How We Ride!

If you follow these rules, Bike Party will be safe and a positive place for riders, drivers, pedestrians, and the community

  • Stop at lights
  • Stay to the right
  • Pack your trash
  • Roll past conflict
  • Ride sober
  • Be nice

Remember, you are responsible for your own behavior. All participants ride at their own risk.

Riding Predictably

12033356_10153573421358070_1537293594_n

12007177_10153573421368070_57876513_n12025481_10153573421383070_482405965_n12016542_10153573421378070_1736015914_n12033778_10153573421373070_556385426_n

With such a large group, we do not want to tie up traffic for hours. Let cars pass in the left lane.

In case you weren’t aware, the sidewalk is one of the most dangerous places to ride your bicycle and riding against traffic is foolish. We don’t want to see you get killed. Please remind your friends who may not realize they are risking their lives to get on the right side of the road.

Stop at Red Lights

It Protects the Ride!

The number one complaint from the community against Bike Party is that we often run red lights. Don’t give the city, angry residents, or anyone a reason to try to shut the ride down.

It Avoids Tickets and Avoids Wrecks!

We don’t want anyone to get hit by a car or have to pay a $300 ticket for running a red light. Be safe and save your money by stopping.

It Models Bicycle Community!

As bicycle riders, we need drivers to respect our rights to share the road. However, in order to get respect, we must also give respect. As such a large visible group, we need to show drivers and fellow riders how to share the road by stopping at red lights.

See how beautiful stopping can be?

See how beautiful stopping can be?

It Gives More Time to Party!

While stopping at a light, say hello to your neighbors, make a friend, and dance on the street! There is no reason to be in such a rush when it just means more time to party!

Of course, if the police are blocking the intersection for us, follow their directions.

Roll Past Conflict

If you see an angry driver or pedestrian, roll past it. Don’t engage in shouting matches or violent people. Just enjoy your ride. If you see a fellow cyclist stopped in anger, remind them to “Roll Past Conflict.”

Ride Sober

It is illegal to drink and ride a bicycle (CVC 21200.5).  In addition, many riders who are drinking cause bicycle accidents. They harm fellow riders and themselves.  Not all parties need alcohol to be fun! Ride sober. Know your limit.

While at the ride, make sure you or a friend has a flat kit and basic tools for emergency maintenance.

Communicating with Fellow Riders and Enforcing the Rules

The handful of volunteers that organize the rides cannot be the only ones who enforce the rules. We need EVERYONE to speak up!

No one wants to be an authority figure but the only way to keep this ride going and safe is to be vocal about the rules of the road. A simple “Stay to the right” is often enough to remind a rider that he or she is slipping. If you see a knucklehead throwing a bottle or littering simply boo that person. It’s called community shaming. When everyone participates, it really works.

San Jose Bike Party was inspired by the Midnight Ridazz of LA, among many other amazing rides. Many of the rules of the road were lifted from the Midnight Ridazz website. Thank you.

As a large group we have to talk to each other to stay safe!