Risk Assessment

• Club officers review custom routes and amend dangerous sections.
• Routes are assessed, evaluated, and approved before being added to the club library.
• Ride Captains inspect routes for temporary hazards before rides.
• Alternative routes are prepared for adverse conditions.

Further Action:

• Regular update of route library based on member feedback.
• Seasonal review of routes to account for changing conditions.

• 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 5.2, which emphasises safety and risk management, including carrying basic repair equipment.

• 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 3.6, which specifies using a road bike in safe, working condition for all club rides.

Further Action:

• Periodic bike maintenance workshops for members.
• Ride Captains to monitor obvious defects before rides.

• Dress appropriately for the weather, including waterproof and high-visibility clothing, aligning with Club Rule 4, which outlines clothing requirements.
• Helmets (Rule 5.1) are mandatory for safety.

• 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 3.5, which requires carrying appropriate identification and emergency contact details.

• Know the ride distance beforehand.
• Carry sufficient food/drink for the ride, in line with Club Rule 3.7, which emphasises making independent decisions about safety.

• Assess your fitness for the ride's distance/pace.
• Don't ride if unwell.
• Inform a Ride Captain if feeling unwell during the ride, adhering to Club Rule 2.5, which requires confirmation of no medical conditions preventing safe participation.

• Groups limited to no more than 12 riders, split by group ability.
• New riders to identify themselves for a 'ride buddy' allocation.
• This aligns with Club Rule 3.2, which emphasises following the guidance of ride captains.

• Demo riders must introduce themselves to a Ride Captain.
• Demo riders need to acknowledge the Risk Assessment before participating.
• This is in accordance with Club Rule 1, which outlines acceptance of rules and policies for participating in club activities.

Further Action:

• Assign experienced riders to accompany demo riders.
• Provide demo riders with club rules summary.

• Ride Captains to conduct a pre-ride briefing covering route, stops, duration, hazards, and weather, as per Club Rule 11, which requires following planned routes and group riding guidelines.

Further Action:

• Standardized briefing format for all Ride Captains.
• Distribution of route maps to all participants when possible.

• Maintain proper bike maintenance.
• Follow group ride calls and hand signals.
• Ride smoothly and consistently, in alignment with Club Rule 3.4, which requires maintaining bicycles in a roadworthy condition.

Further Action:

• Bike handling skills training sessions.
• Avoid overlapping wheels.
• Maintain consistent spacing within the group.

• 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 5.4, which requires following the Highway Code and local traffic laws.
• Call out hazards to riders behind.
• Maintain appropriate distance from the rider in front to allow reaction time.

• Pay attention to road surfaces.
• Only ride at a competent speed, especially on descents.
• This aligns with Club Rule 5.7, which emphasises recognising and reacting appropriately to road hazards.

Further Action:

• Experienced Ride Captains lead on technical descents.
• Additional caution in wet conditions.
• Bike handling skills development.

• Follow Highway Code at all times.
• Ride no more than two abreast, single out when appropriate.
• Use appropriate hand signals at junctions.
• High-visibility clothing in low light conditions.

Further Action:

• Route planning to avoid busy roads where possible.
• Road positioning training.

• 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 5.3 on appropriate insurance coverage.

• Keep bikes in sight during stops.
• Use quality locks.
• At extended stops, such as café visits, ensure bikes are locked to an immovable object or other bikes.

• Choose safe stopping places, avoiding road junctions, bends, and other hazards.
• Warn riders before stopping, keeping the carriageway clear.
• This aligns with Club Rule 3.1, which requires participating in club activities in a safe and responsible manner.

• Warn horse riders of your approach by verbal communication, and pass by slowly, adhering to Club Rule 7.1 on treating others with respect and dignity.

• Reduce speed on trails, be aware of debris, loose surfaces, and wildlife.
• Give extra time for warning to dog walkers, as per Club Rule 5.7 on recognising and reacting appropriately to hazards.

• 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.
• This follows Club Rule 12 on emergency procedures.

Further Action:

• First aid training for Ride Captains.
• Designated emergency contact person for each ride.