E-Bike Lovers Code of Conduct
Based on feedback from our e-bikers and IMBA's Code of Conduct, E-bike Lovers have compiled the world's first and only Code of Conduct for e-bikers to keep our self-guided rides safe and enjoyable.
We pride ourselves as the most inclusive e-biking group in the DMV-area. Everyone is welcome regardless of race, gender, political preferences, and e-biking capabilities, and WHEN YOU follow these guidelines:
respect each other
We refrain from playing loud music on the trail.
We warn other trail users of our arrival with verbal or mechanical warnings that respect others, especially in blind corners and areas with poor sight lines.
We stay polite to others (even when we are accused of "cheating" when we pass someone on a hill) and avoid any kind of rudeness during our events. These are good skills to have regardless of your participation in our self-guided events.
We carry front and backlights on our e-bikes (that do not blind oncoming traffic), also during the day.
We do not sell merchandise or engage in any commercial activity during events and through our online platforms, including MeetUp and Facebook unless this is authorized by E-bike Lovers. You cannot contact other members to solicit merchandise of any kind using our systems.
enjoy nature
We stop for turtles and other animals on the path. They have the right of way.
We practice the "Leave No Trace" principle. As responsible hikers leave only their footprints on the trail, we are responsible e-bikers who leave only tire prints.
We avoid muddy trails and do not ride around standing water, but through water when this is safe. This helps with the maintenance of unpaved trails.
We yield to horses (they can be unpredictable), tricycles, reclined bikes, unicycles, elliptical bikes, thru-bikers on the C&O Canal Towpath, bikers with children, and foot traffic.
follow the law
We follow traffic rules and regulations.
We refrain from biking where it is not allowed.
We stop at stop signs and traffic lights for our safety and that of others.
We wear a bicycle helmet.
We adhere to posted speed limits.
We follow directions from park rangers and other trail officials.
We follow our COVID-19 guidelines.
SAFETY
We are responsible for our own safety and well-being. E-bike Lovers' events are self-guided and do not have biking leads. Anyone associated with and participating in E-bike Lovers' events rides on an individual basis and is explicitly responsible for their safety and well-being. You are solely responsible for your own safety per E-bike Lovers' disclaimer.
We refrain from biking with poorly maintained e-bikes and other bicycles.
We have our e-bikes serviced by a bikeshop or other certified bike mechanic (LEVA) following the manual of our e-bike and we do this on a regular basis.
We regularly check our brakes and each time before we e-bike. We will not cycle unless the brakes of our e-bike are fully functional.
We will not participate in E-bike Lovers' self-guided events unless we are familiar with our e-bikes. E-bike Lovers' self-guided events are not designed to test the limits or capabilities of our e-bikes.
We keep distance from other cyclists.
We keep sufficient distance from the curb to allow for corrective action avoiding riding off the road.
We always help others in case of an accident.
We reduce our speed on downhills and gravel roads to ensure we can always bring the e-bike to a complete stop safely.
We only e-bike at speeds that are safe. The fact that your e-bike may go 28 mph doesn't mean you should go that fast.
We walk our e-bikes when we cross creeks and other waterways.
We take extra precautions after rain and when leaves, ice and snow are on the road or paths.
We take extra precautions after freezing and snow on bridges as they freeze earlier than the road and paths.
We always follow the manufacturers' guidelines for handling e-bike batteries including the charging of the batteries.
We always follow the safety guidelines of law enforcement and emergency services regarding the handling and charging of e-bike batteries.
We have read the disclaimer and acknowledge to fully understand and accept the disclaimer.
Cancellation for Violation of Code of Conduct or Misconduct
All E-bike Lovers agree to and are subject to this Code of Conduct. E-bike Lovers reserves the right at any time to cancel your participation or the privileges of any individual participating in our self-guided Meetup events, for failure to comply with any of the rules and policies for any conduct E-bike Lovers deems to be improper or harmful to the best interests of E-bike Lovers, its staff, volunteers and its participants.
The privileges of a particular individual participating in Meetup events may be cancelled without notice, in person or by email notification, and cannot be appealed.