Ride Guide and Code of Conduct

Main Principles

Behave at all times so as to promote the safety of yourself and others.
Respect fellow club members and other road/path users.
Be considerate when communicating with others and avoid anything which may cause upset or distress. This applies in person and on line. Prejudice of any kind will not be tolerated.
Observe the Highway Code.
Participation is at your own risk.
Riding with the club means you have agreed to abide by this Code of Conduct.

We strongly recommend that you wear a BSI approved cycling helmet.
Ensure your bike is roadworthy before setting out. Check brakes and tyres.
If there is any possibility of returning after dusk ensure you have working and visible lights, and bring spare batteries. Use them whenever visibility is poor. This is mainly so that you can be seen by other road users.
Ride in single file on narrow or busy roads/paths. Keep well in to the left and allow space for vehicles to pass.
When riding in a large group on narrow and busy roads, allow space for overtaking vehicles between riders.
On shared paths, always give way to pedestrians, wheelchair users, etc.
Move to the side and shout 'STOPPING' when stopping. Keep paths/roads clear for other users.
Obey all road signs and traffic regulations. They do apply to cyclists!
Don't rely on signals from others or blindly follow the person in front. Check for safety independently.
While we will do our best to accommodate all comers, the ride leader may exclude from the ride any person whose behaviour, equipment, or cycling ability is detrimental to the safety of the group as a whole.

Children and under 18s are generally welcome providing they have traffic experience and can cope with the ride. Any exceptions will be noted in the diary.
All riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, who remains responsible for them throughout the ride.
Children should wear a BSI approved cycling helmet.

Arrive in time for rides to avoid delaying the group setting off.
Bring a spare inner tube (preferably two), tyre levers, pump and, if needed, a wheel nut spanner.
Listen carefully to leaders' ride briefings. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Do not ride in front of the leader or behind the backstop.
At junctions, ensure the rider behind you has seen which road you are taking.
The ride leader should concentrate on the road ahead and should NOT look behind when riding to check on the group. If there is any problem behind then other group riders should come forwards to inform the leader.
After negotiating any obstacle, eg a roundabout or traffic lights, the leader should stop as soon as there is a safe place to do so and allow the riders to regroup.
During breaks, listen out for announcements (e.g. 'Be ready to set off in two minutes').
Notify the leader or backstop if you intend to leave a ride early.

The 'Frequent Flyers' group is made up of the club's most active members.
If you have any questions or problems on a ride then please talk to the ride leader or marshalls. They will do their best to help you.
If you have a complaint about Edmonton Cycle Club or its members please put this in writing and send it by email to webmaster@edmontoncycleclub.org. The Frequent Flyers will then consider your complaint and decide what action, if any, is required.
Serious or repeated breaches of the code may result in you being asked to leave an activity or suspension from the club.