Here are some guidelines for a rider down incident. *Immediate Actions After a Crash* As soon as an incident occurs, riders should automatically take on roles. *1. Traffic Control (Minimum: 2 riders)* • At least two riders should IMMEDIATELY move into traffic-control positions. • These riders may need to travel many yards away from the crash site to give approaching vehicles adequate warning, especially on fast roads or blind corners. • Use clear hand signals: • Slow down: Arm extended, palm down, gently raising and lowering. • Stop: Arm fully extended with palm clearly facing traffic. • Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible. Important: In some situations, slowing traffic is not enough. It may be necessary to fully stop cars so you can communicate the seriousness of the hazard ahead (e.g., a cyclist down around a blind corner, bikes in the roadway, or emergency care in progress). *2. Scene Awareness* • There will be additional roles and responsibilities such as identifying your exact location, getting a cellular signal, potentially calling 911. • Do not cluster around the injured cyclist. • Only designated helpers should remain near the rider once traffic control is established. • Everyone else should move to a safe location off the road. *Common Ride Scenarios & How to Manage Them* Scenario 1: Canyon Road, No Bike Lane, Blind Corner • This is a high-risk environment. • At least one rider must move well behind the crash to stop or slow approaching traffic. • At least one other rider should move ahead to warn vehicles approaching the other way. • Traffic control riders may need to be out of sight of the injured cyclist, this is often necessary and appropriate. • The rest of the group should move completely off the road if possible. Scenario 2: Shoulder or Bike Lane with Fast-Moving Traffic • A bike lane does not guarantee safety. • Assign at least one rider to control traffic behind the group and another ahead. • Be prepared to stop traffic, not just slow it, particularly if vehicles are encroaching into the shoulder. • Keep bikes and people out of the bike lane once traffic control is set. Scenario 3: Hill with One Lane of Traffic Each Way • Traffic must be managed from both directions. • Position riders far enough uphill and downhill to give cars time to stop. • If visibility is limited or traffic volume is high, additional traffic-control riders may be needed. • Riders not involved in traffic control or care should move well off the roadway. *Key Takeaways* • Scene safety always comes first. • Traffic control is a immediate primary responsibility, not an afterthought. • Slowing traffic is sometimes insufficient, stopping traffic may be required. • Fewer people at the rider, with clear roles, equals greater safety for everyone. This is the first in a series of safety reminders. Future notes will cover injury assessment, communication, and emergency response after the scene is secure. Ride smart. Ride safe. Safety Committee