Glassner Autumn Challenge
Rules of the Ride
Cycling safety is at the heart of everything we do at Glassner. These rules exist to keep you, your fellow riders, and the drivers we share the road with safe — please read them before ride day, especially if this is your first group ride.
- Helmets are mandatory (ANSI/SNELL approved)
- Ride single file when a car or truck is behind you
- Never ride more than two abreast, in accordance with Alabama law. Don't be a road hog — yield to riders trying to pass
- Stay as far right as safely possible, except when making a left turn or going straight in a right-turn-only lane
- Take a full lane when traffic dictates. Pull off to let traffic pass when necessary
- Make eye contact with drivers so you know they've seen you
- Obey all traffic laws and signals — always stop at stop signs. Your bicycle is legally considered a vehicle
- Do not ride before daylight or after dusk unless you have proper lights on your bike, in accordance with Alabama law
- If you stop for any reason, get completely off the road
- Always ride defensively. Be aware of other riders, vehicles, and pedestrians near you — never assume you know what they're going to do
- Wear bright, visible clothing so drivers can see you
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- No personal SAG vehicles allowed
- Be predictable. Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone — call out stops and changes in direction
- Know your limits. Crashes often happen when riders lack the bike-handling skills to make quick decisions in a pack
- Pass on the left only. Call out "On your left" before passing. Never pass on the right
- Communicate. Use Ride Safe Language (below) and traffic hand signals when appropriate
- Announce hazards. Point down left or right and call out "gravel," "hole," "tracks," etc.
- Maintain control and speed of your bike, even going downhill
- Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist's
- Courtesy is key. Be respectful of other riders and motorists — help others when needed
- No headphones or earbuds. Auditory cues like "car back" and hazard calls only work if you can hear them
- Leave a gap for motor vehicles. On narrow roads, space out between groups of cyclists so drivers have shorter, safer windows to pass
- Move completely off the road when stopping to regroup, fix a flat, or wait for a friend
These are the calls you'll hear (and should repeat) on the road. Knowing them before ride day means you can react instantly, not guess.
"Slowing"
The pack is slowing — a signal, slower riders, or a car up ahead. Tap your brakes, repeat the call, and prepare to slow down.
"Stopping"
The pack is coming to a stop. Repeat the call and prepare to stop — don't slam your brakes if riders are behind you.
"Hold your line"
Someone is passing you. Stay straight and steady — swerving could cause them trouble.
"On your left"
Someone is passing you on your left — they have the right of way. A "thank you" back lets them know you heard.
"Car up"
A car is ahead of the group. Repeat the call so riders behind you know, and be ready to adjust.
"Car back"
A car is approaching from behind. Repeat the call so riders ahead of you know, and single up if needed.
Want to go deeper on lane positioning, turning, and sharing the road with traffic?
League of American Bicyclists: Ride Better Tips
