The Alto Velominati Rules

What, More Rules?

This is a serious attempt to set down a “code of conduct” for group rides, a guide for new cyclists who want to be a part of our culture. To be clear, this is very much my opinions about what I think makes for a good and enjoyable cycling culture. You, your friends, or your group ride might think different, or even wildly different.

All of us have the right, responsibility, and privilege to help define the culture of the groups we ride with. If we abdicate that responsibility, the culture will be set for us, and probably not one we like.

If you think “the war of all against all” sounds great then I don’t want to ride with you. Maybe try The Spectrum Ride.

The Commandments

Violate any of these and expect to get yelled at asked to leave the ride.

Thou Shalt Ride Safely

• Do nothing that will require interaction with law enforcement, emergency responders, or medical personnel.
• Don’t crash out another rider by being a dumbass.

Thou Shalt Not Be An Asshole

• Do not get into arguments, confrontations, or fights with other cyclists, drivers, or pedestrians.
• Don’t cause trouble and do not bring shame and opprobrium on your fellow riders.
• Don’t be creepy, predatory, racist, sexist, etc.

The Rules

This covers the basic social compact surrounding group rides. Deviate from this and people will talk to you about your behavior.

Note that when I say “learn” or “know” that it’s up to you to put in the effort to educate yourself. Do not expect to be spoon-fed; ask other riders, practice, or look it up on the internet.

Learn how to handle your bike

• Be able to take a corner at speed.
• Understand emergency braking.
• Know how to ride in a pack.
• Learn what you can and can’t ride over safely. Don’t swerve needlessly, don’t crash stupidly.
• Drill it into yourself so that you can still handle your bike when you’re tired.

Ride predictably and hold your line

• Don’t weave, dodge, zag, zig, or otherwise needlessly deviate from a straight path.
• Do not randomly surge forward, slow abruptly, or shove your bike back a foot when you stand up.
• Ride such that the people around you are not surprised.

Keep the pace

• Ride at a speed that matches what other riders are doing and want to be doing.
• Don’t get on the front and push the pace on a casual ride.
• Don’t lag off the back and make folks wait for you unnecessarily.
• Don’t speed up or slow down at random.
• Take pulls when appropriate.

Maintain your machine

• Brake pads within spec.
• Tires inflated and not worn out.
• Chain lubed.
• Headset, BB, hubs and other bearings properly adjusted.
• Critical batteries charged.
• Check your bike the night before the ride. If something isn’t right, fix it.
• Don’t be the rider that makes everyone else stop three times.

Know how to fix your shit, and be able to do it when needed

• You should be able to repair a flat.
• Carry a tube, a pump (or a minimum of two CO2 cartridges), tire irons.
• Have a toolkit or multi-tool capable of wrenching most of the stuff on your bike.
• Learn the basics of bike maintenance.

Maintain your body

• Be sufficiently fit to do the ride you’re doing.
• Don’t show up pre-injured.
• Understand your limits, and how to manage them via on-ride nutrition & hydration.

Be prepared

• Bring enough food and water for the planned route.
• Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Consider bringing extra gear in case things go sideways.

Be self-sufficient

• If you get dropped or have a catastrophic mechanical you should be able to get home on your own. Don’t make another rider babysit you because you acted like a baby.
• Load the route into your computer, or at least know the general shape of it.
• Know the geography where you’re riding so you can get home un-aided in a pinch.
• Charge your cellphone before the ride.

Take care of your fellow cyclists

• If something is wrong, be part of the solution, not the problem.
• If you can fix it, volunteer.
• If someone is falling off the back (on a no-drop ride) ask folks to ease up.
• If someone is acting dangerously or irresponsibly, talk to them or alert the ride leader.

Eyes up!

• Be aware of conditions, look ahead, plan ahead.
• Call out & point out road hazards – potholes, debris, gravel, etc.
• When you’re riding behind someone look over their shoulder, not at their rear wheel.

Pay attention and listen

• Don’t space out, wander off, miss turns, or otherwise force people to yell at you.
• If you don’t know the route, don’t be at the front

Get out of the way and don’t get in the way

• Maintain your speed after passing someone.
• If you run out of steam, pull to the right (safely)
• If you’re in front and can’t hold the pace don’t just slow down. Signal the rider behind you by yelling or flicking your outside elbow and then carefully move aside.
• If you’re a slow descender, stay at the back, move aside, and don’t get in the way
• If you’re slow climber, let the faster riders tackle the hill first
• Don’t be a moving obstacle

Do not wantonly disobey traffic laws

• Don’t blow through red lights or ignore stop signs at working intersections.
• Don’t cross the yellow line in traffic or near corners.
• Traffic laws apply to cyclists, but sometimes we need to interpret them…
• Remember: when drivers see cyclists ignoring even minor laws they feel justified in trying to kill us.

When someone yells “Car Back” you should look around and quickly move to the right

• Do not swing further into traffic, try to pass the riders in front of you, or otherwise be a nuisance to the oncoming driver.
• Passing cars are a risk to everyone in the group. Work to reduce that risk.

Communicate problems before they’re serious problems

• If you’re struggling, feeling sick, etc., tell someone. Don’t let it get to the point of a sudden emergency.
• If things are going in a way you’re not happy with, or if someone or something is bothering you, speak up. Don’t let things fester.

The Suggestions

How to go the extra mile and make yourself a valued member of the community.

Be positive

• Have fun. If you’re not having fun, maybe head home and try another day.
• Remember that some amount of suffering is part of the game, learn to enjoy it.

Carry extras so you can help struggling riders

• Bring spare gels or food.
• Carry an extra tube and a comprehensive tool kit.

Do “buddy laps” or yell encouragement at the top of a hill

• When you’re one of the first to the top of a long climb you can (after you’re done gasping and vomiting) ride a few hundred yards back down to meet the other riders and join them for the final bit.

Be an outgoing or colorful member of the group

• It’s good to have folks keeping things social and fun on the ride.
• But make sure your idea of “colorful” is actually welcome. Don’t be “That Guy”.

Welcome new riders

• Introduce yourself to folks who are new to the group. Ask them about themselves. Make some effort to remember their names.

Help keep the situation calm when things go off the rails

Volunteer

• Organized groups and clubs always need more volunteers. Don’t just show up, offer to help.

Mentor & coach other riders

• Learn how to diplomatically offer advice about riding and etiquette.

Note: This is presented in contrast to The Rules, a well known humorous list of the ridiculous unspoken rules of “Real Cyclists”.

I am indebted to Joshua for valuable early feedback & proofreading.