Essentials / Bike Safety

Your safety is most important to us.

On a Trek Travel cycling vacation, understanding and abiding by the rules of bicycling safety is the most important part of each day. Below are some of the common bike safety guidelines those that we follow at Trek Travel, and we ask that you follow them while traveling with us, too. Our guides will also remind you about how to safely ride during your trip and are always a great reference for learning best-practices of riding a bike. If you’d like to read more about all the safety measures Trek Travel takes on every trip, click here.

Cycling Safety

  • It is required that you wear a helmet at all times when on your bike.
  • Obey all traffic signs.
  • Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
  • Ride on the same side of the road as the direction of moving traffic.
  • Use the appropriate hand signals when stopping, slowing down, and turning.
  • Ride in a single-file line, leaving at least two bike lengths between you and the rider ahead of you.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the edge of the road.
  • Communicate with other riders—let them know when there are bumps, rocks, cars, or other hazards on the road by pointing them out physically or verbally.
  • Increase the distance between you and the rider ahead of you when descending. When slowing or stopping, be aware that your front brake has much more braking power than the rear. Always use both brakes to gradually control your speed, with extra caution to not grip the front brake too firmly too fast.
  • Always maintain a speed that is comfortable for you. When descending, always descend at a speed you are comfortable with where you have the most control. Always keep your eyes on the road and fellow cyclists in front of you when descending.
  • Always ride within your limits. Do not put yourself or others at risk by riding outside of your comfort zone.
  • Use caution when crossing over railroad tracks, cattle crossings, gravel patches, slippery or sandy roads, descending, or when encountering a situation that is potentially dangerous or uncomfortable for you.
  • Ride predictably, hold your line, and be prepared for vehicles to pass.
  • Use caution on wet pavement, especially while descending or crossing painted lines, railroad tracks, or bridges. Stopping will take more time when roads are wet than in dry conditions.
  • Always get off your bike and walk if you feel uncomfortable riding.
  • Shift up and shift down appropriately to maintain a safe and comfortable riding speed.
  • When admiring the view or taking a photo, always stop first and then look or snap a photo.
  • Do not use your cell phone or camera, remove clothing, etc. while riding. Please pull over and stop to text, call, take photos, zoom on your GPS, or remove or add articles of clothing. Please no earphones.
  • Obey all traffic laws. You are considered a vehicle in many of our trip destinations, and therefore you have the same responsibilities as cars.
  • We do not recommend riding in a pace line or a pack with no previous experience as this requires a much heightened sense of awareness of other riders and of your own riding behavior.
  • Some routes will lack cell phone coverage. Always act with extreme caution, as you would in a typical wilderness setting.
  • If riding mountain bikes, always stay on existing trails and do not create new ones.
  • When riding on trails, try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users.

Above all, have fun and enjoy your ride!

 

More safety information:

Using Safe Gear | How to Brake into Corners | Safety Tips from Guides | Trek Travel Safety Plan