Ride Safety and Etiquette

Safety rules and etiquette guidelines have been developed as part of an overall Dirt Bowl bicycle safety effort. Some new and/or young riders may be new to riding on the road or narrow single track – let us know if you have any questions.

When combined with the legal rules of the road and dirt and when adhered to by riders, these rules will make this event safer and more enjoyable for everyone. This section outlines the safety guidelines that will be in effect at the Dirt Bowl.

ROAD
The legal RIGHT.
Obey traffic laws. In California, bicyclists enjoy the same rights as motorists. In accepting those rights, bicyclists also assume the responsibilities for riding in a safe and legal manner by:

DIRT
RIDE ON OPEN TRAILS ONLY - Stay off of trails that are closed to bikes. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

LEAVE NO TRACE - Don't cut switchbacks, don't ride after heavy rain, don’t skid. Don't litter and please pick up garbage when you see it.

CONTROL YOUR BICYCLE! - Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, 15 mph Max, 5 mph when passing. Ride it, don’t slide it!

ALWAYS YIELD TRAIL - Slow down, announce your presence, be prepared to stop. Uphill riders have the Right of Way, both riders should slow down and stay to the right.

NEVER SCARE ANIMALS - When encountering equestrians announce your presence early, slow down and ask if it’s safe to pass.

PLAN AHEAD - Know your ability, take a map if you are riding in a new area, start early in case you get lost, pack enough food and water and always wear a helmet.


The RIGHT bike.
Keep your bicycle in good repair. Have it tuned up and ready for the Dirt Bowl, so you are sure it is safe to operate. It is especially important to make sure your brakes work well.

The RIGHT gear.
You must wear a helmet any time you are on the bike. Gloves make a tremendous difference in protecting your hands if you have a fall. Wear bright clothing to be noticed. Eyewear will protect your eyes from both the sun and flying objects such as bugs, dirt and pebbles. If it’s a sunny day, don’t forget sunscreen!

The RIGHT tools.
Make sure you have a spare tube, patch kit, tire levers, and pump in the event you get a flat. Having a cell phone on you is also always a good idea.

The RIGHT communications.
Signal turns and stops. The law says you must, but this point can’t be emphasized enough.

Most bicycle-bicycle accidents involve two or more bicycles and most are the result of riders not letting others know of their intentions. Sound off when passing. Use phrases such as “on your left,” “on your right,” or “coming through the middle.” When stopping, you should signal with your arm straight down and your open palm towards the rear and sound off, “SLOWING!!!” and then “STOPPING!!!”.

HOW TO PASS A HORSE SAFTELY ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE
Equestrians have a legitimate safety concern when encountering mountain bikes due to the natural predator/prey reaction horses often have, and the main defense mechanism for a horse is flight. A well-trained horse can usually interact with bikes without incident, but even the most experienced trail horse may be spooked by sudden action especially from fast moving objects approaching from behind.

To alleviate the potential problem, and to make your fellow land user happy, when approaching a horse follow this simple protocol.

This may seem like an inconvenience, but it is rare to encounter equestrians on the trail, so why not take a little more care when you do. Positive mountain biker/equestrian interaction will result in more shared use trails.

The RIGHT riding.
When stopping along the Dirt Bowl routes, let those behind know of your plans. Make sure no bicycles or motor vehicles are immediately behind you when you stop. Stop at the right edge of the roadway and immediately move to the shoulder. Stay clear of the roadway or trails, and park completely off of the roadway or trails to make repairs, rest, visit, etc. Stopping is especially dangerous at the crest of a hill or on a curve, so choose the places you stop wisely.

When turning, turn left from the center of the roadway, turn right from along the curb or shoulder, and stay to the right.
Control your speed and allow extra space between riders when descending hills.
Be a predictable rider. Don’t keep other bicyclists and motorists guessing about what your next move will be. A predictable rider is a safe rider.
Be courteous to passing vehicles and other bicyclists. Instead of riding several abreast, go single file and let those behind you pass.
Give the right-of-way to emergency vehicles. Pull to the right and stop if you hear a siren.
Beware of loose gravel and watch for debris on the pavement, fire road or trail. Avoid wide cracks in the pavement. Narrow bicycle tires can easily get caught in wide cracks. Be especially careful on roadways paved with concrete. Center cracks on concrete roads are dangerous.
Please stay on the marked route. The Dirt Bowl routes have been selected for your safety. Services are not available to you if you are off the route.

The RIGHT frame of mind.
Stay alert and use your brain when you ride. You must be constantly thinking and aware of what’s going on around you. Pace yourself. The Dirt Bowl is not a race. Not all riders travel at the same speed, so don’t try to keep up with someone who rides faster than is safe for you.
Keep your head up and your ears open. Do not wear radio headphones while riding!

The RIGHT attitude
Be considerate and supportive. A range of abilities will be present at the Dirt Bowl. The goal of this ride is to have a good time with a great community of people.

The RIGHT condition
Get yourself in good physical shape. You should be in good shape and capable of riding those distances before you come on the ride. Be sure to keep up your riding over the winter and don’t avoid hills – you’ll enjoy the ride more if you are prepared!

The RIGHT diet
Be sure to eat and hydrate properly before, during, and after the event.