BCC Rider Code:
The Bonneville Cycling Club (BCC) seeks to offer safe, fun and memorable experiences for riders with a wide range of interests and abilities. Riding in a group adds to the pleasure of cycling and helps keep everyone safe and motivated; group riding also requires that riders support one another and treat everyone with courtesy and respect. We all share responsibility for the well-being of those we are riding with.
Code
  1. Club and Community Representation
    1. Uphold the values of respect, safety, and sportsmanship to positively represent the Bonneville Cycling Club as well as the greater cycling community.
    2. Comply with all laws, rules, and guidelines to maintain group harmony and safety.
  2. Preparation and Responsibility
    1. Be self-sufficient and prepared (know the route, bring tools, food, and hydration, as well as arrive early enough to be ready, sign in, and roll at the posted ride time).
    2. Match your abilities to the appropriate pacing group (A, B, C, D) and communicate your limitations.
    3. Ensure no rider in a pace group is left behind, adjusting pace as necessary to keep groups together.
  3. Safety and Predictability
    1. Comply with the club’s general rules, guidelines, and adhere to the safety speech, as well as any specific instructions provided by the ride leader.
    2. Follow traffic laws, including stopping at signals and using proper lanes.
    3. Ride predictably in a straight line and avoid sudden movements or overlapping wheels.
    4. Ride as far right as is safe and pass on the left, announcing “on your left!”
    5. Stay in single-file or two-abreast formations as appropriate and in accordance with the law.
    6. When riding in a group or paceline, those in the front bear responsibility for supporting the safety of those behind, by anticipating, avoiding, and announcing hazards (verbally and/or visually). Avoid repeated accelerations and decelerations within a group or paceline (Yo-yoing). See paceline guidelines. Smooth, safe, and predictable riding is the goal.
  4. Communication
    1. Use hand signals and/or loud verbal warnings to indicate turns, stops, and hazards. Everyone should repeat the verbal warning, so the last person receives the warning.
    2. Alert others to oncoming or passing vehicles and obstacles in the road.
    3. Never say “Clear!” at an intersection.
  5. Respect and Inclusivity
    1. Treat all riders, volunteers, and event participants with respect and courtesy.
    2. Avoid negative reactions to motorists or other road users, even in frustrating situations.
    3. Promote a welcoming environment regardless of experience, skill level, or equipment.
  6. E-Bike Guidelines: Riders with E-bikes are welcome on all BCC rides, but the rapid acceleration of these bikes calls for special care when riding in a group.
    1. When starting from a stop, be aware of the riders around you. Always maintain a safe distance between you and the riders ahead of you and do not accelerate more rapidly than they do.
    2. Do not exceed the speed at which you can safely control the bike.
    3. When riding in a group or paceline, be sure to maintain a steady speed, matching that of the riders in front of you. If necessary, fall back to the end of the group/line.
    4. Always be sure that your battery is fully charged at the beginning of a ride, and monitor your power usage during the ride, so that you have plenty of power to finish.
  7. Collaboration and Support
    1. Offer assistance to fellow riders in need, such as fixing flats or addressing mechanical issues.
    2. Share your knowledge and experience to help others improve and enjoy the ride.
    3. Politely offer and gracefully accept suggestions and constructive feedback. The goal is to enhance safety for all riders in a respectful manner.
    4. Respect one another. Treat other BCC members as teammates, not rivals.