NCC Ride Guidelines & Safety

Each ride will have at least one designated ride leader, who has the authority to enforce rules if needed.  

All participants in NCC groups rides are required to sign a waiver. If you are a current NCC member, you did this when you joined. If you cannot remember, ask the ride leader for a waiver form and sign it, or do so online here.

Before the start:

  • Have your bicycle in good repair and tires in good condition
  • Carry the necessities to repair a flat tire (in town, there are fix stations)
  • Remember to bring enough liquids and carbs
  • Choose rides at your speed/skill level
  • Wear sunscreen if needed
  • If the weather is questionable, check the Ride Forum — ride leaders will post announcements there. If time permits, there will be a banner on the club’s home page announcing cancellations.
  • Listen to directions and instructions from ride leaders. Their job is to get you home safely.
  • Don’t wear earbuds or anything else that might impair your hearing.
  • Carry some type of identification including emergency contact information

During the ride, the club has three basic rules that all riders must comply with for the safety of everyone.

  • Keep it SAFE
    • Stay double or single file, call out obstacles, no sudden accelerations or braking
    • The yellow line rule applies under all circumstances (don’t cross the yellow line or the road center line)
    • Always follow the rules of the road, i.e., stop at stop signs, red lights, give pedestrians in walkways the right-of-way, etc. If in doubt, read the Massachusetts Bike Laws Summary
    • Ride single file out of town.
    • Riders should be single file except when the width of the road or shoulder allows for side by side riding.
    • When passing slower riders, always pass on the left.
    • Riders should be as far right as is safe to do so, preferably to the right of the white line.
    • When pulling to the left (when passing slower riders or descending back from the front of a pace line) always look back first.
  • Keep it STEADY
    • Keep the agreed upon pace. Don’t jump the group. Don’t take a longer pull that slows the group down. Feel free to sit out a pull
    • Don’t overlap wheels with the rider in front of you. The forward rider needs the ability to avoid road hazards without hitting you!
    • When riding in a pace line, keep your speed consistent
    • Point out road debris and dangerous conditions to riders behind you
  • Keep it SUPPORTIVE
    • We’re here to have fun, look out for one another — slow down to support the group and watch for stragglers.
    • Don’t be shy: ask questions, speak up!
    • We aim to have fun, friendly, responsible and inclusive rides. Non-members are welcome on all of our club rides up to two times a year.

Last Updated November 24, 2021