Hi all,

I shouldn’t have to write a message like the one you are about to read (and believe me, I don't enjoy having to) but due to a few instances that have been brought to my attention, as well as behavior I have seen first hand, we need to review a few things:

On weekend club rides, we ride as a group, and follow all standard group ride courtesies:

• no surging or pushing the pace (expect of course for any state/town/gas station line sprints)
• the converse of this: no coasting while on the front (this will cause those behind you to have to hit the brakes, creating a rippling effect)
• call holes and other hazards (if you can’t point just holler - even if it is too late and you yourself are going to hit the pothole anyway)
• no half-wheeling (your wheel MUST remain behind the wheel in front of you, not next to it, slightly overlapping) 
• no drop

Let’s talk about that last one. No drop means that it is not every rider for themselves. We ride as a group. Riding as a group does not mean survival of the fittest, or letting the fittest set the pace. It means we all stay mindful of each other. If you never look back to see how the rest of the group is doing, then you're doing it wrong. On climbs, of course go at your own pace, but we ALL wait at the top. We don’t leave half of the group behind. If someone behind you is having a tough time, maybe dial it back a bit and give them: some encouragement, a spare gel, or just some company so they aren’t suffering alone.

If you can’t deal with the above – if you find it an annoyance – and really just want to go out and drop the hammer, then I recommend you stick to riding as a lone wolf, and seriously consider why you are in a cycling club. 

That last word is important. Club. Kissena is a social cycling club. Do we race? Duh. Are we good at it? You bet your ass. Are we an elite race team? No. We are a club. that means we behave like one. We are all one. I hope you joined Kissena because you weren’t just interested in winning races, but because you were interested in finding some camaraderie, and having some fun, while getting fitter and faster. Today Kissena has almost 80 members. For those of you who are regulars on weekend club rides – stop and ask yourself: how often do you see anyone other than the usual suspects in weekend rotation? Ever wonder why that is?

Here is a great GCN video we share before every recruitment ride with prospective members.

Now, one last point. When you are wearing Kissena kit, you are obliged to conduct yourself with the utmost courtesy and respect. You sure as heck didn’t create this team. It’s bigger than you. It’s bigger than our 80 members. It is a *5 decade* legacy. Have even the kindest and most genteel among us encountered some situation on the road in NYC that causes us to holler some key expletives? Definitely. That being said, when you’re wearing the Kissena colors, you are beholden to a higher standard of behavior. Keep it classy, or there will be repercussions.

If you witness any club behavior that falls outside the above guidelines, I need to know about it. My door is always open, and anything you share with me will be kept strictly in confidence. It's for the better of the club. 

Your humble membership director,
Ben Fino-Radin
membership@kissenacycling.com

Looks like the link to the club code of conduct is broken, but this is literally the very first section:

Link fixed...

*BUMP*

We have had two complaints in the last week about riders in Prospect Park. One was a *former* member, but regardless, please all be model cyclists out there. Ride safe, and save the potty language for your CX heckling.

On that note, here's our Park Riding Protocol It's a work in progress but worth sharing now methinks.

JohnMalcolmson said:

On that note, here's our Park Riding Protocol It's a work in progress but worth sharing now methinks.

John, thanks for working on this.

I was riding with a guy in Central Park the other day and he said he's seen a group of Kissena riders going around the park early in the morning.  I remarked that I hoped they were safe and respectful.  He said yes.  And fast.

On the subject of general Kissena awesomeness I thought I'd share one of the turning points for me when I was deciding to join Kissena oh so many years ago.

I'd raced on my own and for another well known NYC team for a couple of years. I'd see Kissena riders at every race, and I was frequently racing against them.

Once in the park I tried to bridge to a move with a Kissena in it and I saw another Kissena glued to my wheel. (foiled!) I tried to convince him to work but he shook his head and said, "Sorry man, I can't pull I'm fat." How could I even be mad? He was hilarious, even in the heat of battle.

As the races wore on I found I was chatting more with Kissena riders before during and after races. They were (and are) a great bunch of generous, respectful riders. What wasn't to like?

With very few exceptions this is the reputation you get to wear with your jersey. 

Once in the park I tried to bridge to a move with a Kissena in it and I saw another Kissena glued to my wheel. (foiled!) I tried to convince him to work but he shook his head and said, "Sorry man, I can't pull I'm fat." How could I even be mad? He was hilarious, even in the heat of battle.

I'm guessing Owens.

jim_nelson said:

Once in the park I tried to bridge to a move with a Kissena in it and I saw another Kissena glued to my wheel. (foiled!) I tried to convince him to work but he shook his head and said, "Sorry man, I can't pull I'm fat." How could I even be mad? He was hilarious, even in the heat of battle.

