Leave the tunes at home and create conversation with your teammates. It is safer and builds camaraderie.
• Aerobars are for triathlons and time trials, not group rides. Aerobars present a safety concern while riding in a group and are prohibited from being present on a bike at a Cadence ride.
• No half-wheeling; either ride side by side or directly behind. Avoid over-lapping wheels.
• Be a good ambassador of women’s cycling. Our kits are bold and recognizable. Remember when you are wearing the kit you represent Cadence Cycling-the best in women’s cycling. Do us proud.
• Rides role out on time. Please join us promptly. Check the calendar for departure times. If you are late feel free to catch up.
• Despite the differences in cycling skill levels of our members, we all share the joy of riding bikes. Cadence Cycling members will be respectful and encouraging of all types of riders, each other, and cyclists from other cycling groups. We will respect and celebrate the growth and achievements in cycling of our team members.
• Help a sister out by sharing your knowledge, fixing a flat, lending an extra power bar or giving her a “way to go” shout out.
• Blowing, if you need to clear your nose and are not a fan of tissues on the bike move clear of other riders and be sure you are down wind and announce, “blowing.” Additionally, did you know that the soft part on your glove is for wiping your nose?

SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY

In our commitment to advance women’s cycling in the community, Cadence Cycling members are encouraged to be members of the Wisconsin Bike Federation. Cadence Cycling will be present in supporting cycling events and clinics throughout the community. We are committed to enhancing the event to the best of our collective ability and are enthusiastic to offer our diverse skill sets to help make these events successful and enjoyable.

PARTNERSHIPS

Cadence Cycling members are expected to be respectful and supportive of our sponsors and community partners.