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