Blaydon Cycle Club - General Risk Assessment
Created: March 2015
Updated: March 2015
Introduction:
THE PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT IS TO HIGHLIGHT ANY RISKS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED WHILST TAKING PART IN BLAYDON CYCLE CLUB (THE CLUB) ACTIVITIES. RISKS INCLUDED ARE NON EXHAUSTIVE AND WE CAN NOT COVER NOR PREDICT FOR EVERY EVENTUALITY. THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PERSONAL SAFETY AND WELLBEING IS WITH THE INDIVIDUAL RIDER / CLUB MEMBER / GUEST OF THE CLUB. CYCLING ACTIVITIES WITH THE CLUB ARE UNDERTAKEN AT THE INDIVIDUALS OWN RISK. AND BY ATTENDING AN EVENT THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE FOLLOWING.
Club Ride & Event Objectives -
The event organiser aims to organise regular challenges, club rides, and other cycle sport events safely, The Club aims to highlight potential risks and remind the riders of good cycling practice - The rider should make all preparations and take all precautions to undertake a safe event according the the current weather conditions especially those held during the winter, many club activities will take us on on minor roads and as such we will encounter poor road surfaces, fittings (drain covers, painted lines, reflective road studs etc) , Other hazards may occur in in for form of traffic, other road users, pedestrians and animals as well as naturally occurring conditions such as weather.
Rules and Regulations
Your bike - The bike must be roadworthy for the time of year and road conditions of the club event with particular attention paid to tyres, brakes and drivetrain. Mudguards are recommended during wet rides and through the winter period.
Route - Understand the route directions prior to the event with particular attention paid to changes in directions, road junctions, ascents and descents.
Behaviour on the road - Riders are to be respectful and courteous to other road users by riding single file where necessary and take particular care when passing horses and foot traffic.
Traffic Law and club rules- Riders are to comply with the Highway Code, traffic law, ride leader instructions and road signs at all times.
Accidents - The rider must report all accidents and injuries to the event organiser prior to leaving the event contact details are available on our social media pages or website. In the incident of an emergency requiring the emergency services contact them first THEN the club. All riders are required to submit ICE/Emergency contact details via british cycling for club use. You should carry a form of ID on all activities, this could be a membership card, official documentation, or a sports specific ID system.
Helmets - Approved cycling helmets are to be worn during all club activities, no helmet, no ride.
Recommendations
Clothing - Wear appropriate cycling clothing to suit the weather conditions including a helmet and display a rear flashing red LED light at all times.
Sustenance - Carry and regularly eat/drink appropriate food and drink to meet the demands of the event.
Danger & hazards - Use vocal and hand signals to warn other riders and/or road users of potential danger
Emergency - Carry a mobile phone with the event organiser’s / ride leaders mobile number to summons help or assistance in the event of an accident or emergency.
GENERAL RISKS ON ANY CLUB ACTIVITY.
Due to the nature of our ever changing routes, risks change constantly, any known hazards will be pointed out at the start of the ride if you encounter any rides or have any concerns please contact a ride leader, if you know of any hazards on the days route please tell us at the pre-ride brief.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of hazards that may be encountered on activities:
Description | Hazard Level/probability | Affected | Risk Reduction | |
1 | Fall From Bike | High | Rider | Pre-ride brief, observations of road conditions, warnings from other riders of hazards. |
2 | Cycle to cycle contact | Medium | Rider & Others | Giving space to other riders, calling out hazards on the road |
3 | Cycle contact with other road users or street furniture. (car, motorcycle, parked vehicle, horse etc) | Medium | Riders & Other road users | Awareness of other road users, appropriate speed and riding style, calling out of hazards |
4 | Mechanical breakdown | Medium | Rider | Pre-ride check of bike, and maintenance |
5 | Puncture | Medium | Rider | Check of tyre condition pre-ride and ensuring tyres are at the correct pressure. Avoiding potholes and debris. |
6 | Rider visibility | Medium | Rider | High visibility items or a flashing rear light for extra visibility. |
7 | Weather conditions | High | Rider | Riders should dress appropriately for the weather conditions, such as cold, heat, rain or snow. |