CLUB RIDE GUIDELINES

We are always looking for ways to make RLSCC even better and you, our members, have suggested various things we can do to improve ride organisation, communication and execution. These Club Ride Guidelines are designed to help keep our members safe and ensure rides are enjoyable for everyone.

RIDE INFORMATION

All official schedule or led club rides are advertised through one or more of the following channels:

The RLSCC web site - typically on the Club Calendar.
RLSCC WhatsApp Community channels - either in the appropriate WhatsApp group for the ride type or on the General channel. Details of pace, distance, difficulty and route should be included.
Facebook - in the RLSCC Members Facebook group. Planned pace, distance, difficulty and route should be included. Where possible, this will be post at least 2 days before the ride. A "teaser" for the ride may also be posted on the Friends of RLSCC Facebook group; for Beginner/Introductory or other "open" (non-member) rides should include sufficient detail for guests to determine if the ride will suit their ability.

ADVERSE WEATHER POLICY

In the event of a Met Office Red or Amber weather warning OR where the outside temperature is 3°C or less, all club rides will be cancelled. Members may choose to continue to ride at their own risk but any planned club-sanctioned rides will not go ahead. This applies to all disciplines.

EQUIPMENT AND BASICS RIDE GUIDELINES

A helmet is to be used by all participants on club rides – no exceptions.

All riders must ensure their bike is in good, safe, working order and appropriate to the ride they are joining. We also recommend the following:

Suitable lights for all rides conducted during low light and/or darkness (particular when visibility may change during the ride).
Mudguards for wet weather or damp road rides to save fellow club members being inconvenienced.

Group rides will typically start with a short briefing by the organiser. This will cover a basic safety check, confirmation of the route, organisation of groups (if needed) and any other appropriate information. If you're new to group riding, let them know so they can provide additional guidance and do not hesitate to ask questions.

Key things to remember during any RLSCC group ride are:

Effective communication (both hand signals and verbal) - ensuring everyone is aware of hazards such as holes, unexpected loose surfaces, cars, pedestrians, etc.
Managing pace - avoiding half-wheeling, keeping the group together, and shout early if the pace is too high.
Last rider is key - always be aware of the group and communicate required pace changes to riders in front so riders do not get dropped (for "drop-rides", e.g. the Bash, the nature of the ride should be clearly communicated before the ride starts).

RIDE ETIQUETTE

Riders must not put others at risk and are expected to adhere to the the highway code, the laws of the road, and good trail etiquette at all time. Courtesy and respect must be shown to other rides and members of the general public at all times. Set a good example for others and represent the Club, and wider cycling community, in the best light. No Strava segment, technical run, or similar is worth causing an accident or injury. Remember: it's just a bike ride.

These principles apply to any ride organised by RLSCC Members through Club channels; including ad-hoc, and one-off, informal rides. Anyone who repeatedly puts any other riders at risk and does not demonstrate the Club’s Values will be spoken to by the Ride Leader or organiser and/or reported to the RLSCC Committee for follow-up action.

NOTES ON GROUP RIDING

Attendance at rides can vary, sometimes making the potential group sizes, and range of abilities, quite large. This can is difficult to negotiate for Ride Leaders as well as other road users. It is suggested that groups on the road are kept to between 6-8 in number with 10 as the maximum.

For off-road rides most of the route will be off-road and bigger groups may rider together. However, when sections of busy road need navigating, split into smaller groups with gaps between each to allow cars to pass safely.

For led rides, the Ride Leader(s) will make decisions with the safety of the whole group in mind. This includes exercising their discretion in determining both group size and composition. Their decision in this regard will be final and must be respected.

Everyone on the ride also plays an important part in ensuring the ride is safe and enjoyable. With this in mind, when joining an RLSCC group ride:

Do not do anything that puts others at risk and consider those riding with you (e.g. stop at a junction if in doubt about gaps in traffic, yield on corners if not clear, etc).
Ensure everyone in the group is aware of the nature of the ride and comfortable with arrangements (e.g. is the ride non-group; regular regroups at junctions or hill tops; pace-line, chain-gang or regular group; etc).
Split groups between rider ability or preference (e.g. speed, distance, technical ability).
If running multiple groups, stagger starts so they do not all leave at the same time and maintain gaps between them large enough to allow safe passing by other vehicles.
Adjust group formation as appropriate to the groups ability, road type and conditions (e.g. switching from riding two abreast on wider roads to single file on narrower lanes, and keeping the group compact to avoid spreading out).
Be aware of other road traffic or trail users, moving appropriately and considerately to allow safe passing.

It goes without saying that as cyclists, we understand the need to look out for, and protect, more vulnerable road users at all times. Make sure you announce your presence (use a bell or call out a greeting) especially if approaching from behind. In particular keep in mind the following road and trail users you may encounter on a ride:

Horse riders - call a greeting from a distance, slow down, give plenty of room. Covering any flashing front lights can also help if approaching from the front.
Joggers - be mindful that headphones may be in use and a louder signal may be needed.
Walkers - if approaching a walking group they may be engrossed in conversation so a louder greeting may be in order.
Other cyclists - give space when passing (in either direction) and don't forget to say "hello".

The most important thing to remember is: use common sense and look after each other. Respect your Ride Leader or organiser's decisions at the start of the ride and support them where needed. Riding with the Club is, first and foremost, about fun, community and enjoying our bikes together safely.

These guidelines will be reviewed at regular intervals and are subject to change at discretion of the RLSCC committee.