Kildorrery Cycling Club  Code of Conduct

 

This code of conduct is devised for the safety and benefit of Kildorrery Cycling Club (KCC) and its members. It outlines the minimum standards expected on all runs. If in doubt, consult your ride leader or any committee member.

Although we operate informal runs, we also have a duty to show good conduct to the general public while out on rides.  It is your own responsibility to select a ride that you are capable of completing.

The group leader of the day decides where the destination is and the route to be taken.  The rules of the road must be obeyed and the Highway Code should be followed at all times.


 Ride basics

Courteous, responsible, non-aggressive and safe cycling in a group is important in order to gain respect and improve cooperation with all road users when sharing our busy roads.

Members on club runs and those participating in events and representing the club are asked to adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Obey the laws of the road – including traffic lights and no entry signs.
  • Respect other road users – be courteous and anticipate mistakes.
  • Be predictable and always indicate your intention – Use hand signals.
  • Ride two abreast – but be courteous; when the road narrows single out to allow traffic behind to pass safely
  • Avoid any sudden braking or change in direction – otherwise this could course an accident behind you.
  • Ride at a constant pace; keep a steady pace at all times.
  • Ride with your head up; be aware of what’s going on around you.
  • Follow the instructions of the ride leader

Preparation for a club run

All club members experienced or not, are expected to have prepared for the club run

Specifically, your bike must be in good condition with gears and brakes in full working orders, tyres pumped up and checked.

Riders must carry a pump, spare inner tubes, multi-tool, drinks, food, money, a mobile phone & emergency contact details

Helmets MUST be worn and be in good condition.

It is recommended that all bikes are fitted with mudguards during the winter months of October to March and in wet weather.

 

Guiding Principles

Club runs are not races and members are expected to treat them appropriately.

When riding as a club we must:

  • behave in a manner that represents Kildorrery Cycling Club  in a good light
  • act for our own safety and well-being
  • respect our fellow club members.
  • Riders are responsible for their own health and safety at all times.

 

Respecting the Rules of the Road

All riders must adhere to the rules of the road.  Disregard for the Highway Code and behavior that endangers yourself or others will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action by the committee.

  • Bikes should be in a road-worthy condition before attempting to participate in any club run.  Club members are responsible for their own bikes and any spares required.
  • Bikes must be fitted with lights.
  • Riders are expected to participate at their right level of fitness
  • Bright and suitably protective clothing should be worn on all club runs
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket to be carried on all rides.
  • It is compulsory for all members to wear helmets
  • The Highway Code must be followed whenever cycling on public highways – especially give way to pedestrians and stop at red lights!
  • Members are responsible for their own actions and must show a duty of care to other cyclists with the group.

Ride Discipline

  • Riders should ride no more than two abreast unless overtaking.
  • Be aware of riders behind you. Try to ride smoothly and do not brake without warning if it can be avoided.
  • Shout warnings and signal to other riders if there is a danger in the road.
  • Groups should allow appropriate gaps in traffic and slow to allow enough time for the entire group to negotiate obstacles.
  • Should the group be split, riders should slow down or find a safe place to stop and reform before proceeding.
  • The group should always stop and assist any of its riders suffering from mechanical or physical problems.
  • The group should always wait for the last rider, unless the rider has requested to be left, or an agreement made with everyone’s consent, that the group will not wait for dropped riders.
  • No rider should leave the group without first notifying other riders, preferably the ride leader.

 

Ride Leader

The ride leader is the official representative of the club and his or her instructions should be followed. The ride leader must be a club member and will endeavor to ensure that the ride is conducted in a safe and well organised fashion.  All riders must assist the leader in this duty.

 

Dealing with Mechanical Problems

To ensure that mechanical problems are minimised, riders must keep their bikes in a roadworthy condition.  A tool kit should be carried that includes, at the very least, the following:

  • pump or other way of inflating tyres
  • spare inner tubes
  • puncture repair kit
  • two tyre levers
  • allen keys or multihead spanner

If you are not confident of finishing the ride or your bike has a mechanical problem, let other riders know as soon as possible. The ride leader and the group will do all they can to assist you, but they can only do so if they are aware of your problem.  The group will be supportive.

 

Dealing with Accidents & Injuries

The club does not provide first aid cover or medical support for riders on club runs. In the event of an accident, the ride leader and the group will do all they can to assist any rider who has suffered injury.

Riders who have pre-existing medical conditions that require special treatment must take precautions to ensure that information about their condition can be easily found by the emergency services or other medical professionals in the aftermath of an accident or the onset of the medical condition.