Ride Rules

Any group of cyclists travelling together on cycleways and roads need to be aware of and abide by a set of behavioral riding principles. This is in order to safeguard their own safety as well as that of other road users and pedestrians. The following points are for the information of members in the interest of cycling safety.

RIDE CAPTAIN
The Ride Captain is elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. The occupant of the position has a number of rights and responsibilities as outlined in the club rules. This requires the Ride Captain to plan and conduct each ride with particular emphasis on the welfare, comfort and safety of members. In the absence of the Ride Captain the committee will appoint an acting Ride Captain.

RIDE LEADER
Prior to each ride the Ride Captain will appoint a Ride Leader. All riders should be aware of the relationship and responsibility each one has to the Leader. Passing the Leader is regarded as unacceptable and even ill mannered, except on the rare occasion of some form of extreme circumstance and when climbing a long hill. In this case you must stop at the top of the hill and wait for the group to catch up. In the event of the Leader missing a turning all riders should continue to follow the Leader to avoid fragmenting the ride. When the Leader becomes aware of the mistake the ride can be halted and reformed in an orderly and safe manner.

STOPPING DURING A RIDE
When stopping during a ride give a stopping hand signal and/or call out “STOPPING” in a voice loud enough for the rider behind to hear you, (as it is not possible at times to give hand signals).

LEAVING THE RIDE
Riders who wish to leave the ride during its progress should not do so without notifying the Captain, the Tail End Charlie or Leader. This is a matter of common courtesy as well as common sense. Nobody wants to go looking for a rider who goes missing and is later found to be at home because no notification was given.

SAFETY DURING THE RIDE
Each member carries the responsibility for their own safety as well as that of other riders.

SAFETY ON CYCLE OR DUAL USE PATHWAYS (DUP)
The rule is that pedestrians have the right of way. Riders should ride in single file always keeping to the left. Obstacles such as signs and posts in the middle of the DUP’s should always be passed on the left. Riders behind should be warned by shouting, “POST” or some similar warning. Warnings should also be given for dangers such as holes, bumps or loose sand on DUP. A lookout should also be kept for other cyclists who often approach or pass at high speed. Warnings of “BIKE UP” or “BIKE FRONT” for cyclists approaching from the front and “BIKE BACK” for cyclists passing from the rear.

SAFETY ON ROADWAYS
Riders must obey the traffic code at all times. For instance the stop sign relates to cyclists as it does to motorists and not stopping carries the same penalty. When riding on roads try to keep to groups of 5 riders with at least 50 metres between the groups. (This is to help allow traffic to pass safely.) When riding in groups a gap of 1 bike length between each rider will apply at speeds up to 10KPH and increase by 1 bike length for every 10KPH over 10KPH (this means that if you are travelling at 15KPH you will have a gap of at least 1  bike lengths between you and the bike in front of you.) It is legal to ride two abreast, but on major highways or under the Ride Leaders instruction, single file will be observed. In all cases where there is a double white line marked, single file will be adhered to. Particular care should be taken when turning right and when crossing a main road. If necessary stop and walk across.

TRAFFIC CODE
Members are expected to make themselves aware of and obey the current Road Traffic Code at all
times.

BICYCLES
At all times responsibility for the condition and safety of a bicycle rest solely with the rider. However, for the purpose of participation in the club’s rides, effective front and rear brakes shall be fitted. If the Ride Captain deems a bike unsafe the rider shall not be able to participate on that bike in the Club ride.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Light or bright colour clothing shall be worn if you haven’t got Club colours. Suitable shoes shall be worn whilst cycling. Bare feet, thongs, scuffs, etc. are dangerous and unacceptable. Particular attention to shoe laces is advised, they shall be tied to prevent entanglement in the chain. Radios, Earphones or any other device or clothing which may interfere with hearing or sight shall not be worn or carried.
Members are expected to carry their own adequate supply of tools and spare parts (minimum 1 spare tube) and to make their own provision for sufficient food and drink (minimum 1L water) for the duration of the ride. Members are required to wear protective headgear when riding.

ALCOHOL
No alcohol shall be consumed for the duration of the ride.

CONDUCT
a) Members shall show respect towards all individuals and their property.
b) Members shall obey all rules applying to accommodation used by the club.
c) Any member, who, because of his/her misconduct or medical condition, places any other rider in
danger, may be expelled from the ride. In extreme cases his/her actions or condition may provide grounds for termination of his/her membership.

Footnote: – Reference, Cycle Club Riding Safety Bylaws_31 July 2017