Tuesday Night Ride Series Rules and Regs

The safety of the ride is paramount, and we really want to minimize any rider risks. This is a spirited community ride, NOT a race!

Join Us Tuesdays leaving Mosaic Park (behind the shop) @ 6:30PM

Safety is a core value on the Freshbikes Tuesday Night Ride Series. Your behavior will affect not only your safety, but also the safety of those around you and the perceptions of the communities we ride through. We want each and every one of you to make it safely to the BBQ at Mosaic Park after the ride.  The success of this event and future events depends on each rider behaving responsibly and taking the utmost care to eliminate risk.  We are working with Arlington County to better inform you to secure future support for this community event.

The following is a list of safety guidelines and our Code of Conduct.  All participants must understand and adhere to these guidelines.  Violation of any of these rules could jeopardize your participation, the safety of your fellow participants, and the future of the event.

• Bicycles are vehicles under the Virginia Vehicle Code and you are subject to all the rules and regulations of that code. Obey all traffic laws, traffic signals and signs. Ride no more than two abreast, and as far to the right as is safely possible.  Ride defensively, predictably and stay alert.  Assume car drivers cannot see you.
• Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic signals without exception.  When you are on the Freshbikes Tuesday Night Ride, and are no longer in direct contact with the main group or under a police escort, you must make a complete stop at stop signs and lights, ceasing all forward motion and placing one foot on the ground before proceeding.
• Wear your helmet at all times when on your bicycle.
• Ride no more than two riders abreast.  No Half-wheeling! Drafting is acceptable; leave at least wheel length between you and the rider in front of you.
• Never, ever, ever pass the Police motorcyles!
• Be Polite!  This is Fun!
• Do not swarm cars that may be on the route!  Allow the police to direct them. You are riding two abreast and cars are equal to bikes in this equation.
• Do not swarm solo bicyclists (we have gotten complaints of the group overtaking bicycle commuters without warning)!
• Communicate your intentions with other riders around you.  Use verbal alerts to point out potential vehicle hazards. Use hand signals to indicate right turn, left turn, stopping or slowing.  Alert others to potential hazards by pointing and/or calling out in a loud, outside voice.
• Look behind you before passing to make sure it is clear.  Pass only when it is safe to do so and pass only on the left.  When passing, call out loudly, "On your left!"
• Never wear headphones or ear buds while on this ride.  The use of cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, radios, walkie-talkies, handheld cameras or video cameras, or any other electronic device is prohibited while riding as well.
• Control your bicycle: Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
• Eat before you feel hungry and drink before you feel thirsty. 
• Emergency Procedures: If an accident occurs requiring medical services, call 911 immediately and direct traffic around the scene.  Get the participant's name and wait for emergency personnel to arrive.  Do not move an injured person if they are unable to move themselves.  Notify a Freshbikes Ride Ambassador.
• Be courteous and respectful of others. We are a diverse community. Please be thoughtful in your conduct and choices, and sensitive to the feelings of your fellow participants. 

Event Rules & Regulations

• Obey instructions of all law enforcement personnel, and Freshbikes Ambassadors or staff.
• Weather.  If severe weather occurs before the ride leaves, the ride may be delayed or cancelled.  Please follow Freshbikes Facebook or Twitter for any weather alerts before the ride departs.  If severe weather, including heavy rain, heavy winds, or lightning & thunder occurs during the ride the police will cancel the ride.  Either turn back for Mosaic Park or go home. If you choose to ignore common sense, and stay out in adverse weather conditions, you are no longer considered part of the ride and are considered as on an unsupported solo ride.

Violation of any of the rules stated above will result in one or all of the following:

• Verbal warning
• Suspension for one ride
• Permanent Expulsion from our Event Series