New Safety Information:

The National MS Society has teamed up with the League of American Bicyclists to promote and ensure safety on our rides.  We are proud of the events we do but there is always room for improvement and this holds true for our safety standards. 

The Bike MS events are a signature event for us and are well respected throughout the United States.  We believe we have fantastic staff, volunteers and participants that are cautious and want to create the safest atmosphere possible.  With that being said, the National MS Society has put things in place to increase the high standards we currently have.

Ride Marshals will be present on the ride to act as Safety Ambassadors by sharing cycling advice and encouraging safe cycling behaviors.  Ride Marshals may also perform the role of first responders at accident scenes along ride routes and identify unsafe cyclists to ride officials. We ask that if you are approached by a ride marshal that you are courteous and realize they are looking out for your safety and the safety of the others around you.

Headphones and cell phones are not allowed on the route.  This is how our insurance policy reads:  “Use of cell phones or head phones during a strenuous physical activity like bike riding can only increase/impair your ability to avoid a dangerous condition/situation.” Headphones can cause cyclists to become distracted and therefore are not permitted.  There are music devices that can be placed on the front of the bike and are equipped with speakers.  These are allowed if the cyclist is not changing channels etc. while riding.  Cell phones are permitted but like the portable stereo you must be stopped on the side of the road when using it.  Any action outside of these requirements will be grounds for either removal of the device for the rest of the ride or removal from the ride entirely. 

Training rides have been limited to a 3^rd party hosting them.  The local offices are still strongly encouraged to attend but are not allowed to “host” the ride.  This helps with the cost of our liability insurance. We hope you understand that the money we save is better utilized serving our clients.  We know there are currently rides being offered through organizations or bike shops and appreciate all their efforts.  We will promote those rides to the cyclists and offer any support to the organizations and bike shops needed.

The National MS Society hopes that you respect and understand our new policies.  Change is a part of everyday life and everything we do is for your safety and with the needs of our clients in mind.   

We invite you to contact your local office and ask to become part of the CHAMPS program. You will be introduced to a client and have the opportunity to become familiar with the challenges and changes that they face daily.  There are days they literally cannot get out of bed and riding a bike seems impossible.  We hope that you will keep them in mind and use their story as your motivation when you are riding up the hills and it seems like you can’t go any farther.  On behalf of those you are riding for and the National MS Society, we thank you for your participation and understanding.