Hickory Velo Club (HVC) Rider Responsibilities
As a participant in an HVC ride you MUST sign the club’s release and waiver of liability. As a
club member you will be prompted to sign the waiver when you join or renew your membership.
Guests are permitted to participate once as non-members, but must sign the club’s waiver. If
one hasn’t signed the waiver, one cannot participate in the HVC ride.
YOU MUST WEAR A HELMET. Additionally, headlights, taillights and bright cycling attire are
each strongly recommended!
Obey ALL traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights. Communicate with hand
signals when turning, stopping or pointing out road hazards. Ride single file or no more than two
abreast when traffic is behind you. Verbally communicate to others in the group (i.e., “car back, ”
“on your left, ” “right turn, ” “slowing, ” “stopping, ” “gravel, ” etc.). Try to minimize the number of
riders clustered together to allow vehicles the opportunity to more safely pass.
NEVER confront motorists. Instead, get the tag number and vehicle description and report the
incident to the police.
Make sure you know the route. Have a cue sheet downloaded to your device or carry a printed
copy. If you get separated from the group, you must be able to find your way. Re-grouping is at the
discretion of the ride leader.
When stopping on the ride – whether to regroup, make an adjustment or for any other reason –
get completely off the road.
Make sure you have the ride leader’s contact info and a fully charged cell phone with which to
call if there is a problem. You should remember, however, that some rides are in isolated areas
with poor cell reception. That’s one more reason to be self-sufficient when you ride.
Bring adequate water and snacks for the length of the ride. The ride leader may include in
their pre-ride email where rest stops may occur, but participants should be prepared for an
unanticipated closure of that store or restaurant.
Always have a form of identification with you, as well as a credit card and some cash.
Make sure your bicycle is in safe working order before the ride. Have tools with you for basic
maintenance – especially those required to fix a flat. (And ALL riders should know how to fix a
flat, particularly on his/her own bike.)
Always ride within your ability.
Lastly, bring a large dose of good humor (and we don’t mean the ice cream)! You’ll have good
rides, bad rides, cold rides, hot rides, wet rides, all kinds of ride! But if you bring your sense of
humor, you will enjoy spending time in the saddle with other bike-loving friends, regardless of the
conditions!
HVC Rider Responsibilities – Adopted April 7, 2025