The Swamp Fox Challenge - Santee, SC - Saturday, June 28, 2008

Safety

With regards to safety, there are several important things that you should not forget:

  The bicycle is legally considered a vehicle in South Carolina.  With that in mind, you have full rights and responsibilities on the roadway and are subject to the regulations governing the operation of motor vehicles where applicable.

Remember, this is not a race. You will be riding with cyclists of all levels and abilities. Be courteous to other cyclists as well as motorists with whom you share the road.  Most importantly: Have Fun !

 The Tour de Cure route is not closed to traffic.  The ONLY time you should ignore signs or traffic signals is when a police officer is directing you to do so. Our volunteers on the route are only there to alert you to traffic and road conditions, NOT to stop or direct traffic for you.

Helmets are required for all cyclists participating in Tour de Cure and must be worn at all times when you are on your bicycle. You will be asked to leave should you not follow this safety procedure.

Stereos and/or headphones are not permitted.

Clothing - Wear bright clothing that can be easily seen and avoid loose fitting apparel that could get caught in the spokes or chain.   Remember to wear riding gloves to help prevent numbness in the hands and fingers.

Pace Lines - If you have not ridden in a pace line prior to this event, do not use this event as your first attempt to ride in a pace line.  This is a technique that is developed over time with many miles riding with a team or group.   If your know how to ride in a pace line, be respectful of teams that you may want to tag along with so as to not interrupt the flow of the group.  Some teams prefer that tag-alongs ride at the rear of the line to allow the team to stay together.

Ride Single File - For the safety of all riders, SAG drivers, volunteers and other motorists, all cyclists should ride Single File except when passing other cyclists.

Pass on the Left - Riders should pass on the left side when overtaking (passing) other riders and issue the "On Your Left" warning as they pass the slower riders.   The riders being passed need to be aware of the "On Your Left" warning and not swerve to the left as others are passing.
 
Use CAUTION at all Railroad Crossings.  Railroad crossings preset a special hazard for cyclists. Railroad tracks should be crossed at at 90 degree angle (perpendicular) to the tracks. Crossing tracks at any other angle could result in the bike going down and result in severe injury to the rider. While railroad tracks are especially hazardous during wet conditions, they are still a hazard in dry conditions. Provide warning to those riding behind you when you are approaching a railroad crossing. Slow to a predictable, controllable speed to allow for you and others to move so you can cross perpendicular to the tracks. Do not slam on the brakes or whip or swerve at the last moment or injury could result for you and other riders.
 
  Use CAUTION during Wet Conditions.  Wet roads also present a special hazard for cyclists.   Oil on roadways combine with water to form a surface that can easily cause a rider to lose traction or control.   The material used to mark highway lanes can also pose increased hazards during wet conditions since most highway lanes are now marked using a raised material that is bonded to the roadway rather than a paint that is absorbed by the roadway.