Safety

Cycling Events

Please note: the roads we explore on our biking trips are not closed to traffic, so it’s extremely important to ride safely and follow all traffic signs and laws. Any Climate Rider deemed to be riding in an unsafe manner may be asked to leave the event.

Below are rules and guidelines for participating in our bike ride events.

We will go over this information during the mandatory safety talk before your trip begins.

• Helmet required: Wear while riding. No exceptions.
• Awareness is key: Always be aware of your surroundings, terrain, traffic and other riders. Make sensible choices.
• Ride Smart: Ride predictably, and in a straight line. Ride single-file on highways and busy roads – always. Avoid excessive weaving back and forth. Stop at all red lights and at all stop signs. Use hand signals and follow traffic laws. Control your speed, and use front and bake brakes simultaneously especially on the downhills.
• Guidance: We give you detailed route guides, typically with Ride with GPS. For mountain biking trips, there will be guides for you to follow. Follow these to stay on route. Cooperate with ride leaders and staff at all times. We may stagger riders to avoid large groups.
• Road Etiquette: Communicate with your fellow cyclists and alert them with standard biking terms like ‘Car back!’ and ‘On your left!’ Point out hazards in the roadway to cyclists behind you. Be a conscious cyclist. Do not engage in “road rage” with vehicles on the road or other cyclists.
• Self-Care: Drink lots of water, eat lots of snacks, and wear sunscreen.
• Visibility: High-vis gear, lights, and mirrors keep you seen.
• Supplies: Have your ID, cash, and insurance info with you at all times. Bring a lightweight layer that can be easily stashed in case of weather changes. Bring bike parts if your ride has unique needs. High visibility and reflective clothing in addition to front and rear lights can greatly increase your visibility while riding. Mirrors attached to either your bike or helmet are safe ways to check to see if traffic is approaching from behind.
• Support: Support vehicles will patrol the route. If you need help, pull off the road completely and make sure you are visible to traffic. You can stop a support vehicle for assistance, for food/water, some general bike parts for purchase, or to shuttle to the next stop. Support vehicles carry extra snacks, water, sunscreen, bike tools, first aid, and other supplies.
• Emergencies: If there is a serious medical emergency, dial 911. For minor situations, the phone number for ride staff will be shared with you. Please report emergencies to our staff immediately. Our leader staff has comprehensive information on local hospitals, police, fire, and other important emergency information. All of our leader staff is required to have current certifications in CPR/First Aid/AED, with many of them holding advanced certifications like Wilderness First Responder. We do not give out medication, including over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, Benadryl, or acetaminophen. Please bring your own supplies or ask your fellow cyclists.

Hiking and Running Events

Our expert guides will go over specific wilderness safety guidelines before the trip departs. During the trip, safety considerations change based on the day’s conditions and the length and difficulty of each day’s trail. You’ll get updates daily and as conditions change.