It’s the beginning of the biking season and some of us may have forgotten some of the following.  The text below was sent last year, and I am plagiarizing but it needs repeating and not just for the SnE rides.  This is one of my favorite saying on Tuesday Night: “IT’S NOT A RACE AND NO ONE BUT YOU CARES WHO FINISHES FIRST”

I just wish to share a general observation (i.e., not referring to any specific member(s)) that I have made as well as has been shared with me by other members. As the Tuesday and Thursday rides are designed to be social and we wish to promote that aspect, another very important aspect is rider safety. Specifically, New York State traffic law states that cyclists should ride no more than 2 abreast on a clear roadway but should ride, as reasonable, to the right single file when being overtaken by vehicles. I have witnessed that this is not the case in some instances, and this puts the pace line at risk. In addition, my philosophy is that motorists at best tolerate us, and at worst hate us already, so why should we give them a valid reason to do so more by making it more difficult to pass us?

May I also suggest that if you are a regular rider, making a modest investment in a helmet or eyeglasses mounted mirror? These are available at local bike shops, and I find them to be a game changer in terms of riding. They give you 360-degree awareness of other cyclists and cars behind, and if I don’t use one now on a bike, I feel as if I’m driving without wearing a seatbelt.

Ok, thanks for bearing with my soapbox. I just wish for everyone to have fun but be safe at the same time! See you at the next one!