Safety and rules of the road

Safety is our top priority during Obliteride weekend. Please follow the rules of the road and take precautions to keep yourself and others safe during the ride. We hope this information is helpful as you prepare for Obliteride and will provide a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone.

  • Wear a helmet at all times.
  • Stop at stop signs and stop lights.
  • Ride on the right; pass on the left; and call-out when passing. Always leave room for others to pass on your left and use phrases such as “on your left” or “passing on left” when passing another rider.
  • Use hand signals and call out turns, obstacles and/or debris on the road.
  • Ride single file or two abreast when conditions permit. Single file is the safest position. Keep in mind that riding two abreast while going uphill means faster riders must ride third abreast in order to pass slower riders. On narrower roads, passing as the third abreast may mean crossing the centerline, a clear danger to the rider. It also makes for hazardous conditions as vehicles pass riders, pull out of driveways, or are oncoming.
  • Headphones, iPods and radios are strictly prohibited while riding. Stay alert when you ride and be constantly focused on your riding and aware of what’s going on around you.
  • Please use caution at all times when stopping. Move off of the roadway and alert riders behind to your plans. Check to see that no bicycles or vehicles are directly behind you when stopping and stop at the right edge of the roadway and immediately move to the shoulder. Stay clear of the roadway to make repairs, rest, visit, etc. Avoid stopping at the crest of a hill or on a curve.
  • Give others sufficient room when passing and be a predictable rider. Don’t keep other riders and vehicles guessing your next move. A predictable rider is a safe rider. Allow vehicles to pass and call-out “car back” when appropriate.
  • Be considerate. The bicycling skills of participants range from beginner to expert. Each rider must look out for themselves and be aware of what the other cyclists around them are doing at all times.
  • Always cooperate with Obliteride officials and law enforcement personnel. They will be present at busy intersections – please obey their signals.
  • Stay on the marked route. Our routes are designed and marked for your safety. Support services aren’t available to you if you are off the route.
  • Give the right-of-way to emergency vehicles. Pull to the right and stop if you hear a siren.
  • Watch for railroad tracks and cross them at right angles. Raise yourself off your seat and stand on your pedals to absorb the shock and lower the center of gravity. Look for other riders and let those behind you know of your intentions. Use extreme caution when crossing railroad tracks.
  • Fuel up! Be sure to eat before you get hungry and drink before you’re thirsty. Stop frequently for fluids and food and always carry water with you.
  • In Washington, bicyclists enjoy the same rights as motorists. In accepting these rights, bicyclists also assume the responsibilities for riding in a safe and legal manner. Please follow Washington State Bicycle Traffic Laws at all times:
    1. Obey all traffic laws: cyclists have all the RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES of vehicle drivers (RCW 46.61.755).
    2. Ride no more than two abreast except in construction work zones (RCW 46.61.770).
    3. Ride as far to the right as is SAFE, except when preparing to turn or when passing another vehicle (RCW 46.61.770).
    4. Bicyclists may occupy the center of a lane when traveling at the speed of traffic or when it would be unsafe to ride to the right (RCW 46.61.770).
    5. Helmets are required by law in King and Pierce counties and many other jurisdictions (King County Board of Health Title 9).
    6. Do not use headphones – they are illegal for all vehicle operators and may obstruct your hearing (RCW 46.37.480).
    7. Use a white front light (visible for 500 feet) and a red rear reflector at night. A red rear light may be used in addition to the rear reflector (RCW 46.61.780).
    8. Use hand signals and look before turning (RCW 46.61.758).

Be safe and have fun!