WEST BROM CYCLING CLUB -  CYCLING CODE OF CONDUCT

 

 

 

Sunday Rides – Group Riding

These are meant to be group rides not races, the speed of which will vary according to the mixture of abilities on each Sunday, terrain and weather conditions.

Riders insisting in riding off the front do so at the risk of getting lost. Whereby the group does become broken up, it must regroup at the earliest opportunity, and always before a turning is made.

 

Bike, tools, clothing and food

  1. Ensure your bike is roadworthy and the correct size for you.
  2. Ensure you are familiar with your bike and know how to use it correctly. I.e. brakes, gears, steering, etc.
  3. Ensure you have working lights when riding in dim or dark conditions.
  4. You are responsible for carrying your own tools and waterproof – The minimum you should carry is detailed in the runs list.
  5. Even though a café stop is normally scheduled on each ride you are advised to carry a drink and some food.

 

Group riding – the calls / signals

These are called out or indicated by the front riders and passed back through the group or from the back riders forwards through the group.

It is important that you heed the warning / instruction and pass it through the group to other riders.

  1. ‘Left’,  ‘Right’ or ‘Straight On’ – These indicate a turn being taken, or a direction at a junction / Island.
    Remember a turn involves slowing down – pay attention to the speed of the riders in front.
  2. ‘Easy’ or ‘Stopping’ – These are a warning to slow down (Easy) or stop (Stopping) because there is a junction, obstruction or a rider needs to stop for some reason.
  3. ‘On the Left’ or ‘On the Right’ – These indicate an obstruction or debris on the left (or Right).
  4. ‘Pot Hole’ , ‘Hole’, ‘Crater’, ‘Drain’, ‘Glass’ or ‘Thorns’ – These all indicate obstacles which may cause punctures or damage to your bike.
    The rider that calls the signal will also point to them (if possible) so you know where to avoid.
  5. ‘Car Up’ This means a car is approaching from behind. This is normally called out on narrow rides, where it is difficult to pass.
    This call may be altered to indicate several vehicles or Lorry, tractor, etc as opposed to a car. 
    It may be followed by ‘Coming Through’ Which means  the vehicle is going to pass the group of riders – prepare to move in, allowing the driver enough room to pass.
  6. ‘Car Down’ – same as no.5 but the car is approaching from the opposite direction i.e. coming towards the front of the group.
  7. ‘Single File’ – these means do not ride more than one a breast.
  8. ‘Horses’ – Warning of horses ahead, slow down and give them as much room as possible when you pass.

 

Formations / Manoeuvres

  1. Pulling out – Always check that the road is clear first.
  2. Single File / 2 a breast – There is no easy way to explain when it is safe to ride 2 a breast.
    When riding with the club observe when the rest of the group ride single file and follow suit. Other members will advise you to get in single file if necessary.
  3. Turning – If riding 2 a breast, do not cut across another rider when turning right or left. Ensure they are turning first and then

alongside them.

  1. Stopping / Slowing down -  Do not stop / slow down without warning riders behind. If you do not make the call then they may not react in time to avoid a collision.
    When stopped do not cause an obstruction to other road users.
  2. Keeping your line  - Try to ride in a straight line not wandering across the road.
    When taking bends try to keep the same position on the width of the road, otherwise you may collide with a rider about to come alongside you.
  3. Overtaking – Ensure you have enough time to overtake vehicles or riders before meeting oncoming traffic. If you have to swerve in suddenly you may cause a collision.
    If overtaking other riders on a narrow road warn them that you are ‘Coming Through’ and where ‘On the Right’.
    Alternative calls to the riders in front are ‘Inside’ and ‘Outside’, these warn that you are going to overtake and where.
    Always check over your shoulder before overtaking for other traffic, and do not cut up the rider you overtake.
  4. On the move activities  - Experienced riders will perform various activities whilst cycling – i.e. taking a drink. Do not attempt anything you are not competent at – if in doubt stop.
    Remember there are times such as descending and approaching junctions when your full attention is needed to handle your bike safely.
    Never try to adjust anything on your bike whilst on the move. Riding ‘No handed’ is not condoned by the club.

 

Membership

New members are always welcome to ride with the club, may do so but must become a member of the CTC organisation after 5 ‘outings’ with the club.

 

The Highway code

All riders must comply with the Highway Code; this is a legal requirement not just a club requirement.
Bad practices such as riding through red lights, negotiating traffic islands anti-clockwise, and riding too far out are not acceptable.

 

Conduct to other road users

Verbal abuse to other road users does nothing to help the club or cyclists in general. Despite it being frustrating at times members are requested to refrain from this and hold there temper.

 

Complaints / Problems

If a problem occurs during a ride it should be addressed to the runs leader, (However the runs leader has the final say on the day).
Anybody wishing to lodge a complaint regarding a run, runs leader or the club should do so to the President at the earliest opportunity.

 

Participants in W.B.C.T.C. rides must abide by this cycling code of conduct, persistent failure to do so will result in expulsion from the club.

 

Created 27/01/04