Club Runs will start up following the latest Government and British cycling recommendations.
Riders will be split into groups of 6 and led by a group leader who will be responsible for the group ride and the riders wellbeing and maintaining social distancing rules.
Non Club Members are welcome but need to inform the Club Captain of their intent to join us before the ride so that he can anticipate any problems with numbers.
Below is a copy of the Risk Assessment that you need to read.
Standard Risk Assessment – Road Rides
Introduction
Melton Olympic Cycling Club Risk Assessment
This is a generic risk assessment for our club runs. It is unrealistic to prepare a risk assessment for each any every one of our many and varied routes. The purpose of this document is to give a framework within which we can all enjoy a safe ride. Much of what is here is common sense and is practiced by you every time you ride out. There may well be some new considerations for you no matter how experienced you are. So please take time to read it through.
You may wonder, “Why do we need this?”.
The Assessment is an important step to protect both the members and the Club as a whole.
Riding bikes on the highway or indeed anywhere is inherently risky. Identifying risks helps to focus on what can be done to minimize those risks.
The club is affiliated to British Cycling and, consequently has the advantage of third party (public) liability insurance. To benefit from that cover there should to be in place a Risk Assessment to manage risk.
It is not possible to eliminate risk altogether. But this assessment and the actions in it are intended to limit risk as far as is reasonably practicable.
Members are encouraged to secure their own third party insurance through British Cycling https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/campaigning/article/20190625-Cycling-and-insurance–FAQs-0 or elsewhere.
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What is Risk Assessment?
HAZARD = something with the potential to cause harm
RISK = the chance, great or small, of coming into contact with that hazard.
This Risk Assessment is a careful examination of what, in our sport, presents a hazard and could cause harm to people. Once a hazard has been identified it is then a matter of assessing what the risk is in relation to that hazard. A grid system is then used to combine the two and give a graded level of risk LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH.
When that has been done the next stage is to think of ways to reduce / eliminate that risk. These are the control measures. Once the control measures have been implemented you are then left with the residual risk (or the risk could have been completely eliminated). The Risk Assessment can then be reviewed on a regular basis to assess a number of things e.g. are the existing control measures working, have any new hazards been identified, have any existing hazards been eliminated?
Duties of Care
Ride Leaders, you have accepted the responsibility of leading others. You owe them a duty of care to ensure that they are not exposed to a foreseeable risk of injury, as far as you reasonably can. If you accept a position, you are likely to agree to carry out certain functions, which may affect the safety of others both inside and outside the club. You are accepting responsibility and you must fulfil those duties to the best of your ability without negligence. That is, you must not create a foreseeable risk of injury and you must take reasonable steps to deal with any foreseeable risk of injury, which exists or arises.
For example:
- If you are a Ride Leader, you have agreed to lead a ride and you must take reasonable measures to see that the ride is as safe as it can be.
It is also important to note that individual Members of the club have a duty of care not only to themselves but to members of the public and to the persons with whom they are riding. I.e. The duty of care requires you to consider the consequences of your acts and omissions and to ensure that those acts and/or omissions do not give rise to a foreseeable risk of injury to any other person.
Additional Resources
The Highway Code
The Highway Code gives information on road signs, road markings, vehicle markings, and road safety. It applies to drivers of animals, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers. As such it is essential reading for cyclists. https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code-road-safety
British Cycling
British Cycling is the national governing body for cycling in Great Britain. From providing the support and encouragement people need to get riding their bikes for the first time to insights into the hugely successful Great Britain Cycling Team. https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/
Road Works
One network is a widely used resource for roadworks, diversions and events affecting traffic
Weather
The Met Office provides UK wide weather information and severe weather warnings.
www.metoffice.gov.uk
Summary
This document is not a magic wand solution to eliminating risk. Much of it is common sense and what we have previously done. Nor is a substitute for taking personal responsibility for your actions on the road.
Importantly, please respect the Ride Leader. Without them, club rides would not be possible. Listen to the briefings, pay attention whilst on the road and feel free to contribute to the end of ride debrief.
Please read on and make yourself familiar with the contents of this document.
The nature of risk may change over time, so this document should be reviewed from time to time. Your comments, observations are welcomed by The Committee.
| All riders are reminded that they are responsible for their own safety; individuals take part in any group activities at their own risk. We strongly urge all riders to obtain appropriate 3rd party insurance as a minimum. It should be noted that no liability shall be attached to Melton Olympic Cycling Club (including its officials and members) and Melton Olympic Cycling Club (including its officials and members) for any injury, loss or damage suffered.
