Club Run Code of Conduct
This Club Run Code of Conduct is devised for the safety
and benefit of the club and it's members. It outlines the
minimum standards expected on all rides. Some rides may
have additional rules or codes of conduct. If in doubt,
consult your ride leader.
VBCC provides a varied programme of rides that may include
a social ride, a steady training ride and a fast training
ride. Distances, speeds and destinations of rides are displayed
on the club web site.
Guiding Principles
Club rides are not races and members are expected to treat
them appropriately.
When riding as a club we must:
- behave in a manner that represents VBCC in a good light
- act for our own safety and well-being
- respect our fellow club members
Riders are responsible for their own heath and safety at
all times.
Respecting the Rules of the Road
All riders must adhere to the rules of the road. Disregard
for the Highway Code and behaviour that endangers yourself
or others may lead to disciplinary action by the committee.
Ride Discipline
- Riders should ride no more than two abreast unless overtaking
- Be aware of riders behind you. Try to ride smoothly
and do not brake/slow-up without warning if it can be
avoided.
- Shout warnings and signal to other riders if there is
a danger in the road.
- Groups should allow appropriate gaps in traffic and
slow to allow enough time for the entire group to negotiate
obstacles.
- Should the group be split, riders should slow down or
find a safe place to stop and regroup before proceeding.
- The group should always stop and assist any of it's
riders suffering mechanical or physical problems.
- The group should always wait for the last rider, unless
the rider has requested to be left, or an agreement made
with everyone's consent, that the group will not wait
for dropped riders.
- No rider should leave the group without first notifying
other riders, preferably the ride leader.
Ride Leader
The ride leader is the official representative of the club
and his or her instruction should be followed. The ride
leader must be a club member and will endeavour to ensure
that the ride is conducted in a safe and well-organised
fashion. All riders must assist the leader in this duty.
Dealing with Mechanical Problems
To ensure that mechanical problems are minimised, riders
must keep their bikes in roadworthy condition. A tool kit
should be carried that includes, at the very least, the
following:
- pump or other way of inflating tyres
- spare inner tubes
- puncture repair kit
- two tyre levers
- allen keys or multitool
Dealing with Accidents & Injuries
The club does not provide first aid cover or medical support
for riders on the club runs. In the event of an accident,
the ride leader and the group will do all they can to assist
any rider who has suffered injury.
Riders who have pre-existing medical conditions that require
special treatment must take precautions to ensure that information
about their condition can easily be found by the emergency
services or other medical professionals in the aftermath
of an accident or the onset of the medical condition. One
way of doing this is to wear a Medic Alert bracelet or pendant.
Contact your GP for further information about these devices
or visit http://www.medicalert.org.uk
Food and Clothing
You must dress appropriately for the weather. You should
carry a waterproof on all but the best of days. Club runs
generally include a cafe stop, however you should carry
enough food and drink to sustain you for the duration of
the ride.
Use of Aerobars
Club rides are group rides. While the club accepts that
aerobars may be permanently attached to your bike, never
use them while in close company to other cyclists.
Mudguards
Some ride groups enforce mudguard use during the winter
months of October to March and in wet weather. We don't
usually mind, but having mudguards does help the riders
behind you, and saves your bum from getting wet.
Under 18 years of age
Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their
parent or guardian.
Getting Home Again
If you are not confident of finishing the ride or your
bike has a mechanical problem, let other riders know as
soon as possible. The ride leader and the group will do
all they can to assist you, but they can only do so if they
are aware of your problem. The group will be supportive.
Wearing Helmets
Although cycling in the UK does not require you to wear
a helmet, we strongly advise that you do at all times whilst
cycling on the public highway especially in groups. It may
possibly save your life. |
