Ride Safety Guide
The continued growth of our ride requires your help to make sure that all of our riders get to Atlantic City safely. In order to help us continue our long-standing safety record, please read and follow all of our safety tips below.
General Traffic Safety Information
VERY IMPORTANT: THIS IS NOT A CLOSED COURSE. You will be sharing the road with motor vehicles. The motoring public does not always share in your enthusiasms and efforts during the bike tour. Drivers may not know how to react to cyclists. Please be aware of vehicles around you.
Mother Nature and New Jersey road surfaces are not always friendly to us either - both of which we cannot control. We will continually monitor the road conditions and pressure the authorities to make appropriate repairs.
As you read on, refresh yourself with rules and laws of the roadway. Together we can make this a safe and fun ride.
Blind Spots
- Most drivers do not expect to see a large amount of cyclists on the roadway.
- Do not ride next to another vehicle unless you are in a different lane or passing.
- Be cautious of bigger cars with mirrors that stick out further than expected. They have been known to strike cyclist.
- If you can't see the mirrors on a bus, truck or car, then drivers cannot see you.
Communication & Signaling
- Communicate well in advance.
- Signal well before the intersection; make sure you are in proper lane position.
- Use gestures in combination with verbal commands
- LEFT TURN: Left arm straight out
- RIGHT TURN: Right arm straight out
- “ON YOUR LEFT”: Rider approaching your left side. Ride steadily and allow room to pass
- “CAR BACK”: Car approaching from the rear
- “GRAVEL/POTHOLE/SAND/TRACKS”: Combined with pointing, alerts other cyclists to hazardous road conditions
- “SLOWING/STOPPING”: Cyclist is slowing or stopping. May be combined with turning palm of hand toward people riding behind.
Equipment
- We will have roving support vehicles throughout the route to assist with bike problems.
- It is still helpful to bring tools and parts to deal with mechanical failures, which can leave you stranded.
- Water, food, sunscreen, and first aid all are suggested to be packed on your bike.
Groups
- Say "stopping" if you have to brake hard in a group of cyclists, rather than using a hand signal.
- Don't follow too closely. Drafting is extremely unsafe and is not permitted on the route.
- Pull completely off the road or path if you have to stop.
- Always ride single file.
Hazards
- If a lane narrows ahead or is blocked by any motor vehicle, establish your position in traffic early.
- Use extra caution when riding where glass and other trash accumulate on the roadway.
- Grates and gutter pans should be avoided by positioning yourself away from them.
- Pot holes are everywhere - always be on the lookout and alert others!
On the Road
- THIS IS NOT A CLOSED COURSE. Please be aware of the cars on the road.
- Make sure to ride in a single file. You are sharing the road with cars.
- The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists.
- Obey all traffic control devices – especially the police officers and fireman assisting with traffic.
- Always wear a properly fitting helmet. It not only keeps you safe, it is the law.
- Alert other riders of upcoming road hazards. This can be done with pointing and saying the hazard you see, such as “gravel” “pothole” etc.
- Give yourself ample room to maneuver in the event of an emergency.
- Do not use your cell phone while riding.
- The use of headphones is prohibited on the route.
- Yield to all emergency vehicles. Move to the right to allow them to pass. Look and listen for lights and sirens.
Scan
- Constant identification of potential hazards in front and behind as well as to each side.
- Scanning allows you to avoid dangerous situations before they happen.
- Scan for motorists, road conditions, pedestrians, animals, traffic signals.
Support Vehicles
- If you are having difficulty finishing the ride, a support vehicle will take you and your bike to the next rest stop or to Atlantic City
- Personal support vehicles are prohibited and will not be permitted to enter into any Rest Stop
- All riders must be off the roads by 1:30pm. Support vehicles will pick up all remaining riders and take them to the finish line in Atlantic City.
Rest Stops
- Utilize all rest stops.
- Water, Gatorade, fruit and snacks will be provided at all rest stops.
- For your safety, be sure to use the designated in and outs at each rest stop.
- First aid, bike support and support vehicles will be available at all rest stops.
- Please make sure to see one of our certified bike shops prior to the ride to receive your bike safety certification. If you have issues with your bike and do not have the bike inspection band, you will be seen after those with the band. To learn more about this, please click here.
- REST STOP 1
FOP Lodge 56
235 Pine Avenue
West Berlin, NJ 08091 - REST STOP 2
Kathedral Event Center
499 S. Egg Harbor Road
Hammonton, NJ 08037 - REST STOP 3
Key Recreation Fields
701 S. Chicago Road
Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 - REST STOP 4
Galloway Municipal Complex
300 E. Jimmie Leeds Road
Galloway, NJ 08205
- REST STOP 1
Ride on the Right
- Always ride in the same direction as traffic. Never ride in the opposite lane of travel.
- Keep as far right as safely possible.
- Slower moving cyclists stay farthest to the right. Always pass on the left.
- If you are overtaking a cycle – clearly announce your intentions. Make sure to say “on your left” loud enough for the other rider(s) to hear.
- Ride in the right third of the lane if there is not sufficient room for lane sharing.
Ride Predictably
- Ride in a straight, single file line.
- Don't swerve in the road or between parked cars.
- Check for traffic before entering a street or intersection.
- Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly.
- Never cross into on coming traffic lanes.
Timing - Off the Road by 1:30pm
- This rule is strictly enforced by the police departments in the municipalities we ride through.
- Any riders still on the road at 1:30pm will be picked up by a support vehicle and driven to the finish line in Atlantic City.
- If you feel you can’t make it, notify any support staff and you will be assisted.
- Put your pride and ego aside - you did a great job getting as far as you did!
Traffic Signals, Signs & Police Officers - Obey! Obey! Obey!
- Cyclists, just like motorists, must obey all traffic control devices – that means all traffic signals, stop and yield signs.
- It takes longer to travel through an intersection on bike; plan to stop for yellow lights.
- Avoid cars that run red lights by waiting for the signal to turn green and scan to make sure it's clear.
- Follow the directions and instructions of all police officers and firemen directing traffic.
Weather
- Be aware of possible changes in weather and pack accordingly.
- Apply sunscreen before getting dressed to ensure you don't miss any areas.
- Strong headwinds can severely slow your pace.
For any questions pertaining to the route, please contact Safety Director, Lt. Wayne Bonfiglio at 856-304-5364 or bike@FBBCF.org .
