Our Club Rules

1. Membership Eligibility and Conduct

• 1.1 Age Requirement: Membership is open exclusively to individuals who have reached at least 18 years of age, ensuring participants are of legal adult age, capable of understanding and adhering to club rules and safety guidelines.
• 1.2 Trial Participation: Prospective members are granted the opportunity to partake in up to two trial rides, allowing them to experience the club environment and activities before committing to a membership.
• 1.3 Subscription Requirement: Active membership within the club necessitates the payment of an annual subscription fee, which is a prerequisite for participating in all Club-related activities, including Social Rides, Track events, and Racing events.

2. Apparel and Safety Equipment

• 2.1 Club Kit: All members are required to wear the official Surrey Cycling Club Jersey or Gilet during all Club-sanctioned rides, Trips, Track, or Racing events. A three-month grace period is provided to new members for acquiring these items. In cases of Social rides or inclement weather, personal comfort and safety are prioritised, allowing for flexibility in apparel.
• 2.2 Helmet Policy: Helmets are mandatory for every ride organised by the club, with no exceptions. This rule is crucial for the safety of all participants.
• 2.3 Visibility and Safety: Front and rear lighting on bikes are mandatory for all rides to ensure rider safety, especially under low visibility conditions. The use of winter tires or wider tires is recommended during colder months for better grip and stability.

3. Ride Organisation and Etiquette

• 3.1 Meeting Point Compliance: Members must arrive at the designated starting point of each ride for necessary pre-ride briefings. Joining a ride midway is not permitted, to ensure that all riders are equally informed and prepared.
• 3.2 Group Size Limit: The number of riders in any group is limited to eight to maintain safety and ride quality. Larger groups will be divided, with additional leaders for each subgroup.
• 3.3 Headphones Prohibition: The use of headphones during rides is strictly prohibited to maintain safety and auditory awareness.
• 3.4 Traffic Law Adherence: All members must strictly adhere to the Highway Code for the safety of both riders and the public.

4. Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing

• 4.1 Health Self-Assessment: Participation in rides is only advised when in good health. Members feeling unwell should prioritize their well-being and join subsequent rides when better.
• 4.2 Emergency Information: Members should carry emergency contact information on all rides, or provide it to the ride leader before setting off, for use in emergencies.
• 4.3 Personal Safety Responsibility: Members are individually responsible for their own safety and wellbeing and should understand their physical limits for group cycling.
• 4.4 Fitness Requirement: Members should be physically and mentally fit for cycling activities and are advised to seek medical advice if there is any doubt regarding their fitness levels.
• 4.5 Medical Conditions Notification: Members with medical conditions are recommended to wear medical identification and to inform ride leaders of their condition for appropriate care during club activities.

5. Group Riding Standards

• 5.1 Pacing and Group Selection: Members are encouraged to choose a group that matches their comfort and pace. If a group's pace is too fast, members should communicate with the ride leader to find a more suitable group.
• 5.2 Cornering and Hazards: Members should exercise caution in cornering and navigating potential hazards like slick surfaces, manholes, and wet leaves for safety.

6. Member Conduct and Responsibilities

• 6.1 Community Support: Members are expected to support and welcome less-experienced riders, sharing knowledge of group riding techniques.
• 6.2 Non-Drop Policy Compliance: Members should familiarise themselves with the club's "non-drop" policy, which is available on the club's website and Strava page.
• 6.3 Litter Policy: Littering during rides is strictly prohibited. Members are expected to respect the environment and dispose of waste responsibly.
• 6.4 Behaviour Standards: Members are required to maintain conduct that does not compromise the club's reputation, with inappropriate behaviour leading to potential disciplinary action, including membership termination.

7. Equipment and Nutrition Requirements

• 7.1 Bike Type Specification: The club primarily focuses on road cycling, hence only road bikes are allowed during Club rides, except for special events as specified on the club's Strava page. Other bike types like gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, or electric bikes are not permitted unless explicitly stated.
• 7.2 Mandatory Toolkit: Each rider is required to carry a toolkit that includes a pump, spare tube, and tyre levers. This is essential for addressing minor mechanical issues during rides.
• 7.3 Hydration and Nutrition: Riders are required to carry at least one bottle of water and snacks or energy gels to maintain hydration and energy levels throughout the ride.

8. Legal Acknowledgements

• 8.1 Risk Acceptance: Members acknowledge and accept the inherent risks involved in cycling, assuming full responsibility for their personal safety and equipment.
• 8.2 Liability Waiver: Members agree that Surrey Cycling Club, its Administrators, Officers, Organisers and Ride Leaders are not liable for any personal accidents or losses that occur during club activities.
• 8.3 Media Use Consent: Members consent to the use of their images captured during club activities for promotional purposes, without individual permission.

9. Membership Affirmation

• 9.1 Rules Agreement: By submitting the registration form, or through ongoing participation in our club activities, you, as a member, confirm that you have thoroughly read, understood, and agree to consistently abide by all of the club's rules, terms, and conditions at all times.

10. Additional Opportunities and Policies

• 10.1 Leadership Invitations: Members may be invited to take up the role of Ride Leaders, subject to meeting certain criteria and training.
• 10.2 Kit Buy-Back Scheme: The club offers a buy-back credit for club tops, subject to their condition, as part of its sustainability efforts.

11. Amendments to Club Rules

• 11.1 Right to Amend: The Surrey Cycling Club reserves the right to amend, change, and update the club rules at any time. It is the responsibility of all members to regularly review, read, and acknowledge any such updates. Continued participation in club activities following any amendments implies acceptance of the new terms.