Safety is a top concern on all Bike MS events.

Personal responsibility
Every rider is required to take a personal approach to his or her own safety. Even with all the safety and support systems in place, accidents can happen. Riders cannot rely on others to ensure their safety. It is the personal responsibility of each and every rider to keep themselves as safe as possible on this event.

Please read and follow the safety rules. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please call our office at 612-335-7900 or e-mail us at bikeMS@MSsociety.org.

Rules of the road — how to ride in groups
Whether you’re on a road or a trail, there are some basic safety rules to keep in mind when riding with a group.

Please ride single file on trails and no more than two abreast on the road. We have many riders participating in our events and it becomes dangerous on narrow shoulders and crowded trails when cyclists ride next to one another.

Stop at all intersections, even when a volunteer is present. It is your responsibility to look for oncoming vehicles.

Always pass on the left side and make sure to announce your pass by calling, “On your left.” If you are being passed, please stay toward the right side of the trail or road and slow down to allow the other rider to pass safely.

Headphones or cell phones are not allowed while riding any Bike MS events. If you need to make a call, please pull over to the right and dismount before using your phone.

Route hazards
If you encounter debris or other hazards while riding, please call the non-emergency Rider Help Line number on your wristband.

Courteous cyclists (signals and calls)
Verbal signals should be used whenever riding around other people to help with passing, approaching vehicles or visible hazards.

“Hazard”
Announce any debris, holes, etc., that could be dangerous to cyclists following you.

“On your left”
Indicate before you begin to pass. Wait for the bike in front of you to move to the right before you pass. Make sure to leave at least two bike lengths between you and the previous cyclist.

“Car up” or “Car back”
Announce at intersections or when riding on roads if you see or hear approaching vehicles either from the front or the rear.

Alcohol and drug policy

Consumption of alcoholic beverages during the ride is not permitted. If you are found under the influence, you will be asked to sign a release form and will not be supported on the ride for the remainder of the day.

Please keep in mind that use of some drugs may impair your ability to ride safely. If you have a condition that requires the use of medication, please inform our staff so we can better assist you in case of a medical emergency.

Helmet
Helmets are required for all Bike MS events. They must fit properly and the strap must be buckled at all times while on your bike.

Rest stop etiquette
Please ride fully into the rest stop area and dismount. Make sure to move completely away from the rest stop entrance to allow other riders to enter safely. When exiting, please keep to the right and move beyond the rest stop area before merging with faster riders.

Trailers
No trailers or carriers allowed on the route. Tag-alongs are allowed.

Rider help line
In addition to support services on the event, every rider’s wristband has the following number printed on it: 651-925-2525 (only for day of the event). This number is directed to communications support and can assist riders or volunteers with safety-related needs such as route debris or mechanical difficulties.

If you are involved in an emergency, please dial 911, and then call the non-emergency Rider Help line.

Bike shop mechanics
Seven local bike shops sponsor this event. They’ll be available at the start and at all rest stops during the day. Get your bike inspected weeks before the ride and most serious problems should be discovered at this time. Click here for a list of participating bike shops.