Who better to help prepare new PMC riders for their first PMC than alumni riders? We recently asked some alumni for their advice on topics from training to fundraising to PMC weekend experiences. This is the third collection of their advice – stay tuned for even more tips leading up to PMC weekend!
12 Cycling Safety Tips from PMC Alumni
PMC weekend may be the first time you're participating in a large ride, so we asked PMC alumni riders, "What is one safety tip you have for riding in groups on PMC weekend?" Read their tips on keeping not only yourself but fellow riders safe on PMC weekend.
1. Focus on Your Own Ride
“Just like in a car, keep your eyes focused in front of you and ride at the pace that you're most comfortable. Faster riders will pass and that's okay. Just keep within yourself.”
– Stephen Frail, 9-year rider; member of Team Fidelity Investments
2. Make Sure Riders Can Read Your Name
“Pin your name tag to the back of your saddlebag. Riders coming up behind you will know your name and will call out ‘Joe! On your left!’ as they pass. It will make you much more aware of the riders around you when they call your name.”
– Wayne Sula, 25-year rider; PMC Living Proof; captain of Team Attaché
3. Be Able to Eat & Drink Without Stopping
“Be comfortable having to do little things on the bike; drinking, eating, and communicating are the top three to me.”
– Jeff Lynch, 9-year rider; member of Team CRUS11TOUR
PMC Rider Advice Series Powered by 
Together We Can: This series highlighting advice from PMC riders, for PMC riders, is powered by M&T Bank, the co-presenting sponsor of the Pan-Mass Challenge.
4. Communication Is Key
“Communicate! Everybody has their name on their bike, so use their name and let people know where you are and where you are going.”
– Danny Sarch, 15-year rider; member of Team Big Jon
5. It's a Ride, Not a Race – Be Patient
“Be patient and think twice before you pass.”
– Mary Tolikas, 16-year rider
6. Only Pass on Your Left
“Call out on your left when passing someone, and don't pass on the right!”
– Doug Crossley, 15-year rider
7. Don't Make Any Sudden Moves
“Be predictable. If you need to do something different and drop out of the group, announce it first.”
– Andrew Keane, 31-year rider; PMC Living Proof; member of Team Lick Cancer
8. Listen to Riders
“If a rider behind you calls out ‘car back,’ be respectful and move to the far right, single file, until traffic has passed.”
– Andrea Comeau, 27-year rider
9. Train With a Group & Practice Communicating
“Do a group training ride, and get used to hand signals and giving hand signals. It's important to follow safely, but equally as important to let people behind you know what's coming (potholes, debris, etc.). Call out your actions – slowing, stopping – it helps everyone following you have a safe ride.”
– John Tracy, 6-year rider; member of Team PTC
10. Learn Hand Signals & How to Unclip
“Learn beforehand to unclip! Learn how to ride in a group and remember to use hand signs and shout out if there is a car coming, if there is a bump or railroad tracks, and remember to let the rider in front of you know if you are passing on the left.”
– John Portnoy, 15-year rider; PMC Living Proof; member of Team Perry
11. Confirm an Intersection Is Clear Before Riding
“Avoid a paceline if you haven't already had experience riding in one. If someone says ‘clear,’ don't assume it's clear when you reach the intersection.”
– Mel Stoler, 38-year rider; member of Team Patriots Platelet Pedalers
12. Follow Safety Advice
“It's very crowded at the start. Stay in your lane as much as possible. When changing lanes signal clearly (watch the PMC video) and make sure faster riders aren't coming in that lane. It's a ride, not a race. Enjoy it.”
– Tim Donaghey, 5-year rider; member of Team Crank
Rider Advice Series:
Watch the PMC Safety Video
While riding during PMC weekend – as well training on your own and with other riders – please be respectful of everyone you are sharing the road with and keep the following in mind. Please take a few minutes and watch the PMC Safety Video.
