Rules

Have Fun!

The Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria is not a race; the Tour de Victoria is a self-paced, supported ride.

Helmets

Helmets are mandatory. Cyclists must wear an approved, properly worn, cycling helmet while riding.

Yellow Line Rule

A "yellow line" rule is in effect. Riders cannot cross the center dividing, or yellow line, while riding on the road. Where there is no yellow line, riders must stay on the right side of the road.

Stay to the Right

Riders shall stay to the right at all times. Unless passing another rider.

Where Riders Must Ride

Rides must follow the "rules of the road" and the laws of British Columbia.

Vehicles

At no time may you pass the official Tour de Victoria lead vehicle.
No personal support vehicles on course.

Red Flag Rule

At the start and from time to time the official Tour de Victoria lead vehicle will display a red flag that indicates a reduced speed and an increased level of vigilance.
Riders must keep their distance and not pass their fellow riders until the red flag is no longer displayed.

Chip and Number Placement

All riders must mount their chip and place their number according to the instructions given.

Under 19 riders

For the longer routes, (140 and 100km) riders older than 16 are allowed if they are supervised by a parent or guardian who must take responsibility for the rider and ride with the underage participant for entire route.
For the shorter routes, (50km) riders over 16 years old may ride. Parents must sign a waiver and certify the participant has the qualifications, experience and maturity to ride in a mass participation ride while pack riding on city streets, which can and may include riding in traffic, without supervision.

Emergency Contact

Riders shall carry ID, an emergency contact number and information regarding medical conditions.

Personal Electronic Devices

Riders may not use cell phones, iPod's (or any other type of music players) and/or headphones. Cell phones may be carried for emergency purposes, but must be shut off while riding. If you must use your phone in an emergency, pull over and dismount your bike to use your phone.

Allowed Bicycles

Participants are permitted to use a standard upright bicycle or a standard upright tandem bicycle.
Road, hybrid, and Mountain bikes are permitted. Note: Fixed gear bicycles must have at least a front brake.
Examples of bikes not allowed include - recumbent, hand cycles, electric bicycles and any other bike that you can imagine that is not a standard upright bicycle
Bikes need to be in good working condition. Riders are solely responsible for the roadworthiness of their bicycles. Tune your bike up before the ride.

Aero Bars

The use of aero bars is not allowed in a group. We ask you to remove them prior to the event.

Course Closure

The finish line of the Tour de Victoria will be closed for all riders at 2 p.m. (1400 hrs.). Prior to that, a rolling closure will follow the riders who are travelling at 20 kmh.

No Littering!

Medical disqualification

If our medical staff finds you medically unfit to ride you will be pulled from the event. Consideration for entry into the next year’s event may be given if you are disqualified by our medical staff.

Nudity and Hygiene

No public urination. Please respect our neighbors. If you must answer the call of nature, do so out of the public eye.

Etiquette and Decorum

Treat volunteers, event staff, spectators and fellow riders with kindness and respect.

Breaking the Rules

We have put a lot of thought into developing our rules and have made every effort to keep them simple to follow and easy to understand. They are for your safety, your enjoyment of the ride and for the safety and enjoyment of Tour de Victoria staff, volunteers and spectators. Breaking of our rules will result in anyor all of the following in no particular order:

A verbal warning and education of our rules.
A loud warning and a stern look.
Removal from the event and instantly neutralized.

Let's make the Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria a world-class event.