This Year’s 2015 Rider Rules

Witch Ride Rules

  • Bicycles only. No scooters, golf carts, or roller blades.
  • Riders must be 18 years of age.  Riders 14 years and up may ride if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  By law, riders under the age of 16 MUST wear a helmet and will be turned away if not wearing a helmet.
  • Only one rider per bike. No children in child bicycle seats or carriers will be permitted.  No pets.
  • You must wear your official wrist band to participate. Wristbands will be provided the morning of the ride.
  • Please keep costumes family-friendly.  Nothing too revealing or too scary.   We will be seen by lots of children.  If your costume is inappropriate you will be asked to leave.
  • Helmets are encouraged, but not required. Alpha will wear one to set a good example.
  • Be courteous and aware of vehicle traffic. We want to be safe and we don’t want to irritate drivers.  Remember, we are representatives of our community and the Witches of Delray.
  • By law, bicycles must follow all motor vehicle laws and regulations meaning we will stop for red lights and stop signs. Make sure you read and understand the “Bicycle Safety” section below.
  • Due to the size of our group, we expect to get separated into two or more groups at red lights. DO NOT RUN A RED LIGHT.  As a rider, it is your responsibility to observe traffic laws.  If the light changes and you cannot make it through the light, stop and catch up with the rest of the group at one of the ride catch-up points.
  • This is not a race. Do not pass the Alpha witch.
  • Do not hand out candy. There will be trick-or-treating at the Green Market where we can hand out candy.

 

Bicycle Safety

  • Do not use phones or cameras while riding. The road, other riders, cars, etc. should have your full attention.
  • If you have a light for your bicycle, please plan on using it. A light, even during daylight hours increases your visibility and reduces the risk of an accident.
  • Understand the rules of the road. When riding on the street, you are considered a “vehicle” in the state of Florida and therefore must adhere to all traffic rules as though you were an automobile.  This includes driving on the correct side of the road, executing turns from the correct lane, and stopping at all stop signs and red lights and observing all traffic laws.
  • Understand the rules of riding on the sidewalk. When riding on a sidewalk, you have the same responsibilities as a pedestrian.  Bicycles must always yield to pedestrians and give audible warning before passing.  When riding on sidewalks the pace should be slower as cars and pedestrians may not be expecting you.  You should obey all crosswalk rules and observe traffic / crosswalk signals when crossing.
  • When riding on the road, remain as far to the right as is safe and beware of road debris to the right, parked cars or car doors opening. If cars cannot safely pass you, take more of the roadway to discourage unsafe passing.  As a vehicle, you have the same right to road as cars.
  • When a bicycle lane is present it should be used.
  • Riders should ride no more than two abreast. Riding more than two abreast is illegal.
  • Do not follow other riders too closely. Riders may have to stop quickly due to unexpected road hazards and you will need time to safely stop.

For more bicycle safety information visit “Human Powered Delray” at http://humanpowereddelray.org