Cycling etiquette

I have been riding and racing bikes for a long time. In that time I have developed some personal "rules" to live by in order to best promote cycling to the general public, set a good example for other cyclists, give my sponsors positive exposure, and ensure my safe return back home at the end of the day.

Kym's Cycling Rules to Live by:

1. Be courteous to other cyclists, no matter what equipment they ride, how fast they are, or if they race or not. We all love bikes for our own reasons and who's to say my racing passions are any better than someone else's commuter,Sunday ride, hipster, or cruiser bike enjoyment?? Remember we ALL ride bikes because we love bikes.

2. Remember that not everyone "gets" it. Kill them with kindness. Smile and wave at every car, kid, dog, and grandma on your rides. Make the world think that cyclists are some weird, friendly, smiling cult. You never know when you might need help in the middle of nowhere.

3. Obey all traffic laws ALWAYS. Don't roll through lights, blow stop signs, cut through parking lots, jump curbs, or do any of the other urban assault craziness that makes cyclists look bad. You may think you are riding safely but; A.) You aren't. Being unpredictable to cars is never safe, and B.) You are making the rest of us look bad. Every time I get on a bike I am representing not only the incredible companies that sponsor me but also every cyclists out there. We expect cars to treat us with respect and share the road. That comes with a responsibility on our end also. We must ride in a responsible manner and obey the laws. All the laws. All the time. Is your ride really going to be ruined if you have to wait on that lights?? Come on.

4. Do trail work. If you are a mountain bike rider, you use the trails. Help build them and support your sport. I love riding the sections of the many trails in this area I have helped with over the years. It makes me sad that in the past two or three years I haven't had the time I used to have to dedicate to trail building and maintenance. I will be back and I hope my past participation has a lasting impact on my sport for years to come.

5. Don't quit. Quitting races makes you, your sponsors, and the sport in general look bad. Everyone has bad days... turn them into learning experiences and good training, not an excuse to run away with your tail between your legs. Set a good example for tomorrow's riders, stand up to adversity and suffer like a dog!!!

I know I have more than this but this is a good start.

Thanks for reading...