Our friend at Velominati are the keepers of “The Rule”

The Rules

We at Velo Valets have assembled a few shop ride etiquette reminders.

Rule #1 No one talks about bike club.

Rule #2 Helmets are required.

Rule #3 No headphones on shop rides.

Rule #4 Shop ride is a social ride, not a race.

Rule #5 Be nice because there’s always someone stronger than you.

Rule #6 Mentor new riders. We all have to learn somehow, take time to show the uninitiated the ropes.

Rule #7 VV Shop rides are always no-drop rides and we will regroup throughout the ride.

Rule #8 Nate is a ride leader, please listen to him.

Rule #9 Thank motorists for passing safely and don’t get into altercations with motorists. You will not win. You don’t know if they’ve had the worst day of their lives.

SC Code of Laws SECTION 56-5-3445. It is unlawful to harass, taunt, or maliciously throw an object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

Rule #10 It’s against the law to ride more than two abreast unless you’re passing and it’s safe to do so.

SC Code of Laws SECTION 56-5-3430 para (D) Bicyclists riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

Rule #11 Stay to the right of the lane, yes we have the right to the lane, but it’s safer and a good gesture to drivers. That being said the LAB recommendation and SC state law are below.

League of American Bicyclists Bikes can share the same lane with other drivers. If a lane is wide enough to share with another vehicle (about 14 feet), ride three feet to the right of traffic. If the lane is not wide enough to share, “take the lane” by riding in the middle. 

SC Code of Laws SECTION 56-5-3430 para (A) Except as provided in subsection (B), every bicyclist operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.

Rule #12 Keeping rule in 11 in mind, go single file when there’s a car back. If we allow motorists to pass safely there’s a better chance they will give us the space we need.  A good rule of thumb is if it’s not safe for a motorist to pass “take the lane”, this avoids motorists from trying to squeeze in and put you in a bad situation.

Rule #13 It’s bad luck to take Carlo’s KOMs.

Rule #14 Announce hazards, point to it and gently move to the side well before you come to it. “Up” means in front, “back,” means coming up from behind. So, “runner up” means there’s a runner on the side of the road. “Car up” means there’s probably a car that the group will need to avoid. “Car back” means there’s a car attempting to pass the group and, move safely to a single file formation.

Rule #15 Hold your line, and holding your speed. No sudden braking. If you do brake, best if it’s very gradual and subtle, not a sudden deceleration. Be predictable. Surprise is a bad thing on a group ride.

Rule #16 Don’t overlap wheels. The rider in front of you can’t see you and they don’t hold their line, you will be on the ground when they tap your front wheel.

Rule #17 Pass on the left only and please don’t squeeze between riders.

Rule #18 Follow traffic laws. Please do not run red lights unless you’ve come to a complete stop and it’s safe to proceed with the entire group as outlined below.

SC Code of Laws SECTION 56-5-970 – Traffic-control signal para (5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a driver of a motorcycle or moped, or a bicycle rider, approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic-control device, the driver may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light only if the driver or rider, as the case may be: (a) comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection for one hundred twenty seconds; and (b) exercises due care as provided by law, otherwise treats the traffic control device as a stop sign, and determines it is safe to proceed.

Rule #19 Use caution while standing off the saddle. Be aware that if you stand your bike slows briefly and the person behind you may run into you. Try to come out of the saddle while keeping the bike moving at its rate of speed. It’s the courteous thing to do and it’ll keep you from crashing the person behind you.

Rule #20 Don’t be afraid to take a pull in the front, and if you have to be a wheel suckers, compliment others on a “good pull.”  And no matter what never sprint past the folks doing all the work just at the end of the segment or crest of the hill.

Rule #21 Slower riders stay to the right.

Rule #22 Use turn signals.

Left is the left hand straight out to the side.

Right is the right hand straight out to the side

Stopping is left upper arm horizontal, forearm pointing straight down with palm facing back

Rule #23 Notify ride leaders if you decide to abandon the ride.

Rule #24 Please carry emergency contact information.