It is important that every cyclist abide by the rules and regulations of safe bicycle riding. We are a strong believer in cycling safety. You should take the time to review the following information and understand its importance before you begin to ride. All cyclists are required to wear ANSI-, SNELL- or CPSC-approved helmets during any club ride. For specific state laws on bicycling in Connecticut, click here. If you are also interested in the state bicycling laws in New York, click here. For bicycle laws throughout the United States, click here or click here. For hints on safe bicycle riding, click here For those who are members interested in becoming a Ride Leader you should familiarize yourself with the information below and the Pace and Terrain ratings. You must be a member to lead a ride. Members can click the link here, log in and download a copy of our Ride Leaders Guide. When on the Road Since cyclists have the same rights and obligations when traveling the roadways, so too are they subject to fines for disobeying the law. Traffic summonses may be issued to cyclists for running stop signs and red lights or riding on the wrong side of the road. All cyclists are obligated by law to obey all traffic signals. Cyclists have as much right to the roadways as motor vehicles and must abide by the same rules and regulations as motorists. All cyclists must stop at all marked intersections. At all intersections, with or without stop signs, cyclists should yell car left or car right to other cyclists if cars are approaching from either of those directions. One thing that cannot be stressed enough is riding single file, especially in high traffic areas and on narrow roads. During cycling tours, stay to the right and ride single file. Before making a left turn, first check traffic to see if any cars are coming, then fully extend your left arm and point in that direction. Signal well in advance of the actual turn, and then position your bike so that traffic can move around you. When making a right turn, fully extend your right arm and point in the intended direction. Some cyclists signal a right turn by holding their left arm out with the forearm pointing up. Either way is correct. You should signal well in advance of the actual turn, and then use both hands to steer through the turn. If there is debris or a hazard in the road, fully extend your arm and point to the hazard. Sometimes moving your arm while pointing draws more attention to the debris. Potholes, branches, glass, sand, storm drains, etc. should all be called out verbally as a courtesy to riders in the rear. When slowing or stopping, fully extend your arm down and out with the palm of your hand facing those who might be behind you. Call out slowing or stopping while displaying your hand signal to forewarn riders behind that you are slowing or stopping. When passing, call up to the rider you are passing and announce, on your left. Check that you are not cutting off another rider and only pass on the left, leaving about three feet of clearance. If you are being passed, continue straight, do not turn and look back. When a car is approaching from behind, call out to the riders up ahead of you, car back. This warning should be passed along by each rider to the front of the group until there is no one left to warn. On hearing this warning, move to the right and ride single file. When a car is approaching from ahead, call out to the riders behind you, car up. This warning should be passed along by each rider to the back of the group until there is no one left to warn. On hearing this warning, move to the right and ride single file. When on the Trail 1   Ride on open trails only. Respect trail and road closures and avoid possible trespass on private land. Stay on existing trails and do not create new ones. 2   Leave no trace of your presence. Be sensitive to the trails you ride. You should not ride under conditions where you will leave evidence of your passing. Don't skid. Take turns and climb hills slowly enough to avoid trail marks. 3   Control your bike. Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations. Bikers should space out on grades to allow riders use of the full width of the trail to select the best line of approach. 4   When encountering hikers head on, stop and pull over. If approaching from the rear, greet them, or sound a bell, then pass. Be friendly to land managers, hikers and equestrians. When encountering equestrians from the front, stop, get off your bike and move well off the trail until they pass. When approaching from the rear, ask permission to pass and ask for advise as to the best way to pass. 5   Never spook animals. All animals are startled by unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. Disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked. 6   Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding. Be self-sufficient at all times and keep your equipment in good repair. Carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet! 7   Get involved with trail maintenance by using your spare time to clean up and repair the trails you ride.