We have had lots of healthy discussion about our rides lately, so we
decided to revamp our “tips for new riders” document into a new format.
Nothing here is anything new or anything a veteran rider shouldn’t
already know. Everyone please give it a read and take it to heart!

 

Spoke Card Format:

 

10 Commandments Format:

I – Thou Shalt Have Fun

We come to ride, we come to have fun.  That is the absolute top priority
at all times.  We aren’t here to be the ride police or ruin anyone’s
fun, but as a large group on the road we have a responsibility to
present ourselves in a positive manner and self-police, or we may be
subject to being policed – and we don’t want that.

 

II – Let There Be Lights

Having lights on your bike keeps us safe, makes us visible, and it’s the
law.  It also keeps you from getting a ticket on the way home
(Louisiana law requires a white front light and a red rear light).
Decorative lighting also increases visibility and makes your ride
recognizable and more fun.  The more the better!

 

III – Thou Shalt Keep to the Right

Keep your bikes to the right side of the roadway on multilane roadways so
that cars can (carefully) pass.  Don’t take up the whole road.  We
aren’t Critical Mass.  Please follow all applicable traffic laws so that
we don’t look like a bunch of outlaws.

 

IV – Thou Shalt Be Courteous to Cars and Pedestrians

Please don’t be rude to cars.  Don’t curse them out, don’t block them up
unnecessarily.  It’s OK to place yourself in the travel lane to let
oncoming traffic know that bikes are crossing, but please ask the bikes
to stop moving and get out of the way to let the cars cross in a
timely manner.  Also – don’t swarm cars or pass them in traffic as a
group.  Stop and give them a chance to escape!

 

V. Thou Shalt Not Over-Imbibe

This is a Social Ride, not a Booze Cruise.  We are all adults and we live
in New Orleans, so no one is going to stop you from having a drink.
That being said – Please Be Responsible.  Don’t be That Person.  Bring
water, and practice moderation!  Keep within your limits, and make
sure to always follow commandment VI:

 

VI – Thou Shalt Operate Thy Bicycle in a Safe Manner

You are riding at your own risk, and so is everyone else.  Please don’t
put others in danger.  Don’t blow past people, don’t weave in an out of
oncoming traffic, don’t otherwise be a jackass.  If you see someone
operating their bike in an unsafe manner, tell them.  If someone tells
you that you are being unsafe, please listen.

 

VII – The Road User with the most Lugnuts Wins

Just let ’em through.  Don’t test your luck.  Be safe!

 

VIII – Thou Shalt Not Litter

Don’t be trashy.  We have always asked our riders to Leave No Trace.  Find a trash can or bring it with you!

 

IX – Keep Thyself Prepared

Keep your bike in good working order.  Always be prepared for flats, we
all get them from time to time.  Don’t rely on someone else to have a
pump or tube to save you.  We have bike mechanics that come out and
ride with us, but they like to have fun too!  Bring water and whatever
supplies you need, don’t be a bum!

 

X.  Blessed be Happy Thursday

Keep your Thursday Nights open and keep it sacred by getting out and
riding your bike!  No matter where you ride or what you ride, make
sure to greet everyone with a Happy Thursday!

 

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Also please read our disclaimer, which is included with every ride post:

 

Our goal is always to create a safe environment for all

riders. We cannot control, nor do we desire to control, every rider’s

behavior. Every rider is individually responsible for taking care of

themselves and for the safe operation of their bicycles. Every person

that joins the ride is accepting the risks which are inherent in riding a

bicycle with a large group of other people riding bicycles. Please be

courteous to other each other as well as other traffic on the roadways,

be safe and always be sure to leave no trace!

 

If you don’t agree to the terms of the disclaimer, don’t show up!