Appendix A – CCCTS Ride Guidelines
CCCTS SAFETY GUIDELINES

Adopted by CCCTS Board – Feb. 9, 2020

developed by Maureen Weston, Board Member 

PRE RIDE

• Be aware of provisions in the Motor Vehicle Act and its associated regulations governing the use of highways in BC, public roads, mixed use paths and cycle paths. A useful review of a cyclist’s rights and duties is provided in the “Bike Sense” manual available online at www.bikesense.bc.ca/bikesense-manual.
• Ensure your bike is safe and well serviced for expected riding conditions. Carry tools, spare tube(s), ID, emergency contact information, small first aid kit.
• Know the ride format (ride/sweep approach or self-directed). The event lead will provide this information.

VISIBILITY

• Wear bright, reflective clothing.
• Use front and rear flashing lights

SEEING OTHERS

• A rear-view mirror is highly recommended.
• Use the mirror before pulling out into the lane or prior to passing.

RIDING PROTOCOL

• Practice PACCC riding: Predictability, Anticipation, Cooperation, Courtesy, and Communication with fellow riders, drivers, and pedestrians.
• Hands on the handlebar unless signalling for a turn or to alert others of potential dangers on the road such as potholes, glass, or gravel.
• Stay focused and be aware of emerging conditions. No earbuds while riding and save conversations for coffee/lunch breaks.
• Keep a safe distance (one bike length) behind the rider in front of you. In risky situations, including steep downhills, heavy traffic, gravel, crowds of cyclists, ride at least 3 seconds or 3 bike lengths behind bike in front.
• Stay behind the leader and ahead of the sweep where this riding format is being used. Inform the leader or sweep if you are leaving the ride.
• When there is a large number of cyclists, split into smaller groups to allow motorists ease of passing.
• Ride no closer than 1m from parked cars to avoid being hit by an opening door. Where cars are parked intermittently, ride alongside them in a straight line. This increases a rider’s visibility and predictability.
• Take the lane when and where necessary, e.g., over narrow bridges or where the shoulder is hazardous for cycling.
• Ride single file, stay in line and ride with the pace of the group, wherever possible.
• Yield right-of-way to pedestrians.

INTERSECTIONS

• When no bike lane is present enter the intersection either ahead or behind the vehicle in your lane rather than alongside it.
• Stop at all stop signs and all red lights. Do not proceed through a stop sign or a red light as part of a group.  This rule also applies at 4 way stops.
• Use extreme care when making left turns at busy intersections. Never make a left turn from the right side of the road, even if you are in a bike lane. As you approach the intersection, shoulder check, signal, and when clear move over into the furthest left lane.  Make eye contact with drivers where possible.
• When traffic is moving quickly the three-point-maneuver may be the safer choice. Proceed on the right straight through the intersection and stop in a safe place on the far side. Make a 90 degree left turn on the spot, and when safe either walk your bike in the crosswalk or proceed on the road as if you were coming from the right.
• Do not follow a fellow rider through an intersection, or turn left or right, without checking carefully for oncoming traffic.
• Slow down when approaching a roundabout or traffic circle and yield to all vehicles already in the roundabout. Take the lane; do not ride around the perimeter close to the curb. If you arrive at the same time as another vehicle or bike, the one on the right goes first. CAUTION: many drivers don’t know the proper etiquette and are unpredictable.

PASSING

• Pass cyclists on the left while clearly stating, “Passing on the left” and/or using your bell. Use extreme caution when passing on a downhill.
• It is permissible to pass vehicles on the right when in a bike lane or when a vehicle is turning left or indicating a left turn.
• Use caution or do not pass vehicles on the right when traffic is moving or when there is a street, driveway, or parking spot a car can turn into or when there is less than 1.5m between traffic and the curb.

COMMUNICATION

• For group riding each rider is responsible to pass information, either verbal and/or by signalling, to following riders.
• Say “stopping” and hand signal to fellow cyclist your intent to stop. When stopping move well off the road and away from intersections.
• When necessary, use the “car back” caution to warn other cyclists of an approaching vehicle.

Cross Canada Cycling Tour Society Code of Conduct

Our goal is for all members to have an enjoyable and safe experience while participating in any club activity.

• Every member has a role in treating others with respect, courtesy, fairness and equality.

• Every member contributes to the well-being and functioning of the group as a whole – on and off the bike.

• Safety is a primary concern for the club. When we choose to participate in a club ride we agree to abide by the traffic laws of the jurisdiction we are riding in and to our safety guidelines.

• Every member takes responsibility for their actions and if we choose not to follow the Code of Conduct, we may be asked to leave a ride, a tour or the club.

When you ride with the club you become an ambassador for both the club and cyclists in general. If you ride in a way that is courteous and respectful to others on the roads and pathways, you may or may not be noticed. However, if you behave in a way that antagonizes others it will more than likely be noticed and will reflect poorly on all cyclists. Sharing the road or pathway is a two-way street.