Road Rules
These are important points. Further rules will be described in the entry form, emails, newsletters, confirmation letter, race pack information, pre-race safety briefing and course signage. Such rules form part of the event rules.
All road rules, event signage, directions of event personnel and police must be obeyed at all times. In the absence of police control all road rules must be obeyed. You will be cycling on public roads and must share the road with other users. No crossing the white centre line.
Cycles must have either standard drop style or flat mountain bike style handle bars. No aero bars or handlebar bar fittings that could cause injury to other riders are permitted in Ride the Rakaia Cycle Ride and Ride the Bridge Rides.
Where marked on roadways, cyclists must use cycle lanes.
Cycle helmets must be of a standard recognised by Land Transport NZ and must remain on your head, securely fastened at all times while the cycle is in motion.
While cycle support will be provided, repair of punctures and mechanical issues are the competitor’s responsibility.
The Race Organisers reserve the right to disqualify any competitor for cheating or breaking the event rules. The decision of the Race Organisers or his/her representative is final.
All road rules, event signage, directions of event personnel and police must be obeyed at all times. In the absence of police control all road rules must be obeyed. You will be cycling on public roads and must share the road with other users. No crossing the white centre line.
Cycles must have either standard drop style or flat mountain bike style handle bars. No aero bars or handlebar bar fittings that could cause injury to other riders are permitted in Ride the Rakaia Cycle Ride and Ride the Bridge Rides.
Where marked on roadways, cyclists must use cycle lanes.
Cycle helmets must be of a standard recognised by Land Transport NZ and must remain on your head, securely fastened at all times while the cycle is in motion.
While cycle support will be provided, repair of punctures and mechanical issues are the competitor’s responsibility.
The Race Organisers reserve the right to disqualify any competitor for cheating or breaking the event rules. The decision of the Race Organisers or his/her representative is final.
Timing Transponders, Helmet Stickers and Race Numbers
Timing transponders and helmet stickers must not be removed until competitors have passed through the finish timing chute.
Helmet stickers must be worn with the number clearly visible at all times by the competitor actually taking part in each stage.
Stickers must not be altered in any way.
Helmet stickers must be worn with the number clearly visible at all times by the competitor actually taking part in each stage.
Stickers must not be altered in any way.
Regardless of your cycling ability, there are basic road rules that must be adhered to at all times, for the safety of you and other road users.
- Wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
- Wear brightly coloured clothing.
- Obey the road rules, including traffic lights, give way and stop signs at all times.
- Helmets are compulsory.
- Keep to the left.
- Obey instructions by police and route marshals.
- Do not ride more than two abreast. It is not always safe to do so.
- Ride single file where there are double lines (i.e. no overtaking areas)
- Only pass in single file and to the right of others.
- Use clear hand signals when you want to turn.
- Call "passing" when overtaking or "stopping" when slowing down.
- Move over to allow motor vehicles to overtake.
- Never overlap wheels.
- Point and call out any road hazards.
- Maintain a consistent speed when climbing a hill.
- Be predictable with your actions. Maintain a steady straight line and avoid braking or changing directions suddenly.
- Do not rest on the right hand side of the road.
- When walking your bike, keep well off the road and in single file.
- Keep a safe distance between riders.
- Move off the road before you dismount.
- Don't wear headphones whilst riding.
- Keep alert - most accidents happen when concentration lapses.
- No towing of other cycles is allowed.
- Finally, cyclists to not have a right to ride two abreast in all circumstances. While the traffic regulations prohibit riding more than two abreast, they also require cyclists to ride in a careful and considerate manner. When their slow speed inpedes the normal and reasonable flow of traffic, they are required as soon as reasonably practicable to move as far left as is practicable when this is necessary to allow following traffic to pass.
Some other basic road safety tips to ensure an enjoyable and safe ride include, make sure you seat is at the right height, brakes should be within each reach of the hands, check that both rear and front brakes are working well.
Take adequate food and water and remember to eat, drink and rest.
If you require any assistance to check whether your bike is road friendly, take it to your local bike shop for a check and service.
Medical
In the event that you sustain an injury or illness whilst participating in the cycle ride, you authorise the appointed medical personnel to perform and administer such emergency medical attention as they think is necessary. They have the right to remove competitors from the course based on medical grounds. We appreciate the assistance that riders may give to injured participants. See us at the finish line and we'll adjust your time.
Equipment
Competitors are responsible for the equipment they use in the cycle ride and for arranging any insurance to cover loss or damage to equipment.
They must ensure that equipment is in good condition, safe and serviceable. It is strongly recommended that all entrants have their bike serviced and helmet checked out by a bicycle retailer prior to the cycle ride.
They must ensure that equipment is in good condition, safe and serviceable. It is strongly recommended that all entrants have their bike serviced and helmet checked out by a bicycle retailer prior to the cycle ride.
Withdrawals during the event
Anyone picking up a race pack that chooses not to participate on race day must inform the race organisers before the race start and return the helmet and cycle stickers and cycle number. This is very important for safety reasons.
If for any reason you are unable to finish the cycle ride please notify a course marshal. This is very important for safety reasons.
If for any reason you are unable to finish the cycle ride please notify a course marshal. This is very important for safety reasons.
