Safety is our top priority on Empire State Ride
Let's work together to stay safe
Empire State Ride takes place on open roads and cycling/pedestrian trails and covers more than 500 miles across the state. To keep riders safe, we do everything we can to offer support and provide direction ahead of time. In exchange, we ask that all riders follow important safety rules.
New York Bike Safety Laws and Guidelines
New York State Department of Transportation laws and guidelines for proper bike safety can be found here:
How we keep you safe
Our road crew always keeps your safety top of mind. Here’s what you can expect from us on the road:
Orange arrow signs at eye level and select orange route arrow stickers on the pavement
Ride With GPS app and navigation files to keep you on track
The TraQCentral safety app that tracks your ride and helps our team respond quickly in case of an emergency
Daily briefings each night on the road with updates on route changes, potential hazards and weather predictions
A booster bus and SAG vehicle for riders who are unable to complete the distance or need assistance with their start
Frequent safety and preparatory communications from our staff
How to keep yourself safe
Whether you’re riding in your hometown or across New York State, here’s what you should keep in mind:
Safety 101
It’s important to follow the basic safety tips to have the best cycling experience possible. That includes: obeying traffic laws, wearing a helmet and keeping your ears open.
Be reliable
Riding in a group requires consistency and predictability. Your fellow riders expect you to continue at a consistent speed and direction unless you signal a change.
Communicate
Your hands and voice are your best tools when cycling. Before you speed up, slow down or change direction, communicate to cyclists and vehicles. If you are a pack lead rider, call out the necessary warnings including, “left turn” or “right turn” and “car up” or “car back.”
Ride defensively
Always remain in control of your bike. Ride in a single file or two across, as traffic conditions and laws allow, and leave a gap for cars between every three or four riders when riding up hills or narrow roads.
Stay alert
If an intersection requires a yield or stop, the lead rider must state “slowing” or “stopping.” Be aware of signs, directional guides and road traffic when passing through an intersection.
Pass safely
When passing a fellow rider, clearly state “on your left” to signal the pass. The slower traffic should stay to the right so that others can pass on the left.
Please note: Passing on the right is an unusual maneuver, but if it is absolutely necessary, make sure to communicate this clearly by stating “on your right.”
Do NOT stop on the road
If you experience an issue that requires you to stop, move off the road so you don’t impede traffic. When you’re ready to start riding again, yield to traffic.
Video resources
Make sure you familiarize yourself with basic bike safety and etiquette provided by the League of American Cyclists.
Cycle safely
Actions like reckless riding, speeding, failing to observe traffic laws, running stop signs and not communicating effectively cause crashes and injuries. Please ride responsibly for the safety of yourself, your fellow cyclists and the public.
Visit our blog
To learn more important safety tips to ensure the success of Empire State Ride, visit our blog.