Ride Refs

Ride Refs is a Cascade program designed to remind riders to ride safely and obey traffic laws while riding on Chilly Hilly, Flying Wheels, STP, and other Cascade events.

Ride Refs will be on event courses in black-and-white-striped referee jerseys with "Ride Ref" in red letters.

Ride Refs perform two important functions for Cascade:

Safety Ambassador

Ride Refs act as Safety Ambassadors by encouraging safe cycling behaviors and discouraging inappropriate behaviors. Ride Refs may also identify unsafe cyclists to ride officials. In addition, Ride Refs are often willing to provide basic assistance to riders who may experience problems, such as flat tires, along the route. Ride Refs may also call an emergency responder and help to make sure that cyclists stay off the road or away from an injured cyclist.

Good Will Ambassador

Ride Refs are official representatives of Cascade. Ride Refs are encouraged to talk to the general public, store owners, and bystanders along the route and thank cyclists for participating in the event. Ride Refs should be prepared to answer general questions about the event or other Cascade events.

Ride Refs remind riders of safe riding behavior and traffic laws.

Ride Refs are instructed to encourage riders to:

  • Stop at stop signs and lights
  • Pass on the left and call out when passing
  • Signal and call out turns, obstacles
  • Ride single file - remember SINGLE FILE IS SAFER
  • Ride without earphones/headphones, and never use a cell phone while riding

We ask that all of our Ride Refs sign a Code of Conduct.

If you are interested in learning more about Ride Refs or becoming a Ride Ref, please contact:

Julie Salathe, [email protected] 206.523.1952 or

Events and Maintenance Program Assistant, [email protected] 206.957.6960