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| Risk Assessment: Club Road Rides | Location: All Melton Olympic Cycling Club Road Ride Routes
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| Completed by: Jim Sutherland
Date Completed: March 2020 Next Review Date: March 2020 Signed Off Date: March 2020 |
Other relevant Risk Assessment: NONE |
Risk Assessment
| Activity | Hazard | Who is at risk | Level (H/M/L) | Control Measures
Recommended |
Residual
Risk (H/M/L) |
FURTHER ACTION
RECOMMENDED/REQUIRED |
||
| Y/N | what | Person
Responsible |
||||||
| 1. Pre-Ride | Equipment:
Breakdown, Stranded
|
Rider | L | It is suggested that each rider to carry minimum tool kit comprising:
· Method of inflating tyre/inner tube · At least one inner tube (2 recommended) · Two/Three tyre levers · Chain splitter · Mobile phone and money/cash card |
L | N | ||
| 2. Pre-Ride | Equipment:
Conditions, accidents
|
Rider & Public | M | · Cycles must be legal and roadworthy – see highway code:
· Riders to carry out pre-ride checks, brakes, frame, steering, pedals/cleats, wheels & tyres
|
L | N | ||
| 3. Pre-Ride | Equipment:
Clothing-Visibility, Comfort and safety
|
Rider | M | · Riders to assess weather and dress appropriately
· Waterproof jacket/gilet to be carried when needed. · Riders strongly recommended to wear approved safety helmets, these should have not been involved in a crash impact and to be changed at manufactures recommended intervals. · Recommend the wearing of eye protection
|
L | Y | Local or Met Office weather forecast | Riders |
| 4. Pre-Ride | Equipment: Communication,
stranded
|
Rider | L | · Mobile phone or money for public phone to be carried
· Riders strongly recommended have their ICE numbers in their saddle bag or on their person, clearly marked. · Riders to be familiar with route and be aware of where they are at all times |
No Risk | N | Routes for guidance will be available on Club Website or other social media. Facebook Strava. But see 12 below. | |
| Activity | Hazard | Who is at risk | Level
(H/M/L) |
Control Measures
Recommended |
Residual
Risk (H/M/L) |
FURTHER ACTION
RECOMMENDED/REQUIRED |
||
| Y/N | what | Person
Responsible |
||||||
| 5. Pre-Ride | Equipment:
Food/Drink
|
Riders | L | · Familiarise yourself with distance of ride prior to attending meeting point
· Riders responsibility to ensure they carry enough food/drink/energy gels for duration of ride · Carry money to purchase food/drink |
No Risk | Y | Briefing, giving
length of ride distance and any stops See point 9 |
Ride leader
Riders |
| 6. Pre-Ride | Preparation:
Health
|
Rider | M | · Riders to ensure they are aware of the distance/pace of the ride and are of sufficient level of fitness to complete ride
· Do not start any ride if you feeling unwell or you are not able to complete it. · If during the ride you feel unwell, inform the ride leader immediately |
L | N | See point 4 and 5 | |
| 7. Pre-ride | Group size/
Riders experience: Accident, traffic problems |
Riders and Public | L | · Group to be split at ride leaders discretion
· Groups should be split according to ability and speed · Any new riders should identify themselves to the ride leader and consideration should be given to allocating a ‘ride buddy’ · Be familiar with the Highway Code (Rules 59 to 82) and particular advice on where/when to ride two abreast or single file (rule 66). Always follow any instruction given by ride leader. · Members under 18 will be required to provide a form of parental consent before riding with a buddy member .Each form to be witnessed by a club official. |
L | Y | If ride leader not available,
ride leader should be chosen from regular experienced rider within the group |
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| 8. Pre-ride | New/Guest Riders | Riders and Public | M | · Any guest/new rider must introduce herself to the ride leader
· Guest/new rider must be be conversant with the Risk Assessment and acknowledge this document before becoming a member |
M | Y | Consider inviting a competent rider and club member to ride with guest. Rider to teach ride/club protocol during the ride (see also point 7) | |
| Activity | Hazard | Who is at risk | Level
(H/M/L) |
Control Measures
Recommended |
Residual
Risk (H/M/L) |
FURTHER ACTION
RECOMMENDED/REQUIRED |
||
| Y/N | what | Person
Responsible |
||||||
| 9. Pre-ride | Communication | Rider | M | Ride Leader to undertake a pre-ride briefing for all riders to cover;
· An overview of the route, any stops, likely duration and distance · Any known route hazards, diversions or other considerations · Any issue relevant to the weather (wind/frost/ice) · Check for presence of new members or guests |
L | N | ||
| 10. RIDE | Collision/
Accident: Each other |
Rider | M | · Ensure cycle is properly maintained
· All riders to be encouraged to be conversant with the group ride calls, hand signals and warnings and ensure that these calls are passed along the line · Ride smoothly and consistently, be aware of those around you and do not brake without warning · Concentrate at all times and anticipate changing road conditions · When negotiating unforeseen road conditions (such as potholes) riders should be aware that their actions impact on others · Ride slightly to the side of the wheel in front and with sufficient safe gap if not confident/competent to ride immediately behind the wheel in front · Do not let your front wheel overlap that of the rear wheel of the bike in front · When riding two abreast maintain an even pace and do not speed up when another rider draws level (do not ‘half wheel’) |
L | Y | Pre ride briefing to be undertaken (point 9 above)
New/inexperienced riders to be identified and given ride buddy (experienced rider) where possible
|
Ride leader
Ride leader
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| 11. Ride | Collision Accident:
|
Riders and Public | H | · Riders will conform to the Road Traffic Act and follow the Highway code at ALL times
· Riders will obey all traffic signals and signs · At times of poor visibility, wear bright clothing and if necessary use cycle lights · All riders to continually assess traffic conditions, driver attitudes and carry out Dynamic Risk Assessments (DRA). e.g get off and walk/use a pedestrian crossing if you have to cross a major road · Should the need to stop arise e.g through puncture, breakdown etc. then a place must be found sufficiently off the road to allow safe passage of traffic · Consider using person(s) at Strategic points to warn oncoming traffic of any obstruction. · Riders to warn of approaching vehicles using known calls |
M | Y | Consideration be given to nominating a ride leader assistant during any ride to assist with control of the group
All accidents to be reported as per the Road Traffic Act and to the committee. A British Cycling accident report submitted detailing the circumstances
Report all near misses
Accident trend monitoring to be conducted
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Ride leader
Ride leader/rider
Ride leader
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| 12. Ride | Accident:
Falling off |
Rider | M | • Pay close attention to the road surface at all times and dynamically risk-assess any changes identified. e.g consider dismounting to cross a ford.
