CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RIDING
Safety is paramount to the enjoyment of cycling. Awareness and Consideration are key to ensuring an environment that is safe and fun. It is the responsibility of each individual to practise safety in respect of their own actions, as well as their conduct regarding other cyclists, motorists and people on the roads.
As Members of Cycle Lab Supercycling Club you are required to undertake to follow this code.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
HELMET: must be worn on all rides.
MITTS or GLOVES – are important protective gear.
LIGHTS: (both front and rear) – must be utilised whenever riding in the dark. Be visible to oncoming cars.
REFLECTORS: (belts or ankles) – must also be worn in such a way that they are visible to traffic.
ROAD WORTHINESS: bicycles and equipment must be maintained.
CELL PHONE: should be carried for safety in the event of a breakdown, crash or becoming lost etc. Please do not answer a cell phone when riding.
RIDING ETIQUETTE & CONDUCT
BE PREDICTABLE: Ride in a consistent manner – keep a line.
INDICATE: Before making a move.
CALL OUT HAZARDS: The rider in front is responsible for the group following and should indicate all hazards on the road.
KEEP AN EVEN PACE: Do not brake or slow down unexpectedly – be aware that there is a compounding effect in the following pack.
STAND WITHOUT DROPPING BACK : Call before standing out of the saddle and maintain your speed.
DO NOT HIT THE BRAKES: Look ahead and anticipate.
KEEP ADEQUATE DISTANCE TO AVOID OVERLAPPING: Be defensive to avoid being brought down.
OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD: Conduct one’s self with the same consideration as one would expect from any other road user, particularly motorists. Aggressive gestures and behaviour by cyclists will alienate motorists and is likely to lead to endangering other cyclists.
STOP AT ALL TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND MAJOR INTERSECTIONS: Especially where one’s route crosses over an intersection & there is a group of riders following.
DO NOT HOLD UP FOLLOWING TRAFFIC: Where ever this practical – i.e. single file on single lane roads where motor vehicles are frequently coming past and treat this as a neutral zone. Double file is ok where there is a double lane and preferably a tarred verge. NO STOPPING IN THE ROAD.
CITING DANGEROUS PEOPLE: Report to the Club Committee any incidents with motorists or cyclists where their actions endangered cyclists and where they were transgressing any road laws – provide facts and details i.e. dates, registration numbers, motor description, witnesses etc. The Club or GPPA will trace the motorist and attempt to positively influence them to take more care – a database will be maintained so that more stringent action could be taken in the future e.g. legal proceedings.
ORGANISATION & SUPPORT
RIDE CAPTAIN:
Must be appointed or elected for each group ride. They will be responsible to ensure that good order and safety is maintained. This could mean stopping for stragglers or accidents or ensuring someone/s go back to assist with puncture or breakdown. Every Club member must adhere to his or her direction and decision during the ride.
MARSHAL:
Will be in attendance on Saturday Club rides to provide back up and support. He should ensure that there is a Ride Captain. Contact is available by dialling 084 LAB CLUB The car will carry a First-aid Kit, tubes etc. It will also be prominently signed warning of a cycle ride in progress and will have flashing hazard lights.
GROUPING:
It is preferable that cyclists of equal ability and fitness ride together. The Ride Captain will ensure that the bunches are manageable. It is important to choose a group where one is comfortable & with one’s capability.
“A” & “B” GROUPS:
Are generally the ‘racing’ bunches and will not be expected to hold back for anyone who cannot keep up.
“C” & “D” GROUPS:
Are geared towards our social riders. These groups should stay together and collect stragglers by stopping or slowing from time to time.
NOVICES:
Are beginners who require assistance with bike handling and riding skills. The ride marshal will keep in close contact and regroup regularly.
BUDDY SYSTEM:
Find a friend or club member who will stop with you if you have a breakdown. You cannot expect the whole group to interrupt their ride.
OUT AND BACK RIDES :
These are intended to ensure that people are not “abandoned” who drop off or have a puncture. Circular or destination routes obviously require care to be taken that people are not simply left – particularly, where it may be unsafe for an individual.
If you find that any group is too fast/slow for you then continue for that morning and change groups on the following ride.
WE STRIVE TO PROVIDE AN ENJOYABLE AND SAFE CYCLING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR MEMBERS AS WELL AS GREATER CYCLING FRATERNITY OF GAUTENG & SOUTH AFRICA. WE ENDEAVOUR TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND WE RELY ON EACH OF OUR MEMBERS TO TAKE INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY TO THIS END.
MEDIBANDS
Obtain your Medi Band from your club secretary once you have joined the club
Happy safe cycling!