SAFETY + RULES OF THE ROAD

Safety is our top priority during Dempsey Challenge weekend. Please follow the rules of the road and take precautions to keep yourself and others safe during the ride. With your help, the Dempsey Challenge will provide a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone.

Cycling Rules of the Road

The Dempsey Challenge follows Cycling Rules of the Road. Bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as any other vehicle, and riders are expected to follow the rules of the road. Doing so provides a measure of legal protection in the event of a crash.

• Wear a helmet at all times.
• Stop at stop signs and stop lights. Obey all traffic laws and posted speed limits.
• Ride on the right; pass on the left; and call-out when passing. You have the right to take possession of a travel lane to set up for a left turn, to pass another vehicle, or to avoid an unsafe situation. Always leave room for others to pass on your left and use phrases such as “on your left” or “passing on left” when passing another rider. Never cross the centerline.
• Use hand signals and call out turns, obstacles, and debris on the road. The standard hand signals are left arm out for “left turn,” right arm out for “right turn,” and left arm down for “stop.”
• Ride single file or two abreast when conditions permit. Single file is the safest position. Keep in mind that riding two abreast while going uphill means faster riders must ride three abreast in order to pass slower riders. On narrower roads, passing as the third abreast may cause hazardous conditions as vehicles pass riders, pull out of driveways, or are oncoming. Remember, never cross the centerline.
• Stay alert when you ride and be constantly focused on your riding and aware of what’s going on around you.
• Please use caution at all times when stopping. Move off the roadway and alert riders behind to your plans. Check to see that no bicycles or vehicles are directly behind you when stopping, stop at the right edge of the roadway, and immediately move to the shoulder. Stay clear of the roadway to make repairs, rest, visit, etc. Avoid stopping at the crest of a hill or on a curve.
• Give others sufficient room when passing and be a predictable rider. Don’t keep other riders and vehicles guessing your next move. A predictable rider, is a safe rider. Allow vehicles to pass and call-out “car back” when appropriate.
• Be considerate. The bicycling skills of participants range from beginner to expert. Each rider must look out for themselves and be aware of what the other cyclists around them are doing at all times.
• Always cooperate with Dempsey Challenge officials and law enforcement personnel. They will be present at busy intersections – obey their signals.
• Stay on the marked route. Routes are designed and marked for your safety. Support services are only available to you if you are on the route.
• Give the right-of-way to emergency vehicles. Pull to the right and stop if you hear a siren.
• Watch for railroad tracks and cross them at right angles. Raise yourself off your seat and stand on your pedals to absorb the shock and lower the center of gravity. Look for other riders and let those behind you know of your intentions. Use extreme caution when crossing railroad tracks.
• Yield to pedestrians in all situations.

Be safe and have fun!

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