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Risk Assessment Introduction
This Risk Assessment applies to all club group rides, including Saturday main club rides, Sunday social rides, organised events, training rides, and mid-week social rides.
The aim is to manage and mitigate risks for all participants - experienced members, new members, young persons, and non-members. It underscores the club's commitment to safety and the ethos of looking out for one another.
Understanding Risks:
- Hazard: A potential source of harm.
- Risk: The likelihood of encountering the hazard.
Using a grid system, we classify risks as LOW MEDIUM HIGH. Control measures are then devised to reduce or eliminate these risks, leaving us with the residual risk.
Duties of Care: Committee Members and Ride Leaders have responsibilities to minimise foreseeable risks of injury. This includes implementing and communicating risk assessments and ensuring safe conduct of rides. Members also bear a duty of care towards themselves, fellow riders, and the public.
Conclusion: Safety is a shared responsibility, grounded in reasonable actions and precautions. Respect for Ride Leaders and adherence to guidelines is crucial. We encourage members to familiarise themselves with this document and obtain appropriate third-party insurance. Remember, participation in group activities is at your own risk.
Prepared by: Rafal
Checked by: Eugene
Reviewed on: November 2023
Next review: November 2024
#1
Activity PRE-RIDE
Hazard EQUIPMENT
Type BREAKDOWN STRANDED
Responsible RIDER
Who is at Risk RIDER PUBLIC
Residual Risk LOW
Level LOW
Control Measures:
Riders must carry a basic toolkit, including a method for tyre inflation, at least one inner tube (two recommended), tyre levers, a chain splitter, mobile phone, and money/cash card. This is in accordance with Club Rule 7.2, which mandates a mandatory toolkit for addressing minor mechanical issues.
#2
Activity PRE-RIDE
Hazard EQUIPMENT
Type CONDITIONS ACCIDENTS
Responsible RIDER
Who is at Risk RIDER PUBLIC
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Bikes must be roadworthy as per gov.uk regulations. Conduct pre-ride checks on brakes, frame, steering, pedals/cleats, wheels, and tyres. Tri-bars are prohibited, aligning with Club Rule 7.1's specification on permissible bike types.
#3
Activity PRE-RIDE
Hazard EQUIPMENT
Type CLOTHING COMFORT SAFETY
Responsible RIDER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Dress appropriately for the weather, including waterproof and high-visibility clothing, aligning with Club Rule 2.3 on visibility and safety. Helmets (Rule 2.2) and eye protection are mandatory for safety.
#4
Activity PRE-RIDE
Hazard EQUIPMENT
Type STRANDED COMMUNICATION LOST
Responsible RIDER RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Carry a mobile phone or money for public phone use. Have ICE numbers in your phone. Carry key medical information on your person, but do not share it with the club. Stay familiar with the route, as per Rule 4.3, which emphasises personal safety responsibility.
#5
Activity PRE-RIDE
Hazard EQUIPMENT
Type FOOD / DRINK
Responsible RIDER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Know the ride distance beforehand. Carry sufficient food/drink for the ride, in line with Club Rule 7.3 on hydration and nutrition requirements.
#6
Activity PRE-RIDE
Hazard PREPERATION
Type HEALTH
Responsible RIDER RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Assess your fitness for the ride's distance/pace. Don't ride if unwell. Inform a Ride Leader if feeling unwell during the ride, adhering to Club Rule 4.1 on health self-assessment.
#7
Activity PRE-RIDE
Hazard GROUP SIZE
Type ACCIDENTS
Responsible RIDER RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk RIDER PUBLIC
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Groups limited to 8x riders, split by group ability. New riders to identify themselves for a 'ride buddy' allocation. This aligns with Club Rule 3.2 on group size limit.
#8
Activity PRE-RIDE
Hazard NEW / DEMO RIDERS
Type ACCIDENTS
Responsible RIDER RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk RIDER PUBLIC
Residual Risk MEDIUM
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Demo/new riders must introduce themselves to a Ride Leader. Beginners and under-18s need to acknowledge the Risk Assessment. This is in accordance with Club Rule 1.2 on trial participation.
