Cycling Safety

The first thing to remember is that cycling is not a dangerous activity. Statistics from the Department of Transportation show that, per billion miles travelled, more pedestrians are killed than cyclists - and we wouldn't consider walking a dangerous activity.

But fear of road traffic is still a major deterrent for a number of people when it comes to cycling, even if the objective risk is quite low. A greater understanding of how to stay safe while cycling is empowering and can provide that confidence boost to go out and enjoy all the benefits cycling brings. And there are a lot.

Northwest Cycling Club frequently offers cycling safety classes designed to teach adult cyclists how to use a bicycle with confidence and competence for pleasure, utility, and sport under various highway, climate, terrain, and traffic conditions. We are very focused and committed to promoting cycling safety awareness to our club members as well as reaching out to educate the community.

All cycling safety classes are taught by instructors who have been trained and certified through the League of American Bicyclists. The cycling safety classes are designed to work with experience levels ranging from brand new bicyclists up to experienced bicyclists who want to refine their sills and teach others.

Our most popular cycling safety class, Traffic Skills 101, is a fast-paced class that will give you the confidence to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail. You will learn how to conduct bicycle safety checks, fix a flat, on bike skills and crash avoidance techniques. This cycling safety class is recommended for adults and children above age fourteen.

In the early months of the year leading up to MS 150 and other organized group rides we like to offer the Group Riding Skills class. This class is for experienced riders who are interested in learning or brushing up on ride etiquette for riding safely in group rides.

And for our young riders, Bicycling Skills 123 Youth class is available. This class is composed of 13 on-bike stations that teach children better bike handling skills.

League of American Bicyclists:

https://bikeleague.org/ridesmart/

TRANSPORTATION CODE CHAPTER 551. OPERATION OF BICYCLES AND MOPEDS, GOLF CARTS, AND OTHER LOW-POWERED VEHICLES (texas.gov)

Cycling Safety: Embrace Confidence and Enjoy the Ride

Cycling safety is a paramount concern for both new and experienced riders. At Northwest Cycling Club, we understand the importance of knowledge, skills, and best practices to create a safe environment for all cyclists. With our commitment to promoting cycling safety, we offer a range of classes designed to empower riders with the confidence and competence needed to navigate the roads and trails with ease.

Did you know that statistics from the Department of Transportation show that, per billion miles traveled, more pedestrians are killed than cyclists? Cycling is not a dangerous activity, but fear of road traffic can be a major deterrent for many individuals. We believe that a greater understanding of how to stay safe while cycling can provide the confidence boost needed to fully embrace the benefits that cycling brings to one's life.

Our cycling safety classes are thoughtfully designed and taught by instructors who have been trained and certified through the League of American Bicyclists. These classes cater to a wide range of experience levels, from brand new bicyclists to those seeking to refine their skills and even teach others. One of our most popular classes, Traffic Skills 101, is a fast-paced program that equips you with the knowledge to ride safely and legally both in traffic and on trails.

In this comprehensive class, you will learn how to conduct bicycle safety checks, fix a flat, enhance on-bike skills, and practice crash avoidance techniques. Traffic Skills 101 is recommended for adults and children above the age of fourteen. We also offer specialized classes for experienced riders interested in group riding etiquette and children looking to improve their bike handling skills.

At Northwest Cycling Club, we firmly believe in fostering a community of knowledgeable and confident cyclists. Our commitment extends beyond our club members as we reach out to educate the wider community about cycling safety. We strive to be one of the leading voices advocating for safe cycling practices in Houston, Texas, and beyond.

Join us at Northwest Cycling Club, one of the largest cycling clubs in Texas, and embark on a journey where cycling safety is a top priority. Embrace the confidence to enjoy the freedom, fitness, and joy that cycling brings. Together, let's create a safer and more inclusive cycling culture.

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.