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Oklahoma FreeWheel is conducted on open roads with vehicular traffic
present. On some highways, the speed limit can exceed 65 mph. Read and ride by the following rules to help make your trip safer.
- Wear an ANSI or SNELL approved helmet at all times when riding.
- Don't ride on sidewalks. It's illegal and dangerous.
- Never ride on the left side of the road. It is also illegal. Automobiles
have more time to reduce their speed and share the road when cyclists
are traveling on the right side.
- Avoid crossing the center lines. This is both unlawful and dangerous. You may well
be ticketed by local law enforcement agencies for riding in this manner.
- Do not ride against the flow of FreeWheel traffic. In other words,
don't ride the day's route from finish to start. Drivers traveling on
area roads need to keep their eyes on bicycle traffic and shouldn't
have to watch bicyclists coming and going as well as other vehicles
on the road.
- Wear a rearview mirror so that you can watch for approaching traffic.
Be alert and look back before you change directions.
- Never ride more than two abreast. It is both unlawful and can be unsafe.
Packing bicyclists in groups of three or more leaves riders in the middle
with no room to maneuver around potholes or debris. If the road is narrow or traffic
heavy, ride single file. And if you're riding two abreast and other cyclists are
approaching and wish to pass you, move to the right to provide sufficient room for
them to pass in your lane or move to single file so they may pass in your lane on
your left.
- Don't pass on the right. Always alert other when passing on the left.
Calling out "On your left!" is customary.
- When you stop, move immediately from the road. Alert those behind
you to your intentions by calling "Stopping!"
- When walking a hill, move as far right as possible so riders can easily
pass you.
- Observe all traffic rules and signs.
- Help others by call out observations to alert riders of approaching
traffic: "car up," "car back," etc.
- Be alert to road hazards such as potholes, gravel, drainage grates,
cattle guards and some wooden bridges. Let riders behind you know of
the dangers.
- Use caution when approaching railroad tracks that cross at an angle.
Avoid a fall by slowing down and carefully swinging the bicycle in the
direction to cross the tracks squarely.
- Show courtesy to automobile drivers and other bicyclists. Remember,
in an automobile-bicycling confrontation, the bicycle always loses.
- Don't draft. Drafting in a crowd is dangerous to yourself and others
around you. Also drafting vehicles is dangerous, illegal and will not
be tolerated.
- Signal turns and stops.
- Use extreme caution when entering or exiting the roadway, whether to or from a rest
stop, convenience store, campground, or some other stop you've made. Remember that
there will be both cars and riders who may not be pulling off where you are or who
are passing as you get ready to enter the roadway.
- GET COMPLETELY OFF THE ROADWAY at rest stops. Don't stop or leave your bicycle
on the roadway at rest stops. This can be dangerous and is inconsiderate of other users
of the roadway, both other cyclists and motor vehicles.
A safe bicycle tour doesn't happen by accident. Each person's contribution
is a key to this. Every possibility cannot be predicted, so don't be afraid
to use your own initiative. Ride safely and courteously.
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