Since it has proven nearly impossible to get riders to follow the first two rules of the cruiser ride, which have long been: DON'T TALK ABOUT THE RIDE, we're having to adapt to the growth that we experienced last year.

Things getting bigger doesn't necessarily mean that they are bad. But as things grow, they evolve. The Wednesday rides are still fun, just a different version of what the ride "used to be." We can all find great stuff about all these new found friends. Just ask Damon why he still rides, and you'll find that by changing one's attitude about how you see something, you can have an entirely new perspective.

We encourage all riders to take a few moments to review the city's bicycle ordinance, and ask each rider to consider their role as it pertains to the rules of the road. Here's the thing, these rules will not be enforced with an iron hand by the Denver Cruisers, but it's likely that your peers will ask you to comply. Which kind of rider are you gonna be? This is not critical mass, if you want to follow their code, then ride with them.

As with any thing, there are going to a few "codes" we adhere to, and the Denver Cruisers have adopted these as their own for the 2009 Summer Season:

1. THIS RIDE IS ABOUT FUN. There are no agendas here. No slogans (except 'HAPPY HUMP DAY') that we adhere to. Come out and help put a smile on peoples lives on a summer wednesday nite.

2. BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU OWN ACTIONS. If your actions put you or others in peril, don't do it. This goes for other riders, auto drivers and pedestrians. Simple request for each of you to be considerate of others.

3. DON'T RUN RED LIGHTS. Sure it seems stupid to wait at a light in Downtown when there are no cars coming, but think of this as time to socialize, or break into an impromptu dance party until the light changes to green. This seems to be more fun than having to be yelled at for being stupid.

4. STAY TO THE RIGHT. When there are 500+ riders on the street, be aware enough to know that there are others using the road way and want to share it with you. Help keep at least one lane open during our rides so we can share the road with the cars that weigh a lot more than a bicycle, and will win in the battle between car and bike. Sounds easy, right? If it's so easy, then do it.

5. HAVE LIGHTS ON YOUR RIG. Yup, one of the funnest ways to customize your bike is to add lights to it. This will double as a safety measure so that other riders and folks in cars can see you.

6. IF YOU CHOSE TO DRINK... Do it responsibly. Yes, there are rules, laws and limits and the reality is that we don't want to, nor are we going to be, your mommy. You know your limits - so don't exceed them and we won't have any problems. Likewise, word to the wise, Denver has an open-container law, and just because you are on a bike doesn't mean you can ignore it. The idea is that you need to think about how you display this and serioulsy, not be so flagrant about it. It would be nice to say we can do what ever we want, but that's not the reality is it?

7. WE RIDE RAIN OR SHINE. As much as I'd like to imagine that I can control the weather, whatever the weather, there will be a ride on Wednesday. Last year on a night filled with tornado watches and pouring rain, we still had 150 riders brave the weather and ride any way... don't miss it... these are some of the funnest nights, and what, are you gonna melt - sugar pie?

8. BE NICE TO THE POLICE. We've spent countless hours working to keep ourselves in the good graces of the Denver Police Department, so anyone being an ass will be asked to leave. We've witnessed the DPD being incredibly gracious to bike riders around the city, and the riders that treat the police with disrespect are the ones that get nailed for their stupidity. Don't do it. DPD has a lot of better shit to do than to deal with a fun cruiser ride in the summer time. Get the hint here: Poke the bear, and you'll get eaten.

9. SAFETY - RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK. The Denver Cruiser Ride is not your mommy. We assume no liability for any action or injury that may occur during the Wednesday outings. It's your responsibility to take care of yourself. If you are incapapble of doing this, then please stay home. Denver cruisers assumes no liability for your behavior, or the results of that behavior, nor do those that organize the ride assume your liability for your safety at any time RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

WE strive to create a safe environment for all riders, but as luck would have it we cannot control, nor do we desire to, every riders behavior. We promote personal responsibility, and it is each rider's respnsibility to take care of themselves, and if they choose to ride with us, then they accept those risks inherent in riding with a large group. The Denver Cruisers have a liability waiver that each rider acknowledges that they've read HERE