Bicyclists’ Code of Conduct & Etiquette
The Naples Velo rides have a long history of being well managed hard rides which is due to the "leaders" keeping a handle on the rides. We are seeing new riders along with some older riders that are not keeping to the Naples Velo ride etiquette. We are listing some of the general ride etiquette and then some specifics for each of the Naples Velo sanctioned rides. If you are unable to adhere to these common rules, we understand and gracefully ask you to do your own rides. Safety and fun rides for all are our priority.
Basics
1.Always wear a helmet.
2.Do not wear in-ear headphones.
3. Never ride against traffic.
4. Stop for stop signs, red lights (never run a red light.), and pedestrians.
5. Follow lane markings.
6. Honor others right of way.
7. Use hand signals and verbal communications for other bikers and motorists.
8. Call out debris in the road.
9. Be predictable.
10. Ride single file with traffic unless riding in a double pace line.
11. When riding in a pace line:
13 .Always use lights front and back at night and it also helps your visibility during the day.
14. Limit the size of pace lines based on traffic conditions.
15. Two hands on the bars and no aero bar use in a group.
16. Offer feedback and direction to riders acting in an unsafe way.
17. Welcome and advise new riders.
18. Obey ride max speed limit if in use.
Violations
The Naples Velo rides have a long history of being well managed hard rides which is due to the "leaders" keeping a handle on the rides. We are seeing new riders along with some older riders that are not keeping to the Naples Velo ride etiquette. We are listing some of the general ride etiquette and then some specifics for each of the Naples Velo sanctioned rides. If you are unable to adhere to these common rules, we understand and gracefully ask you to do your own rides. Safety and fun rides for all are our priority.
Basics
- NV rides operate in an environment of respect for each other’s safety and enjoyment of the rides.
- This means our rides are "harassment free”; we will not tolerate harassment of anyone (including ride marshals).
- Our rides are non-discriminatory; anyone & everyone are welcome if they abide by the rules.
- Anyone joining our rides agrees to these policies.
1.Always wear a helmet.
2.Do not wear in-ear headphones.
3. Never ride against traffic.
4. Stop for stop signs, red lights (never run a red light.), and pedestrians.
5. Follow lane markings.
6. Honor others right of way.
7. Use hand signals and verbal communications for other bikers and motorists.
8. Call out debris in the road.
9. Be predictable.
10. Ride single file with traffic unless riding in a double pace line.
11. When riding in a pace line:
- When you are on the front, you are responsible for the entire group behind you.
- Do not overlap wheels with the bicycle in front of you.
- Maintain an even pace and do not allow a gap to be created in front of you.
- When rotating off the front, do not stop pedaling until you have moved off the front of the line.
- Do not cut into the line unless the rider behind you has approved your move.
- Be alert to the actions of the riders in front of you.
- If the light is turning yellow as you approach, pass through and then wait for the peloton to be able to pass through safely. Do not lock up you brakes and cause a pileup but also do not take off leaving the rest of the group on the other side of the light.
- If you don’t know the route and you are in the paceline, then pull through; don’t stay on the front.
- Don’t “hog the pull”, let everyone have a chance at the front.
- Try to keep gaps in the line to a minimum.
- Call out debris, runners, slower cyclists & passing cars.
- Never ride 3 abreast. If a bike lane is present, we must use it!
- Be predictable! Don’t do anything without signaling your intentions.
- Do not pass on the right! Don’t go between another rider & the curb!
- Please practice “pace-line etiquette”; when you roll off keep your speed momentarily then slow down a little so the next person can follow you back.
13 .Always use lights front and back at night and it also helps your visibility during the day.
14. Limit the size of pace lines based on traffic conditions.
15. Two hands on the bars and no aero bar use in a group.
16. Offer feedback and direction to riders acting in an unsafe way.
17. Welcome and advise new riders.
18. Obey ride max speed limit if in use.
Violations
- NV (through its ride marshals) reserves the right to serve warnings to people who disregard our ride policies; either a verbal or written warning which could result in the NV board banning that rider(s) from our rides for up to 30 days.
- If any rider continues to violate the rules and etiquette of these rides (i.e. pace, gap, easy outs, safety for the group) the NV board reserves the right to ban that rider(s) from all rides for up to a year or possibly all future rides depending on the infraction.
Motorists’ Etiquette Regarding Bicyclists
1. Share the road with other vehicles, bicycles.*
2. Provide 3 feet of room when passing a bicycle.
3. Do not turn right in front of a bicycle.
4. Expect bicycles to move left in the traffic lane to pass and avoid debris in the road.
5. When a lane is too narrow to pass a bicyclist safely, wait until the adjoining lane is clear.
6. Give a bicyclist all the rights of way as any other full size slow moving vehicle.
7. When parked at a curb do not open the door on the traffic side of the vehicle without making sure that the lane is clear of vehicles including bicycles.
8. Remember to be especially careful around bicyclists because any accident with them will probably result in serious injury.
*Bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. Motorists must treat cyclists the same as drivers of other motor vehicles. Bicyclists have a right to be and should be traveling on the road in the same direction as traffic. They are part of the traffic and share the road with motorists.
1. Share the road with other vehicles, bicycles.*
2. Provide 3 feet of room when passing a bicycle.
3. Do not turn right in front of a bicycle.
4. Expect bicycles to move left in the traffic lane to pass and avoid debris in the road.
5. When a lane is too narrow to pass a bicyclist safely, wait until the adjoining lane is clear.
6. Give a bicyclist all the rights of way as any other full size slow moving vehicle.
7. When parked at a curb do not open the door on the traffic side of the vehicle without making sure that the lane is clear of vehicles including bicycles.
8. Remember to be especially careful around bicyclists because any accident with them will probably result in serious injury.
*Bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. Motorists must treat cyclists the same as drivers of other motor vehicles. Bicyclists have a right to be and should be traveling on the road in the same direction as traffic. They are part of the traffic and share the road with motorists.
NAPLES VELO E-BIKE POLICY
E-Bikes, Introduction
The mission of the Naples Velo Bicycle Club (NV) is to promote cycling at all skill levels and improve cycling safety and awareness in southwest Florida.
In support of these objectives, NV promotes cycling activities, develops and conducts educational programs on cycling safety and skills, enhances cycling awareness through advertising and community events, and supports the enactment of cycling safety laws, amateur cycling racing, and other charitable organizations with aligned missions.
Electric bikes or E-Bikes represent a variant to other types of generally recognized recreational cycles, including road, mountain, cruiser and commuter bikes. While similar in size and form, their primary difference is that they incorporate battery-powered motors that provide variable assistance in propelling the cycle. E-Bikes are controlled via pedaling intensity, or by a hand-controlled throttle mechanism.
E-Bikes now represent a material portion of bikes that are available for sale in many bike shops and, as a result, are now being purchased in higher numbers by recreational cyclists.
NV's policy is to support cycling at all levels and to improve cycling safety. Many members of NV participate in the Club for those reasons. However, the social benefits of cycling are also significant components to the Club's attraction and value proposition that support its growth and evolution. Group rides, in particular, are an integral component of the Club's social activity.
Given the general alignment that E-Bikes have with other forms of recreational cycling, as well as the Club's mission to advance recreational cycling, the Board of Naples Velo believes it should promote Club membership, and the benefits extending from it to riders of E-Bikes.
Therefore, while NV will promote membership in the Club to E-Bike riders including participation in its organized rides, the Board also believes that it is in the best interest of all members to begin by establishing policies specific to E-Bikes to minimize the potential risks that could affect the safety of all participating riders.
It is also important to note that the Club has, at this time, minimal experience with E-Bikes. As such, any policy that we establish today in regards to E-Bikes will likely change in response to the goal of continuous improvement as the Club becomes more experienced with E-Bikes, their operation, and their optimal integration in group rides.
We welcome suggestions and input from our members regarding this policy and its development.
E-Bike Definitions
There are three categories of E-Bikes. Category 1 and 2 cycles are limited to a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Their difference is primarily a function of how their speed control. Cat 1 cycles regulate their speed via the crankset and through the rider's pedaling intensity. Alternatively, Cat 2 cycles utilize a hand-activated throttle. Both Cat 1 & 2 cycles may travel on dedicated bike paths or established bike lanes along roadways.
Category 3 bikes are faster and capable of traveling at 28 miles per hour. Speed is controlled exclusively by active peddling, similar to Cat 1 cycles. However, due to their higher rate of speed, Cat 3 E-Bikes are prohibited from using dedicated bike paths.
The maximum speed of each category above assumes a rider weight of 170 pounds.
E-Bike Policy
Members of the Naples Velo Bicycle Club may ride bicycles with electric assist motors (E-Bikes) on all Club sponsored rides, tours, and events, under the following conditions:
E-Bike Rules of Etiquette
E-Bikes, Introduction
The mission of the Naples Velo Bicycle Club (NV) is to promote cycling at all skill levels and improve cycling safety and awareness in southwest Florida.
In support of these objectives, NV promotes cycling activities, develops and conducts educational programs on cycling safety and skills, enhances cycling awareness through advertising and community events, and supports the enactment of cycling safety laws, amateur cycling racing, and other charitable organizations with aligned missions.
Electric bikes or E-Bikes represent a variant to other types of generally recognized recreational cycles, including road, mountain, cruiser and commuter bikes. While similar in size and form, their primary difference is that they incorporate battery-powered motors that provide variable assistance in propelling the cycle. E-Bikes are controlled via pedaling intensity, or by a hand-controlled throttle mechanism.
E-Bikes now represent a material portion of bikes that are available for sale in many bike shops and, as a result, are now being purchased in higher numbers by recreational cyclists.
