RULES AND SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR CLUB RUN PARTICIPANTS

• Riders should carry their club membership card with ICE contact details together with any medical conditions. 
• Young riders’ cards should be counter-signed with parental contact details. (see ‘safeguarding’ below for < 13 years old, who must be accompanied on rides)
• It is a condition of Club membership that participants have adequate personal liability insurance. 
• Always ride a well-maintained bike (gears, brakes, wheels, tyres, etc).
• Carry spare inner tubes, tyre levers, pump, phone and some ID.  Other tools such as Allen keys, a chain tool and a replacement chain link are recommended 
• Although not a legal requirement, we expect riders to wear a well fitted helmet
• Keep at least one hand on the handlebars when riding in the group. Hands free riding is for victory celebrations! 
• If you wish to respond to your mobile phone you must drop off the back of the group before answering. Do not expect the ride to wait for you.
• The MAXIMUM group size is 15 riders, but ride leaders may sub-divide into smaller groups at their discretion, to limit the impact on other   road users, and to ease the pressure at refreshment stops.  
• Riders should let the leader know if they plan to leave a ride early/take a short cut home etc., so that support can be provided where necessary. As a general rule we prefer not to leave riders alone.
• In winter (GMT) mudguards must be fitted, with a L O N G rear mud flap that extends below the rear axle to limit spray on following riders.

• Observe all aspects of the Highway Code, e.g., traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, do not ride on pavements (unless designated as cycle paths), etc.
• Be respectful and courteous to other riders and road users, do not drop litter
• No spitting or nose clearing unless you have dropped well off the back of the group.
• The leader is not always aware of the situation at the rear of the group. Riders towards the rear have a responsibility to keep the leader informed about riders who have a problem. 
• Do not jump across junctions when other vehicles are approaching, this encourages other riders to do the same. Leaders will decide when it is safe for groups to cross together.
• Pass horses with care, singling out, and when approaching from the rear always give the horse rider an audible warning.
• Ride in single file on busy and narrow roads to help other road users to pass safely.
• In the event of a puncture or other mechanical problem, the group should pull over in a safe area to carry out repairs.
• Do not wave on vehicles from behind even when you think it’s safe to do so. It is the sole responsibility of the driver in the overtaking vehicle to make this decision.
• Be equipped for the weather. Be aware of the risks in cold and wet weather, and the need to be protected on hot and sunny days.
• Consider fitting and using daytime front and rear lights during the darker days, or when there is low sun. 

We offer occasional practice in group riding in a safe ‘traffic free’ environment at Tudor Grange.

• A club run may be a challenge, but it is not a race. Do not attack off the front to prove how strong you are.
• Ride in pairs - bar to bar.
• The gap between a rear wheel and the front wheel of the following rider should be about 50cm for optimal and safe riding. Continue to observe the road ahead to anticipate hazards.
• Overtaking other riders on a climb should normally be done on the right-hand side, calling “on your right” provides a useful warning to other riders.
• Singling out - often called by the ride leader, there are occasions when riding in single file is safe and helpful to other road users. When riding in pairs, singling out should be undertaken carefully, signalling intention to pull in by pointing your arm to the inside and calling  “pulling in”.
• Rotating the ride leadership – this is encouraged to provide all riders the experience of riding on the front, and to protect the ride leader from the wind. This should be undertaken carefully and with appropriate advanced warning to fellow riders. 
• Through and off – this is an advanced riding technique for continuous rotation within the group. It is best demonstrated by an experienced ride leader.