Use the following guidelines to help plan a safe bicycling trip.

  • Maintain an adult supervision ratio of 1 adult per 10 youth participants and practice two-deep leadership. Increase the number of adults if you have a high number of very young riders.
  • Have one adult leading a group of riders and one adult following a group of riders. With a large group space the adults intermittently among the riders. Consider flagging the end rider for visibility if traveling along a roadside.
  • Plan to have a sag wagon or follow vehicle to deal with mechanical and people breakdowns.
  • All participants must wear a proper fitting, approved bicycle helmet - NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Group leaders should have an effective emergency plan. Carry a cell phone; small first aid kit, water and snacks. Be aware of health concerns of participants. Ask for and carry with health forms, with signed treatment statements on them, in case you need to seek medical assistance. Beware of changing weather conditions. Do not travel during a lightning storm.
  • Travel on a designated trail or off-road trail is preferred. If traveling on a roadside select a route that has minimal traffic and strictly enforce proper behavior of riders.
  • When planning a ride select your route carefully and set standards for participation accordingly. Roadside trips require a higher level of maturity, skill and supervision than designated trail systems.
  • Stay to the right when traveling on a trail, single file, with proper spacing. Stop for all stop signs and yield the right of way.

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