• Be aware of the calls / warnings in relation to changes in surface such as potholes and use / pay attention to these warnings. • Only ride at a speed at which you are competent/confident particularly on descents. • Ice on the roads should be brought to the attention of the Ride leader immediately |
L | Y | Consideration is given to cancelling club ride in adverse road/weather and publicised via social media.
Should a club ride set off and there be a risk of adverse road / weather then there should be a continual dynamic risk assessment of the conditions. Consideration should be given to; a) Call ride off b) change the route c) Stick to main roads if they are clear of ice. |
Ride leader
Ride leader |
| Activity | Hazard | Who is at risk | Level
(H/M/L) |
Control Measures
Recommended |
Residual
Risk (H/M/L) |
FURTHER ACTION
RECOMMENDED/REQUIRED |
||
| Y/N | what | Person
Responsible |
||||||
| 13. Ride | 3rd Party Claim Arising From Accident /Mishap | Rider | L | • MOCC recommends that all of its members are covered for 3rd party claims via an appropriate insurance policy e.g. British Cycling or cycling uk. | L | N | ||
| 14. Ride | Theft of cycle
|
Rider | M | • Always try and ensure that your bike is within your sight during stops.
• At protracted stops e.g. café, ensure that your bike is locked to an immovable object / other bikes using a good quality /approved lock. • Ensure that you have adequate insurance cover in place covering the loss of your bike |
L | Y | If a theft does occur report to the police.
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Rider
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| 15. Ride | Stopping | Riders and Public | M | • Always choose a safe place to stop as a group, and in particular avoid road junctions, bends and other physical road hazards.
• Warn riders before stopping and keep the carriageway clear. • In the event of punctures, breakdowns etc. clear the carriageway if possible, or ride leader to instruct the group to continue to a safe waiting place. • Assess the problem and decide whether to hold up the ride or leave the affected rider with helpers and details of the route to the next stop(s). • If unsure of the route, stop well before junction to consult map. Check for presence of back marker at junctions. If necessary, wait for slower riders beyond the junction. |
L | N | ||
| 16. Ride | Passing horse | Riders/
Horse rider |
M | • On approach to a ridden horse, the lead rider should warn the horse and horse rider by verbal communication that a human(s) is present and behind. Thereafter proceed and pass by slowly.
• Heed any advice given by horse rider. (Horses can be spooked by bikes; it is essential that the horse hears the human voice before it sees the bike. |
L | N | ||
| Activity | Hazard | Who is at risk | Who is
at Risk (H/M/L) |
Control Measures
Recommended |
Residual
Risk (H/M/L) |
FURTHER ACTION
RECOMMENDED/REQUIRED |
||
| Y/N | what | Person
Responsible |
||||||
| 17. Ride | Event of
accident |
Riders | M | · The group should be moved to a safe position off the road.
· If required, take reasonable measures to control traffic · Administer first aid, if required call 999 for assistance. · If injured cyclist is unable to continue, one of the group must stay with that person until assistance arrives. · Ride leader to fill in an accident report form. · The club chair must be informed after the event and as soon as practical |
L | Ride Leader | ||
| 18. Post-ride |
· Riders are encouraged to raise any issues or concerns and just as important, to talk about things that have gone well. · In addition, any accidents,significant incidents which could have led to bodily harm but didn’t must be brought to the attention of the Ride Leader if it hasn’t already been done. · If any rider is not comfortable doing this in front of others then please approach the club official privately, via official email channels. |
Report to the
Chair/Support Crew, any matters arising from the ride email to moccsec@aol.com
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Ride leader | |||||