I'm guessing Owens.

Jules said:

jim_nelson said:

Once in the park I tried to bridge to a move with a Kissena in it and I saw another Kissena glued to my wheel. (foiled!) I tried to convince him to work but he shook his head and said, "Sorry man, I can't pull I'm fat." How could I even be mad? He was hilarious, even in the heat of battle.

I'm guessing Owens.

Sometimes a man wears stretchy pants.

JohnMalcolmson said:

Thanks JP, glad to hear. If you have any comments or feel we missed something please chime in, it's a working doc.

I don't know if it should go into the document, but here are a few things I was thinking about on today's ride in the park.

1. Taking lines where you have better visibility.  There are places in both parks where the road curves and natural or man-made barriers obscure vision.  Think of the right-side line on the drop to the pool in Central Park, and the right side line before the band shell in Prospect.  When possible, adjust your line so you can see farther past the turn.  

As we ride countless laps in the park, knowing the better lines should be relatively easy.  The difficulty is remembering to take them.

2. Consider an audible warning when approaching unawares park users.  Some folks like bells for this purpose.  Some people like using their voice. 

One guy I know makes a great 'whoop-whoop-whoop' noise as he's approaching people.  I can't get the tone or volume he does, but when I ride with him, it is a great, low-stress warning.  

Today, a guy was following me and as we approached a green light where people were crossing illegally in front of us, he yelled out 'you're gonna get hurt' and they backed away.  I didn't like that, but then he probably weighed well north of 200 lbs.

3. Remember that heightening emotions or getting into arguments with complete strangers rarely changes their mind.  

I generally try to stay pleasant, quick with 'thanks' or 'sorry' depending on the situation.  

I also find myself wondering if wearing clear lensed glasses would be a smart move for urban riding.  Easier for others to feel like they're making eye contact with us and vice versa.  And might humanize us a bit.  

Cheers JP, those are good adds. Forgot about bicycle bells (required in NYC) and "yo!"

Thanks @BenFinoRadin for this reminder.  Club training rides are times when we get to ride together as a team.  Staying together and having a nice, tight paceline not only looks awesome, but teaches you how to ride in a pack during races as well as bike handling skills.  Going hard on climbs or specified sprints is great, but so is waiting at the top, encouraging your teammates, and working together.  If you're stronger and worried about getting a workout, then take longer pulls on the front, win every climb and every sprint.  We all know that you are strong, so there is no need to go off the front or prove yourself on group rides.  Also, it's great to push each other too, but if someone is getting dropped, make sure that you are aware of it.  Leave no riders behind!  

It was good for me, as a new-ish member, to read through these comments. I agree with them all whole heartedly, but also know that in the heat of riding, my reptilian brain sometimes takes over and causes me to ride in ways not entirely to code. I really appreciate the support and camaraderie Kissena offers to riders still learning the ropes.

If you haven't, read the doc. 

http://www.kissenacycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/How-to-race-your-bike-v10.pdf

Hi,

TLDR: Kissena CC influences Prospect Park use. Respect all users.

Your behavior as an athlete and cyclist should never be conditioned by that of those around you. Be courteous and gracious no matter the circumstances. Specially if in a Kissena jersey: Represent.

--------------

As board member and Kissena representative, I have been in meetings and conversations with the Prospect Park Alliance for a couple of seasons. We have meet several times to discuss cycling, cyclists, and other user behaviour and relationships.

The last meeting just this past Tuesday, included representatives from Park Enforcement, Prospect Park Track Runners, Achilles Track Club, Trailblazers, NY State Assembly, a few others

A few comments about it all: The Prospect Park Alliance is our friend, they do consistent thinking and are fully aware of how the park is used, and super sensitive to cyclist's, and other user's needs. Those of you that been riding in the park for years can probably tell the difference: 2018/19 Prospect Park is probably the best it has ever been.

Some quick takeaways:

• The "curb extensions" at common pedestrians crossings provide a clear sign to both cyclists and pedestrians to be mindful and to "wait here"
• All traffic lights are green
• There's one exception, the light on Lincoln Rd. is on a cycle (it turns red on it's own every few minutes) as cars still enter the Park there
• The green lights can be turned red by pressing the pedestrian button
• Most pedestrians don't know this (PPA is looking to remedy this)
• The bottom of the downhill at Vanderbilt is the place where most accidents happens -- unsurprisingly, it is a major entrance point, and where bicycles are at their fastest
• Currently, as is, a bit randomly, pedestrians tend to yield to cyclists all around the Park drive. While I don't agree, there's a mayor push to reverse this behaviour
• The PPA, with our input, is doing some real thinking about how to make it better, considering among other ideas:
  • Reversing the direction of the park driveway
  • Make all lights flashing lights
  • Removing current lights and placing lights where people enter the park (GAP, 16th Street, etc)
  • Changing lights to be bicycle specific (like the Hudson path)
  • Using social media to educate users
  • Cycling specific hours
• The ultimate goal is to remove all lights, and even signs, and make small design tweaks in the hope users lean on common sense, and behave respectfully towards each other.