#9
Activity PRE-RIDE
Hazard COMMUNICATION
Type -
Responsible RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk MEDIUM
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Ride Leaders to conduct a pre-ride briefing covering route, stops, duration, hazards, and weather, as per Club Rule 3.1 on meeting point compliance.
#10
Activity RIDE
Hazard ACCIDENT
Type EACH OTHER
Responsible RIDER RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Maintain cycle maintenance. Follow group ride calls and hand signals. Ride smoothly and consistently, in alignment with Club Rule 5.2 on cornering and hazards.
#11
Activity RIDE
Hazard ACCIDENT
Type -
Responsible RIDER
Who is at Risk RIDER PUBLIC
Residual Risk MEDIUM
Level HIGH
Control Measures:
Follow the Road Traffic Act and Highway Code. Use front and rear lights in poor visibility. Perform Dynamic Risk Assessments (DRAs), in line with Club Rule 4.3 on personal safety responsibility.
#12
Activity RIDE
Hazard ACCIDENT
Type FALLING OFF
Responsible RIDER RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Pay attention to road surfaces. Only ride at a competent speed, especially on descents. This aligns with Club Rule 5.2 on navigating potential hazards.
#13
Activity RIDE
Hazard 3RD PARTY CLAIM
Type -
Responsible RIDER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level LOW
Control Measures:
Recommend insurance for 3rd party claims, e.g. British Cycling or Cycling UK, or via one of our Partners such as Sundays Insurance as per Club Rule 8.1 on risk acceptance.
#14
Activity RIDE
Hazard THEFT
Type -
Responsible RIDER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Keep bikes in sight during stops. Use quality locks, in accordance with Club Rule 7.2 on the requirement of carrying a toolkit, which indirectly promotes the safety and security of the bike. At extended stops, such as café visits, ensure bikes are locked to an immovable object or other bikes.
#15
Activity RIDE
Hazard STOPPING
Type -
Responsible -
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Choose safe stopping places, avoiding road junctions, bends, and other hazards. Warn riders before stopping, keeping the carriageway clear. This aligns with Club Rule 5.2 regarding safe navigation.
#16
Activity RIDE
Hazard HORSE
Type -
Responsible -
Who is at Risk HORSE RIDER RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Warn horse riders of your approach by verbal communication, and pass by slowly, adhering to Club Rule 6.1 on community support and safety.
#17
Activity RIDE
Hazard TRAILS
Type -
Responsible RIDER RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk PUBLIC RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
Reduce speed on trails, be aware of debris, loose surfaces, and wildlife. Give extra time for warning to dog walkers, as per Club Rule 5.2 on caution in navigating hazards.
#18
Activity RIDE
Hazard ACCIDENT
Type -
Responsible RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk RIDER
Residual Risk LOW
Level MEDIUM
Control Measures:
In an accident, move the group off the road and control traffic if required. Administer first aid and contact emergency services if necessary. Stay with the injured cyclist until help arrives. Assist in filling an accident report form.
#19
Activity POST-RIDE
Hazard -
Type -
Responsible RIDE LEADER
Who is at Risk -
Residual Risk -
Level -
Control Measures:
Conduct a ride debrief to discuss any issues, concerns, and positive aspects. Report any accidents, near misses, or other notable events to the Ride Leader or committee members.
Ride Cancellation Chart
| # | Question | Answer: YES | Answer: NO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Is there an potential threat to life due to severe weather conditions? | Cancel the ride | Move to next question (2) |
| 2 | Is the assigned leader willing to proceed given the current conditions? | Move to question 4 | Move to next question (3) |
| 3 | Is there a replacement leader available who is willing to proceed under the current conditions? | Move to question 4 | Cancel the ride |
| 4 | Is the planned route still safe to continue in these conditions? | Continue with the ride | Move to next question (5) |
| 5 | Can we change to a safer, flatter route (like Velolife, Windsor, etc.)? | Continue with the ride on the alternative route | Cancel the ride |
