LEEDS CYCLING CAMPAIGN - GUIDANCE FOR RIDERS
Leeds Cycling Campaign provides a varied programme of rides of varying pace. Distances, speeds and destinations of rides are generally shared via agreed Campaign information channels such as Facebook and on the Campaign website.
For the safety and benefit of the organisation and its members, riders must adhere to the Highway Code and act in a respectful manner to fellow members, and other cyclists and road users, when participating on a group ride.
Leeds Cycling Campaign rides are social rides, not races and members are expected to treat them appropriately.
Participants’ responsibilities when riding as a group:
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Most importantly: please respect the ride leader’s instructions.
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Always ride safely, considerately and courteously (try and be courteous even when provoked by other people’s rude or dangerous behaviour). Always prioritise your own and other riders’ safety.
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Always ride a well-maintained bike. Before the ride make sure your bike is roadworthy especially the brakes, but also ensure that tyres are properly inflated and gears working effectively.
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Carry working front and rear lights for use in low-light conditions or if it is likely you will not get home before dark. Consider bringing a bike lock for café stops etc.
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Always carry a spare inner tube, tyre levers, repair kit and a pump or gas so that you can fix a puncture yourself. The ride leader will halt the ride whilst you fix the puncture.
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Mudguards are essential if conditions are likely to be wet. If you do not have mudguards, the leader may insist that you ride at the back to save other riders being sprayed from your rear wheel.
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Learn and use all common hand signals and use verbal warnings when riding.
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Ride no more than two abreast unless overtaking. On busy or narrow roads consider riding single file if appropriate and safe to do so.
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Check that you are comfortable with the ride mileage and terrain beforehand. No-one will get left behind and the leader will periodically stop to regroup if riders are getting spaced out. If you are struggling (we have all had that happen to us) and slowing the pace of the ride, for your own sake, and for the enjoyment of the other riders, the leader may ask you to leave the ride at a suitable point. Directions will be given so that you can get home.
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The group should stop and assist any of its riders suffering from mechanical or physical problems.
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No rider should leave the group without first notifying other riders, preferably the ride leader.
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If you have a mobile phone bring it with you, and give your number to the leader at the start of the ride. The leader will give you his/her number. Please also bring an “emergency contact” number of a friend or family member that the leader can contact should you have an accident or medical emergency
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Rides are intended for adults only. In exceptional circumstances, and at the discretion of the ride leader, children may be allowed on rides. This will be in accordance with the Leeds Cycling Campaign Policy for Children under 18.
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Bring snacks/energy bars to keep you going, especially on longer rides and in case we find the café stop closed.
Ride Leader’s Responsibilities
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The ride leader is responsible for the overall safety of the group and the smooth running of the ride. They should plan and, in some cases, do a risk-assessment of any route that may have additional hazards and inform riders of these prior to the ride.
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Ride leaders should agree the start time, start point, destination and approximate mileage with the ride co-ordinator at least 3 days before the ride. The ride coordinator will publish the details via the agreed communication channels.
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Ride leaders will ask those attending a ride to provide their contact details including an e-mail addresses and mobile phone numbers in case of incidents during a ride.
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Ride leaders are responsible for informing participants of the Guidance for Riders. They will monitor riders’ behaviour to ensure riders follow the guidelines.
Ride leaders have the right to ask riders who knowingly and repeatedly cause risk to themselves or others, or who act in a way that is contrary to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, to leave the ride.
Last revised 25 August 2023
This information is also available as a pdf document. To obtain a copy please write to the Campaign Secretary - secretary [at] leedscyclingcampaign.co.uk