NWCC Mandatory Safety Message

You should be aware that potential risks, hazards, and obstructions may exist whenever you ride and we do not guarantee safe cycling conditions or make any representations about road conditions including pavement conditions, traffic volume, or speed. You are responsible for evaluating road and trail conditions in accordance with your individual level of experience, skill, tolerance for cycling in traffic, weather, time of day, obstacles, road condition and other factors when evaluating or selecting a route. NWCC and its officers disclaim any responsibility for any issues that may arise and in no event shall be liable for any damages or loss of any kind.

DOs

• Helmets are required.
• Obey all traffic signals.
• Ride predictably and smoothly.
• Call out all hazards.
• Use hand signals and call out your intentions, when you are turning, slowing, and stopping.
• Call out vehicles as they approach, “Car back” / “Car up” “Car left / right”
• In double pace lines, roll off one at a time so there will not be four abreast at any time.
• When passing other riders and groups, pass on the left and always call out "on your left."
• Communicate with riders in your group who may be pushing the speed of the group beyond the group's expectations. Ask them to slow down / speed up and/or move to the next group / drop to the group coming up.
• If you are new to group riding, whatever your estimated average speed, we highly recommend starting in the no-drop group, which will be called last.

DON'TS

• No earbuds, headphones, speakers or phone usage while cycling in any pace group.
• No using aerobars in the paceline.
• No overlapping wheels.
• Do not assume that the average speed of your ride will fall within the speed noted for each pace group except for the no-drop and 20+ groups. Groups may average a faster pace, especially on downhills or with a tail wind. On the other hand, the pace may be slower in poor riding conditions, climbing hills or into a headwind.