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Safety Reminders
You are all experienced riders, but one can never be reminded too often about cycling safely on the roads. Vancouver Island roads are no safer, or more dangerous than any other roads we cycle on throughout North America, France or Great Britain. Here are a few reminders:
Rider's
cycles and reflective
material
- This randonnee is limited to riders pedalling human-powered
bicycles or tandems. Cycles with more than two wheels are not
permitted, as many of the roads are narrow.
- Riders' cycles must be in excellent mechanical condition as
the northern 600 kilometres of the route travels through isolated
wilderness.
- A strong front-light and at least one red, rear tail-light
are required to be mounted on the bike. Back-up lights and
batteries must be carried with the rider.
Note: These safety requirements must be met at the pre-ride bike
check and at all times on the ride.
- Reflective material is highly recommended on rear
seat-stays,
crank arms and front forks; in addition, a reflective triangle
hanging from the seat, seat bag or on the rear side of the rider
should be considered an essential piece of safety equipment. (Note:
It is recomended that each rider use sticky-backed silver 3M reflective
tape - if you are concerned about sticking
it to your nice paint job, then electrical tape placed on the
bike as a 1st layer, then apply the reflective
tape)
- A reflective triangle mounted on your bicycle and
reflective arm or ankle bands
are required to be worn at from dusk to dawn by
registered riders
while riding. Reflective arm and ankle bands and safety
triangles will be provided at bike check in. Reflective sashes - sam brown
style - are available to members of the following American
organizations
for a very reasonable price & membership is also very
reasonable:
Seattle
International
Randonneurs & Randonneurs
USA
Cycling
the Roads in
British Columbia
- Please download a copy of Bike
Sense, a provincial government sponsored document to help
cyclists ride safely on the roads in B.C. In particular, please
note the sections on intersections and entering/leaving highways.
Animal
Life on the Route
Most wildlife can be active throughout the day, but they are
particularly
active at dawn and dusk. You will likely see
Deer - Be careful if you are
riding fast, they
can very unexpectedly dart out into your path.
Bears - North and west of
Campbell River, you
will likely see bears. Mostly, they will ignore you if you ignore
them. Don't feed
the bears and avoid close contact. Do not
sleep on the side of the road - your carbo-loaded drinks and food
will be attractive to them.
Cougars - These large carnivores are active
in the area. Another good reason not to sleep on the side of the
road.
Traffic
along the route
- Lots of fast moving traffic along the main highway south
of Sayward, but there is a reasonably wide paved portion of
the road to the right of the white fog line, EXCEPT between Campbell
River and Sayward, where there is very little pavement to the
right of the white fog line. This portion of the road has a lot
of freight and logging truck traffic during daylight hours. Ride
cautiously.
Rumble
Strips
- There are rumble strips from time to time on the main highways.
Keep to the right of these where possible. The most dangerous
rumble strips are on the down-hill portions of the highway over
the Malahat Drive summit from Victoria to Mill Bay &
Mill
Bay to Victoria. Keep your speed down!
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