Safety is a top priority for the NMSS and Team Shell
Safety is Shell’s # 1 Priority.
This applies to the workplace as well as all aspects of our business –
including our cycling team.Last
year Team Shell did not have any major injuries which is a testament to
our Safety First policy.The Team Shell
Safety focal points are Alan Bazard
and Eric Thiede,
who are welcomed back again this year to make our team safer and more
courteous on the road.
How to Fulfill
the Mandatory Team Shell Safety Requirement
The goal for Team Shell is to complete the 2008 MS150 training series
and the Houston-to-Austin ride with Zero Incidents. Towards this goal,
all Team Shell riders must meet the following two safety requirements:
1. Houston-area riders must have taken on-bike safety training in the
last 3 calendar years (i.e. '05, '06, or '07). Team Shell will
continue to offer such training in the Houston area for free. Dates are
2/17/08 and 3/9/08 at the West Little York Park & Ride, 15010 Hempstead
Rd, Houston TX 77041.
Similar training is also
available from bike shops around the city for a small fee, e.g.
Bicycle World and Fitness. For these or any other non-Shell on-bike
safety training, you will need to provide us with a proof of completion.
Normally, completion certificates are issued to all attendees as a
standard practice. Once completed, please let us know by one of the
following methods:
Show the certificate
in person to one of the three team captains (Afif, Jim or Pat), or
Mail a photo-copy of
the certificate to Afif Halal via: a) internal Shell mail to WCK 6433, or
b) US mail to 200 N. Dairy Ashford, Houston, Texas 77079.
Riders from
outside the Houston area (i.e. more than 75 miles from downtown Houston)
who are unable to locate a local safety trainer are required to watch
this short Bicycle Safety video from the League of American Bicyclists
(LAB):
AND
2. All
riders must take the 2008 BP MS online
safety quiz.
Fill out the information requested at the beginning of the quiz (name,
email address and team) and verification that you have taken the quiz will
be sent to one of the Team Shell captains.
Bike
safety inspections have started at
Official Bike Stores. Bikes that pass get a safety inspection sticker,
entitling riders to free labor for repairs during the ride. Inspections
are free until April 4 and $10 after. Get your bike inspected early
before the lines get long.
Safety Tips
The BP MS 150 is a huge event with cyclists of all abilities. As part of
your training, be sure to participate in group rides such as the
CP Training series or the
MS Society Recommended Rides. Please remember these key tips about a
group ride:
Do's
Ride smoothly and
predictably.
Communicate - BOTH
ways, call hazards, call when passing and listen to others.
Ride your ride at your
pace.
Listen and respect the
Ride Marshals, Medics and HPD officers - they are looking out for our
safety.
Ride single file or max
2 abreast if on a wide shoulder or a road that is closed to regular
vehicular traffic.
Enjoy the ride -
Remember that this is a fund-raiser to find a cure for MS, not a race!
Don'ts
Cross over the center
stripe
Pass on the right
Overlap the wheel of
the rider in front of you
Ride in pacelines
(unless you are very experienced with the general process and the specific
group your are riding with
Wear headphones (any
type) or talk on your cell phone while riding
Other Safety Concerns
Click here
for info on nutrition, hydration, emergency ID, bike fit, helmet age and
training.
If you have any
questions on biking safety - equipment, clinics, etc.
please
contact us.
NMSS
MS150 Safety Page- It is still
underdevelopment, but will feature more information including material on
hydration, acclimation and nutrition.
A good ride is a safe ride