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Michael Carter is a member of the Board of Directors for Bike the Neck and the Palmetto Cycling Coalition.

He is a licensed certified instructor for the American League of Bicyclists. Contact him at 843-241-7070 or mikesmail@mac.com for information on classes in safe and effective cycling.

Mike maintains a website at rideyourbike.net.

There is a weekly group ride in the Pawleys Island area on Saturday mornings departing at 10:30 AM from the Food Lion parking lot at the intersection of Highway 17 and the South Causeway. The group does not ride when it is raining.

Rules for Safe Riding

Bike the Neck is committed to increasing fun and fitness through cycling. Our trail and path system is meant to encourage people who might not otherwise ride by providing a off road alternative for riding.

However, it is important that everyone realize that multi-use off-road paths are no safer than the road for experienced cyclists. Bike the Neck respects the right of cyclists to the road and supports all efforts to make the roads safer for them. Bicycles under law are vehicles and subject to all the rights as well as responsibilities of vehicles.

Whether you are on the road or on the path there are some basic safety suggestions that you should follow.

SUGGESTIONS FOR SAFETY

Practicing a few safety tips can make your ride safe and enjoyable for you and your riding partners for years to come.

General Tips

1) Wear a helmet. Make sure it fits correctly. If you aren't sure about the fit, go to a local bike shop and have them check it for you.

2) Wear brightly colored clothes. Yellow, red, orange are colors that are most easily recognized.

3) Obey all traffic rules. Cyclist have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This means stopping at stop signs, red lights and yielding. If you are on a trail or path, use basic traffic rules as your guide.

4) If the trail intersects a driveway or cross street, stop if it is indicated by a sign. Even if there is no sign, slow to make sure the way is clear. Cars and other vehicles may not see you. If you come upon a traffic light that is tripped by a sensor and you can't trip the sensor, treat the light like a stop sign and wait until it is safe to cross or until a car comes that can trip the sensor.

5) Ride on the right side of the road or path. Ride with the flow of traffic if on the road and do not cross the center line.

6) Use the standard hand signals for turning right and left and stopping/slowing.

7) If you ride on trails or paths primarily, purchase a bell for your bike so you can alert other cyclists and pedestrians that you overtake.

8) Plan your ride times and routes so as to minimize traffic, especially if you commute.

9) Share the path. Most Bike the Neck routes are multi-use; they are enjoyed by cyclists, walkers, runners, people with children (in strollers and on bikes) as well as dogs walking their owners. Share, be courteous, mind your speed.

10) Make sure you or someone in the group has a spare tube and pump or CO2 cartridge.

11) Carry a cell phone if you own one.

12) Carry some change or small amount of money just in case you need to call home.

13) Make sure you have some sort of identification on your person or in your bike bag. Make sure it lists your blood type, Dr's phone number and emergency contact info.

14) If you get harassed by a motorist, pedestrian, or anyone, do your best to ignore it and get out of there as quickly as possible. You don't know why that person harassed you, what they may be under the influence of, when they got out of jail, whose car they stole, or you get the idea.

15) Keep your equipment in good condition. No one likes to ride with someone who can't keep their bike going. Overhaul your bike at least once per year or have a local bike shop do it for you. Replace worn tires. Replace handlebars once every 2-3 years.

16) Let someone know where you will be riding and what time you expect to be back.

17) Get certified by the American Red Cross to administer First Aid and CPR. Keep a first aid kit in your car.

18) Be an ambassador of kindness. Acknowledge (smile, speak, nod) people that you see out in their yards etc… especially on routes that you ride often. The people that live along the route will get to know you and identify with you as being an enjoyable part of their community rather than a nuisance.