David (Feb 2017)
**Overview of what I discussed at last weeks pre-ride meeting**
Meeting with Goodyear police to discuss the many motorist complaints coming into the department aimed at our group. It was a very productive meeting reviewing the types of complaints, plus allowing me to outline the purpose of WVC, impact to cycling community, and our continued charter towards safety. I also discussed from a cyclist point of view the challenges we face with motorist and roadside debris.
Bottom line, the Goodyear Police must enforce the law and will be more closely monitoring us on Saturday and weekday rides. Violators of the law will be pulled over and ticketed. Use of undercover patrol cars may be used.
Compliance is very simple:
1. Come to a complete stop at all stop signs/stop lights.
2. Ride no more than two abreast.
3. Stay to the right except when turning left at an intersection.
Additional ways we can do our part: Wave multiple cars through if we are in a large pack at a stop sign. DO NOT inappropriately gesture to motorist. Do not stop traffic at bottom of Westar hill. Riders in front, give early warning to debris so we can all move around it. Riders in back, “shout out car back” when a car is trying to pass. When road is narrow, like Indian School and parts of Cotton, ride single file so cars can safely pass.
If we all do our part, we can regain the trust of the police and community. With that said, two additional areas we should all do. Download the Goodyear City app and report debris in the bike lane/roadway. The City will act, I’ve seen it already. Report aggressive drivers (car type and license plate) to the non-emergency Police phone number (623 932-1220). They assure me they will investigate. Lastly, we need 100% participation. Please promote safety to all and encourage everyone to follow these rules as outlined.
Guidelines in group riding:
· With our larger group, we need separation between A & B groups. Not a problem in the 1st half with the Cotton Hill. For the 2nd half, let the A group split out after passing MC85.
· Broadway has bitten us too many times. It’s too rough of a road for a continuous rotating pace line. Let’s stick to alternating pulls.
· If you are riding in the A group and you can’t keep the speed, peel off and fall to the back. Skip sprinting as well. All new riders should practice with the B group till extremely comfortable in a fast group and strong enough to hang.
· Tri-Bike/Aero Position can be dangerous. When in a pack of riders, keep to upright position with hands close to brakes.
· COMMUNICATE, Hold your line, Point things Out.
· Lastly, we cannot continue to run STOP SIGNS. We are blessed with few only a few the west side. Our police officers are watching in Estrella & have warned us! They will ticket!
· Broadway has bitten us too many times. It’s too rough of a road for a continuous rotating pace line. Let’s stick to alternating pulls.
· If you are riding in the A group and you can’t keep the speed, peel off and fall to the back. Skip sprinting as well. All new riders should practice with the B group till extremely comfortable in a fast group and strong enough to hang.
· Tri-Bike/Aero Position can be dangerous. When in a pack of riders, keep to upright position with hands close to brakes.
· COMMUNICATE, Hold your line, Point things Out.
· Lastly, we cannot continue to run STOP SIGNS. We are blessed with few only a few the west side. Our police officers are watching in Estrella & have warned us! They will ticket!