Bicycle touring has inherent risks. It is a sport whose safety is dependent upon the judgment and alertness of the cyclists. As a cyclist, you are responsible for the way you ride and the condition of your bicycle. bike condition VBT technicians check and tune our provided bicycles before each tour. However, you are responsible for alerting your Leaders in case any conditions develop while riding. For Safety on the Road: Follow all traffic regulations as if driving a car. Use hand signals for turning, slowing down or stopping. Yield right of way to pedestrians. Ride in the same direction as motorized traffic. Ride a straight course near the side of the road, but not too close, so as to avoid going off the pavement. Ride single-file and keep several bicycle lengths between yourself and the cyclist in front of you. Allow even more room when going downhill. Use both brakes at the same time, gently; never stab at them. Going down hills, pump both your brakes. Do not apply them continuously, as this can cause them to overheat and stop working. Dry your brakes by using them after riding through water or on a wet road. Never go faster than you can handle. Never ride on a sidewalk. Consistently check your mirror, listen for motor vehicles coming from behind, and be prepared to be passed by them. Do not look behind you while riding a bicycle. Do not make a left-hand turn while bicycling. Dismount, look for traffic and walk across. Never bicycle over railroad tracks. Dismount and walk across. Be careful of parked motor vehicles pulling out into your path or car doors opening in front of you. Watch for exhaust fumes and look for a person sitting in the vehicle. Attempt to establish eye contact. Stay at least five bicycle lengths behind moving motor vehicles. They can stop and turn more quickly than you on your bicycle. Ride with caution over wet or sandy roads. They may be slippery and cause a fall. Avoid potholes, metal grates and other slippery objects. For Safe Bicycling: We strongly encourage all cyclists to wear ANSI or SNELL approved helmets. One will be provided whether you use a VBT bicycle or bring your own. Wear bright clothing to make yourself visible to motorists. Avoid wearing loose clothing that can get caught in a bicycle chain or wheel. We recommend using protective eyewear. If you wear corrective lenses for driving, wear them for bicycling. Make sure they fit securely.