Some notes on riding/Kissena park behaviour, regardless of the PPA:

• There will be moments when you will have to stop for others. Stop. Period. 
• There are times, during the day and during the week, when it is possible to train and safely ride fast. During very early weekdays, and during the work day 10am to 4pm or so.
• As the weather gets warmer, Weekends only allow very easy riding
• There are times when training in the park is not a good idea, Summer weekends, during running races, Celebrate Brooklyn concerts, etc...
• FBF is always a good location for training on those moments when the Park is busy
• Use common sense
• Be respectful of other park users and their needs. They need and own the park as much as we do -- to run, to walk their dog, to toss a baseball, to picnic, etc... Prospect Park is as much an oasis for them as it is for us
• Everything Bruce said

Lastly, once more:

Your behavior as an athlete and cyclist should never be conditioned by that of those around you. Be courteous and gracious no matter the circumstances. Specially if in a Kissena jersey: Represent.

I'm pretty sure this fits here, if not, feel free to redirect:

I was riding in the park this evening and towards the end of my last lap, two kitted up guys overtook me, quick (in Foundation and Mineola kits). Recognizing their kits and not having been completely dropped, I snagged their wheels and got a free (fast) pull till my turn-off on the north side. They didn't say anything and neither did I but as I pulled off, I pulled up alongside and said thanks for pulling me there. It was all well and good except for the blank stares I got from both riders.

My question then is, what is the etiquette when dealing with other riders going at speeds you are capable of? When is it acceptable to introduce yourself and how have you found is the best way to go about it?

Nathaniel,
Generally the etiquette is to ask if you can sit on.
It’s not like you called their kids ugly, but sitting on someone’s wheel without asking is considered rude.

^also thanks for pointing out something that should be in the “how to race & ride”

it’s been almost seven years that puppy is due for an update

@Jules Thanks! Based on their sour looks I knew I had likely done something wrong, I just couldn't figure out what exactly

I made the same mistake, you’re not alone.

say hi first, "Hey! do you mind if I hang on for a bit?" -- never gotten a negative response.

Also, be mindful, if someone looks like they are in the middle of an interval or workout, don't jump on their wheel. And, much more important: if you don't know them, unless you are nudged or told otherwise, once on someone's wheel, stay there, don't pass, don't make their single file two files, don't drop them on the next climb, etc...

Good time to remind everyone that as a club we agreed to abide by CRCA's Central Park Training & Racing Protocols: http://www.kissenacycling.com/team-library/Park-Riding-Protocol-1.pdf

Does Central Park have official (set or suggested by the Central Park Conservancy) times for cycling training rides (fast hours, if you will)? 

Similarly, is there a limit to the size of group rides allowed in Central Park?

I do not believe there are, but wanted to double check as only hit Central Park a couple times a year. Thanks.

eloy said:

Does Central Park have official (set or suggested by the Central Park Conservancy) times for cycling training rides (fast hours, if you will)? 

Similarly, is there a limit to the size of group rides allowed in Central Park?

I do not believe there are, but wanted to double check as only hit Central Park a couple times a year. Thanks.

The protocol KCC co-signed doesn't specify numbers but does say before/after 8am/pm (6pm winter)

2. Training rides should be limited to times when the Park is least crowded (i.e., weekdays before 8am and after 8pm/6pm in winter).

http://www.kissenacycling.com/team-library/Park-Riding-Protocol-1.pdf

@eloy I don't think there's anything official or unofficial from the CPC.

Here's the CPC's page on cycling:  https://www.centralparknyc.org/activities/guides/bicycling

 I've heard, however, that the 'accepted' go-fast group ride hours are more like 5am-8am, and I've definitely seen some people between 8 and 9am going fast.


 I have the sense that CRCA has been suggesting safe riding protocols for members.

 CRCA's 'code of conduct' has the following:

 "Follow the NYC Parks Department rules of conduct

 Not ride in the runners lane while racing or training in City Parks

 Not participate in dangerous or illegal activity in City Parks"

Thank you both!!