RBC Club Ride Covid-19 Safety Procedures 
 
RBC rides are open again on a limited basis with a new set of guidelines to keep everyone safe while riding together. These guidelines are temporary and will change as circumstances dictate. We appreciate in advance that all club riders be mindful of these rules, of the safety of each other, and of those who are walking and sharing our roadways.  
 
Ride leader may have further requirements as stated in their ride post or at the beginning of each ride. Riders are to adhere to any ride leader's instructions before or during rides related to group safety. 

• If you feel ill or have a fever, please do not join the group.
• Ride leaders will set a size limit for each ride, not to exceed 10 as per current NYS guidance of groups of 10 or less. Smaller groups, where possible, are recommended.
• will be limited to approximately 5 or somewhat larger if rides have a co-leader. Ride leaders will state the number of riders in advance.
• All group riders must be club members and must pre-register online. If there is a size limit and too many enroll, those signing in as "definitely riding" will be given preference. 
• Social distance is to be maintained at all times including start and end points, at rest breaks, and at stop signs. During riding we recommend maintaining a distance of 8-10 feet from the rider in front of you.
• Each rider must bring a face mask. Masks are recommended any time social distance cannot be maintained and when cycling though villages, bike paths. In certain case, ride leaders may stop a group and ask that masks be put on. 

 
Let's be responsible cyclists at all times. 
 
 

RBC Advocates for eBikes
Without Borders in New York

A bill before the legislature in New York State would give a green light to eBikes in NYC but effectively pull the plug on their rollout anywhere else in the Empire State. S. 5294-A, which includes language that would allow municipalities to ban eBikes.

The Rockland Bicycling Club is opposed to any legislation that lets counties, towns, or villages ban eBikes. As it is currently written, these rules will effectively limit eBikes' usage as a green and healthy transportation alternative. Having a patchwork system of rules for each locality in a county, with some of them outlawing e-bikes completely, is unworkable, and likely unenforceable, too.

Last year's bill allowed municipalities to ban e-scooters. This year's amended legislation expands that ban to eBikes. Although it might be convenient for Albany to lump both scooters and eBikes together, they are different. eBikes have a longer range (up to 50 miles on a charge) than scooters. Pedal assisted bicycles, which can make the make Rockland's formidable hills melt away, can encourage people to leave their cars at home and embrace green commuting.

Confronting climate change will require changing behaviors. Half of Rockland's greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. Why would we want to create roadblocks for our residents who want to pedal to a healthier future?

Here's a link to a letter the RBC sent to the transportation committee chairs of the NYS Assembly and Senate on this issue.