The following lists the NSC riding culture safety items based on the Four Legs of Safety Program

  • Bicycles - only pedal bicycles and pedal assist Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes-bikes (as defined for NSC purposes below) are allowed on NSC rides 

    Class 1 being pedal assist only, motor can assist to 20 mph, no throttle. 

    Class 2 being throttled e-bikes that can go up to 20 mph without pedaling (not allowed)

    Class 3 being pedal assist only, motor can assist to 28 mph, no throttle.  

    (Class 2 e-bikes as well as e-bikes that do not fit within the Class 1 or 3 definitions are not allowed on NSC rides)

  • Helmets - every rider must wear a bicycling helmet 

  • Ride in a straight line and always single file on the busier roads.  If you ride double on a back road please be aware of vehicles behind you. This works much better if you have a mirror. We strongly encourage you to get use a mirror-they are cheap. Do not ride three abreast.

  • Signal your moves including left turns (left arm extended, elbow straight, left hand pointing left), right turns (left arm extended, elbow bent, left hand pointing up) slowing and stopping (left arm extended, elbow bent, with left hand pointing down - right arm also is acceptable)

  • Call out and point to major potholes, rough roads and obstacles such as glass, rocks, gravel, sand, or large branches.  Don’t overdo it. Please do not call out every crack in the road or obstacles that don’t actually protrude into the road.

  • Pass on the left only and call out “on your left.” First check traffic and bikes behind you, then signal.

  • Call “car back” on less traveled roads where there is not much traffic or when another rider is passing and not aware of the approaching vehicle. Don’t overuse it – not necessary to call out every car on busier roads where there is a steady stream of traffic.

  • Call "walker up" to alert the riders of walkers in or near line of travel

  • Call “car up” to indicate a car in the line of travel

  • Call "oncoming car" if an on coming car appears to be of concern

  • Pass calls and signals on to fellow riders ahead or behind.

  • Single up AS SOON AS you hear “car back.” Usually the rider on the left scoots ahead but that needs to be coordinated with fellow riders.

  • Stop at red lights and stop signs, and observe yield signs. Try to make eye contact with drivers entering the intersection.

  • Don’t block vehicle traffic when you  stop to regroup and wait for other riders.

  • Allow safe distance to the rider in front of you and don’t overlap wheels.  Allow more distance on hills.

  • Don’t talk on you cellphone or wear earphones while riding.

  • Avoid unannounced moves or braking when leading a group of riders. Look ahead and choose a smooth line because riders will follow your path. Allow gaps in long pace lines so that vehicles can get by.

  • Do not ride up on the right of riders without informing them, even if there is lots of room because they are further to the left than usual.

Two words sum it all up: Be predictable!!