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Start off the
season right --Ride SMART on Chilly Hilly
Despite rainy
weather as I write this, Cascade is looking forward to the start of
our riding season with Chilly Hilly. Especially important for
Chilly Hilly riders is to make sure you pull off to the side of the
road when stopping (or walking up one of those long hills…). Leave
room for other riders and vehicles who will be sharing the road with
you. Be courteous to Bainbridge Island residents and drivers who
allow us to have our event in their neighborhood.
Below are
Cascade’s new Ride SMART tips for bicycling --especially important
when riding in groups:
STAY
ALERT–watch for cars, other riders, and hazards –momentary
inattention is the number one cause of accidents.
MOVE
OFF THE ROAD WHEN STOPPING –pull completely off the road or trail to
let cars and riders pass; do not block driveways or intersections.
ACT
LIKE A CAR –OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS, stop at stop signs, and use hand
signals.
RETAIN
SPACE BETWEEN YOURSELF AND OTHERS –leave enough room to dodge
obstacles.
TELL
OTHERS WHEN PASSING AND PASS ON LEFT.
And just for
good measure, make sure you are familiar with Washington State laws
for bicycling:
1) Obey all
traffic laws: Cyclists have all the RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES of
vehicle drivers. RCW46.61.755
2) Ride no more
than two abreast. RCW 46.61.770
3) Ride as far
to the right as is SAFE, except when preparing to turn or when
passing
another vehicle. RCW 46.61.770
4)
Cyclists may occupy the center of a lane when traveling at the speed
of traffic or when it would be unsafe to ride to the right. RCW
46.61.770
5)
Always wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law in King County and
many other
jurisdictions. King County Board of Health Title 9.
6)
Do not use headphones –they are illegal for all vehicle operators
and may obstruct your hearing. RCW 46.37.480
7)
Use a white front light (visible for 500 feet) and a red rear
reflector at night. A red rear light may be used in addition to the
rear reflector. RCW 46.61.780
8)
Use hand signals (and look) before turning. RCW 46.61.758
Have fun on
Chilly Hilly, and have a good riding season!
Reprinted with
credit to Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation.
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