NV's policy is to support cycling at all levels and to improve cycling safety. Many members of NV participate in the Club for those reasons. However, the social benefits of cycling are also significant components to the Club's attraction and value proposition that support its growth and evolution. Group rides, in particular, are an integral component of the Club's social activity.
Given the general alignment that E-Bikes have with other forms of recreational cycling, as well as the Club's mission to advance recreational cycling, the Board of Naples Velo believes it should promote Club membership, and the benefits extending from it to riders of E-Bikes.
Therefore, while NV will promote membership in the Club to E-Bike riders including participation in its organized rides, the Board also believes that it is in the best interest of all members to begin by establishing policies specific to E-Bikes to minimize the potential risks that could affect the safety of all participating riders.
It is also important to note that the Club has, at this time, minimal experience with E-Bikes. As such, any policy that we establish today in regards to E-Bikes will likely change in response to the goal of continuous improvement as the Club becomes more experienced with E-Bikes, their operation, and their optimal integration in group rides.
We welcome suggestions and input from our members regarding this policy and its development.
E-Bike Definitions
There are three categories of E-Bikes. Category 1 and 2 cycles are limited to a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Their difference is primarily a function of how their speed control. Cat 1 cycles regulate their speed via the crankset and through the rider's pedaling intensity. Alternatively, Cat 2 cycles utilize a hand-activated throttle. Both Cat 1 & 2 cycles may travel on dedicated bike paths or established bike lanes along roadways.
Category 3 bikes are faster and capable of traveling at 28 miles per hour. Speed is controlled exclusively by active peddling, similar to Cat 1 cycles. However, due to their higher rate of speed, Cat 3 E-Bikes are prohibited from using dedicated bike paths.
The maximum speed of each category above assumes a rider weight of 170 pounds.
E-Bike Policy
Members of the Naples Velo Bicycle Club may ride bicycles with electric assist motors (E-Bikes) on all Club sponsored rides, tours, and events, under the following conditions:
- E-Bike riders will observe and follow NV Club rules and policies governing ride safety and etiquette absent the provision of any other rules specific to E-Bikes.
- E-Bikes eligible to participate in group rides must be pedal-assisted (the bike does not move without pedaling). It may not utilize a throttle, meaning that it must be a Class 1 or Class 3 E-Bike.
- Class 2 E-Bikes are prohibited from participating in group rides due to the potential inability to clearly and consistently differentiate throttle-controlled cycles (for example, electric motorcycles) from E-Bikes. This exclusion extends principally from safety considerations consistent with the intent of protecting all riders.
- The role of ride leaders remains unchanged. They are responsible for ensuring that all riders are made aware of the ride rules and their responsibility for obeying them and establishing traffic laws. As such, ride leaders are not responsible for determining whether a rider is using an E-Bike or what class of E-Bike a rider may be using.
- Similar to conventional cyclists that participate in group rides, ride leaders have the authority to speak with any rider of an E-Bike if, in their judgment, they feel that rider is compromising the safety of others on the ride. This authority also includes making them aware of what they are doing incorrectly or to request that the E-Bike rider maintain a position at the back of the group ride to ensure the safety of others.
- E-Bike riders that participate in group rides are responsible for knowing the ride rules and following those rules, with particular emphasis on ride pace.
- E-Bikes may participate in all group rides regardless of speed.
- On group rides with a pace of 20 mph or less, E-Bike riders may ride anywhere within the group and rotate through the paceline along with all other riders. However, when assuming the front position on a paceline, E-bike riders may not accelerate the pace of the group. They may only maintain the established pace, or safely reduce it in the event a hazard exists that should be prudently observed to protect other riders in the group.
- On rides with speeds that are higher than 20 mph, E-Bike riders must remain at the back of the group at all times. On higher speed rides, E-Bike riders should recognize and respect that there is a direct and critical correlation of ride speed, rider experience, and rider skill that contributes to, or conversely, can undermine the safety of all riders in the group. More directly, most riders that possess the physical stamina to ride at high speeds also have acquired a high level of riding skill through multiple years of training and other experience. These skills are essential to maintaining the safety of riders at high speed. Out of respect to that fact, E-Bike riders may only participate in group rides where the established pace is equal to or slower than rides they have demonstrated experience with, preferably experience they have developed previously on a conventional cycle.
E-Bike Rules of Etiquette
- It is bad form for any E-Bike rider to aggressively pass regular bike riders when proceeding up grades or in noticeably adverse wind conditions. This is consistent with Policy # 8.
- An E-Bike rider should ride to support and maintain the pace of the other riders. This is consistent with Policy # 8.
- An E-Bike rider is responsible for ensuring they have sufficient battery reserves to enable them to complete the ride they have chosen without assistance from other riders. It is not the Ride Leader's responsibility to ensure that the E-Bike rider is safely returned to the starting point should they run out of battery. However, while established rider etiquette will most likely result in other riders remaining with them through the remainder of the ride, that should not be an expectation of E-Bike riders.