See you at the 3rd annual Tour de Mississauga on September 19, 2010.
1. It’s Not a Race. Tour de Mississauga is a group ride, NOT a competition. It’s about participation.
2. Be Predictable. The key to all group riding is to do things gradually and steadily. If you do anything sudden you will likely cause a crash.
- Keep a bike length between you and the rider ahead
- Try to ride at a constant speed
- Ride in a straight line
- Don’t brake suddenly unless absolutely necessary
- To slow down, either stop pedaling or touch the brakes gradually, so as not to slow down too suddenly for the riders behind you
3. Communicate Hazards. When you see an obstacle in the road ahead of you, put your hand down and give a signal that lets the riders behind you know which direction they should go to avoid it. Traditionally a quick wave of the hand will suffice. An obstacle worth pointing out is one that will damage a bike or person behind you. Some examples are: Sand or Gravel, Railroad Tracks, Potholes or Cracks in Road, Stopping or Slowing, Animals or a Car situation.
4. Stay Alert. Avoid the ‘group mentality’. You are the eyes for the person behind you.
- Be aware of where you are on the Tour
- Ride with a fellow participant in order to share information and provide mutual support
5. Follow the Rules of the Road. Bicycles are defined as vehicles, and are given the rights and responsibilities of vehicle operators. ”Rules of the road” offences apply to all vehicles.
- Obey all signs and traffic control signals
- Stay in the bike lanes where marked
- Stay to the right single file on all roads and trails
- Do not take over the whole driving lane and annoy car drivers
- Signal your turns for the riders and cars behind you
6. Take Safety Precautions.
- Wear a helmet with the chin-strap fastened
- Always give right of way to pedestrians
- Use your bike bell or horn to gently warn cyclists or pedestrians ahead of you on trails
- Give berth to parked cars in case the driver’s door suddenly opens
- When making an uncontrolled crossing, dismount and look both ways to ensure all is clear
- Pass safely
- Don’t look backwards
- No loose pant legs
7. Be Courteous. You are an ambassador of the Mississauga cycling community.
- Share the road with other vehicles, cyclists of varying abilities and pedestrians
- Have a good time!
8. Parents/Guardians are Responsible for their Children. Anyone under 18 needs to have a parent or guardian sign the waiver form and accompany them on the ride. It is for parents to judge whether a cycling situation on the Tour is safe for their child.
CALL NUMBERS: Tour Marshals are available by cell phone to provide assistance en route. Call this central number and a Tour Marshal (or emergency services) will be contacted: (TBD).
The phone number for the Peel Regional Police is: (905) 453-3311