Safety
Your safety is our number one priority. Here 
are some helpful tips that you should follow to ensure that the Bike MS Ride is not only the most enjoyable weekend experience, but the safest as well.
- Pennsylvania State Cycling Laws & Regulations
- NMSS Safety Video
- Safety and Rules Packet (Minors between 12-17 must read with an adult)
We are always looking for Safety Advisors
The Bike MS Rides are always seeking experienced cyclists to ride as Safety Advisors to promote safe cycling practices during the Tour. Requirements: Someone who has participated in the Escape to the Lake (Erie) or the Keystone Country Rides and is at least 18 years old. If you have any questions regarding the Safety Advisor program please contact the Allegheny District Chapter.
“Car Up”: There’s An Oncoming Vehicle
- “Car Back”: There’s a car approaching from behind you
- “On Your Left”: You’re passing a cyclist on his/her left-hand side or a cyclist is passing you on your left-hand side. Passing on the right is hazardous.
Good Practices in Cycling
- Train before the ride. A well trained cyclist is a safer cyclist!
- Ride Predictably
- Cross railroads/grooved surfaces at a right angle
- Make eye contact with drivers when turning
- When you hear someone say “On Your Left” ride steadily and don’t look back
- When stopping use the appropriate signals and pull completely off the road
- Watch out for road hazards and point them out to other cyclists
- When riding next to parked cars, look for opening doors
- Pace lines can be dangerous. Never ride in a pace line with cyclists if you have not trained with them.
10 SMART RULES TO BICYCLE
- PROTECT YOUR HEAD. WEAR A HELMET. Never ride a bicycle without a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend that bicyclists wear a helmet that complies with the CPSC standard. All cyclists in the MS Bike Ride MUST wear a helmet at all times while riding the route.
- ASSURE BICYCLE READINESS. MAKE SURE YOUR BICYCLE IS ADJUSTED PROPERLY. Make sure you can stand over the top tube of your bicycle. Adjust your bicycle to fit you (see Owners Manual).
- STOP IT. ALWAYS CHECK BREAKS BEFORE RIDING. Consult your Bicycle Owner’s Manual or have a bicycle shop adjust the brakes.
- SEE AND BE SEEN. Wear clothes that make you more visible. Always wear neon, florescent, or other bright colors when riding a bicycle.
- AVOID CYCLING AT NIGHT. It is far more dangerous to bicycle at night than during the day. Most bicycles are equipped for daylight use and need to be adapted for night riding.
- STAY ALERT. ALWAYS KEEP A LOOKOUT FOR OBSTACLES IN YOUR PATH. Stay alert at all times. Watch out for potholes, cracks, railroad tracks, wet leaves, drainage grates, or anything that could make you fall.
- GO WITH THE FLOW. THE SAFE WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY. Ride on the right side in a straight predictable path. Always go single file in the same direction as other vehicles.
- CHECK FOR TRAFFIC. ALWAYS BE AWARE OF THE TRAFFIC AROUND YOU. Over 70 percent of car-bicycle crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. Before you enter any street or intersection, check for traffic.
- LEARN RULES OF THE ROAD. OBEY TRAFFIC LAWS. Bicycles are considered vehicles. Bicyclists must obey the same rules as motorists. Read your PA State Drivers’ Handbook, and learn and follow all traffic signs, laws, and rules for operating a vehicle on the road.
- DON’T FLIP OVER YOUR BICYCLE. WHEELS SHOULD BE SECURELY FASTENED. If your bicycle has quick release wheels, it is your responsibility to make sure they are firmly closed at all times and to use the safety retainer if there is one.
This information was taken from a brochure from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Department of Transportation.