Safe Cycling with Team UBG Cycling

Ride Smart, Ride Together: Safe Group Cycling

Houston’s streets hum with energy—traffic lights blinking, bayou breezes cutting through the heat, and the steady rhythm of pedals turning in unison. Every week, a colorful peloton rolls out from Urban Bicycle Gallery. This is Team UBG Cycling, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit crew that’s raised millions for the National MS Society while turning strangers into lifelong ride buddies. Whether you’re clipping in for your first 20-mile spin or prepping for Bike MS, one truth binds every UBG rider: safety is the pace-setter. The club’s eight admin-approved rules aren’t suggestions—they’re the difference between a glorious sunrise finish and an ambulance ride. Here’s how to live them on every group ride.

1. Brakes Save Lives

Texas Transportation Code §551.104 doesn’t mince words: your bike must stop on a dime on dry pavement. Before you roll up to UBG, squeeze both levers. If the wheel doesn’t skid, swap pads or cables at the shop. A $12 brake tune is cheaper than a $1,200 ER bill.

2. Red Lights Are Not Suggestions

Houston drivers are generous with horns and short on patience. Treat every red the same as the rider in front of you: full stop, foot down, eye contact with cross-traffic. The club’s “no-drop” promise only works when everyone stays legal.

3. One Lane, One Family

Two-by-two is allowed, but never drift into the next lane. On White Oak Drive or Shepherd, that means hugging the white line like it’s your best friend. Occupy only the lane you paid for—with your presence, not your ego.

4. Ears Open, World On

Earbuds are banned for a reason. You need to hear “CAR BACK!” 50 yards sooner than you see it. Save the playlist for the cool-down lap.

5. Wheels Apart, Hearts Together

Overlap another rider’s rear wheel and you’re one pothole away from a domino crash. Keep a full bike-length gap in the pace line. On UBG’s rolling terrain, that space is your airbag.

6. Be the Town Crier

“Slowing!” “Stopping!” “Hole left!” “Gravel!”

Shout it early, point it clearly, pass it back. On the club’s favorite Allen Parkway loop, a single call-out can save 30 riders from eating asphalt.

7. Passing Etiquette: Loud and Proud

“On your left!” is non-negotiable. Whisper it and you spook the rider; bark it and you sound like a drill sergeant. Find the friendly volume—think coffee-shop greeting, not stadium roar. On the right? Announce “On your right!” and wait for a nod.

8. Helmet On, Spares Packed

Every UBG ride starts with a helmet check. Tuck a spare tube, levers, and two CO₂ cartridges in your jersey. Flats happen; heroes carry 80 psi. Bonus: The UBG Pre-Ride Ritual Air up to spec.

Lights on (front white, rear red—dusk rides sneak up fast).

Announce your experience level—newbies ride mid-pack with a mentor.

Smile. You’re about to earn brunch.

Do's & Don'ts

DOs

• Helmets are required.

• Obey all traffic signals.

• Ride predictably and smoothly.

• Call out all hazards.

• Use hand signals and call out your intentions, when you are turning, slowing, and stopping.

• Call out vehicles as they approach, “Car back” / “Car up” “Car left / right”

• In double pace lines, roll off one at a time so there will not be four abreast at any time.

• When passing other riders and groups, pass on the left and always call out “on your left.”

• Communicate with riders in your group who may be pushing the speed of the group beyond the group’s expectations. Ask them to slow down / speed up and/or move to the next group / drop to the group coming up.

• If you are new to group riding, whatever your estimated average speed, we highly recommend starting in the no-drop group, which will be called last.

DON’TS

• No earbuds, headphones, speakers or phone usage while cycling in any pace group.

• No using aerobars in the paceline.

• No overlapping wheels.

• Do not assume that the average speed of your ride will fall within the speed noted for each pace group except for the no-drop and 20+ groups. Groups may average a faster pace, especially on downhills or with a tail wind. On the other hand, the pace may be slower in poor riding conditions, climbing hills or into a headwind.

Join the UBG Peloton

Find us on the Chasing Watts app (Team UBG Cycling), Facebook (@TeamUBGCycling), or just show up at Urban Bicycle Gallery wearing a helmet and a grin. Rides are free and fueled by high-energy. Because in Houston, the real finish line isn’t a banner—it’s rolling back to the shop with every rider who started. Ride safe. Ride UBG.