Rides / Events | Ride Rules

Ride Rules

Here are the Ride Rules that are in effect for all BBC Sponsored Rides. Please read and understand all rules as they pertain to your style of riding.

Road Bike Ride considerations

The BBC desires to have a very good ride safety record from the on-set and for many years to come. The following rules must be followed on BBC rides. Only riders following these rules are welcome on BBC rides. If you have questions about these rules, talk with a BBC ride leader or a member of the BBC Board of Directors.

  • Make sure your bike is in good, safe condition for riding - BEFORE the ride.
  • Know which brake handle is for your rear brake.
  • Wear a properly fitted and fastened ANSI or Snell-approved helmet.
  • Obey ALL traffic laws - ALL the time!
  • Stop at stop signs - even when no one else is around!
  • Stop and wait at red stop lights until they turn green!
  • Ride as far to the right as safe and practical. On a two-lane road, block a lane ONLY if that is the only safe way to proceed. Then clear the lane ASAP!
  • Use more braking force on your rear brake - Do not use only your front brake.
  • Communicate with hand signals for turning, stopping, road hazards, etc.
  • Don't confront angry or hostile motorists - get the license number and description and report to police.
  • Don't ride beyond your ability. You do not have to keep up with the "pack."
  • If roadways are narrow or on public roads, ride in a single file line.
  • Point at obstacles showing the riders behind you where the obstacles are.
  • Communicate to other riders, pedestrians or trail users by loudly saying:
    • Car back
    • On your left
    • Stopping
    • Slowing
    • Pothole
    • Sand
    • Glass
    • Right turn
    • Left turn
    • Etc

Mountain Bike ride considerations

Mountain bike riding is inherently different than road riding. Experienced BBC road riders, new to mountain biking, should select BBC Mountain Bike rides that are at least one ride classification lower than they normally ride "on road rides"

  • Mountain Bike rides will abide by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) "Rules of the Trail"
  • Ride only on open trails
  • Leave no trace
  • Control your bicycle
  • Always yield trail
  • Never spook animals
  • Plan ahead
  • Mountain bike rides should be cancelled in wet conditions to prevent trail damage and erosion.
  • Mountain bike rest stops, check point locations, and the approximate time for each are to be agreed upon before the start of the ride.

On MB-B and MB-C rides, if someone is missing from the group, the leader or designee should go back and find them.

Night Rides

A club night ride is where any portion of the ride occurs after sunset or before sunrise.- Night rides are to be at a leisurely pace. Ride leaders are responsible for ensuring that the riders stay together as a group.

  • Night rides are social in nature.
  • The maximum distance covered on a night ride is 25 miles.
  • Each bicycle operated on a night ride must be equipped with an operating headlight and taillight. All lights must meet minimum Nebraska statutory requirements.

Two leaders (front and rear) are required on all night rides.
Night rides are to be identified in the Event Schedule with the "N" or "Night Ride" designation.