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Ethos and Safety Procedures

Revised 29 Jan 2010

Table of Contents

Ethos:

It is important for people contemplating riding with the Onslow Tarbabies (OTB) to understand what we are about, which is safety, fun, improving fitness, riding technique and comradeship.The objective is to ensure OTB riders have the opportunity to pursue their personal riding goals safely.

It is every rider’s responsibility to ride safely, promote safe riding, and ensure the safely of others.

Safety Procedures

Safety is a core part of the OTB ethos. To enable safe riding and the OTB ethos of fitness, fun and comradeship, every rider must accept personal responsibility to ride safely and ensure the safety of other riders.

Everyone rides at their own risk and should seek to minimize that risk. Safety is not taken for granted and it is every rider’s responsibility to ride safely to compensate for the hazards inherent in cycling. (refer hazard identification plan)

Cycling is a hazardous sport and cyclists are vulnerable to poor road conditions, variable weather conditions, demanding riding practices (e.g. bunches, speed and close following distance), behaviour of traffic and pedestrians, lack of visibility, hard surfaces and road hazards.

The principal problem is that roads were not designed for cycles and vehicles. The public and other road users are not respectful of cyclists' safety. The presence of cyclists often antagonizes other road users, mainly by cyclists inadvertently holding up traffic. We can influence this in our riding practices and attitude. We must continually improve practices and as a group lobby for safety improvements.

Riders are responsible not only for their own safety, but can cause the group’s safety to be compromised. Some individual roles attract greater responsibility e.g. bunch leaders, front riders etc. Front riders have a special responsibility for indications and calls. Front riders should be experienced, have some reserve energy and be decisive. Often a judgment as whether to call a relatively insignificant hazard, or to ride through a hazard to avoid a greater one needs to be made. (e.g. move into traffic lane to avoid glass).

The Onslow Tarbabies promote:

  • an awareness of safety
  • adherence to safety guidelines
  • observance of the road code
  • reporting of hazards and incidents to local authorities and police

Safety guidelines:

When you ride with the OTB you are expected to adopt these guidelines and ride in accordance with them.

Respect The Role Of The Ride Organiser/Bunch Leaders

The Ride Organiser for the day is designated, Ride Organisers are trained and experienced and are there to ensure we all ride safely.

Before the ride starts the Ride Organiser will brief the group on the route designated on the training schedule, weather, hazards and safety, refer Guidelines for Leaders.

The Ride Organiser will set the number and size of bunches, ideally 12 max riders with similar pace intentions. The bunches stay together for the entire ride

NO LESS than two riders should stop and assist another rider suffering punctures or mechanicals, although if your group is small it may be preferable for the all of you to stop. Don’t ride with the group if your tyres are worn or full of broken glass – you will potentially cause inconvenience to other riders

Groups and riders will be classified (most riders can self classify) as A, B, C, D or E grades - probably with numerous sub-grades – i.e. B2, B3 to cope with numbers. Group/Bunch leaders may ask you to go up or drop back to another group in the interests of keeping a cohesive ride together. You are perfectly free to drop back a group of your own volition but a group leader must be satisfied that you are proficient enough to move up a grade.

The Ride Organiser will appoint Bunch leaders. Be guided by bunch leaders. Bunch leaders will:

  • set an appropriate pace (it's not a race) and 
  • keep the group together
  • decide on alternative courses if weather or conditions change or are not suitable, 
  • takes responsibility for stragglers, 
  • carry a cell phone
  • when necessary will split bunches if  more than 15 riders and appoint caretakers. 

Be Ready Before You Ride

Personally - mental focus, attitude, nutrition, hydration.

Arrive in time for the pre-ride briefing. 

New riders (see below) should identify themselves before the ride and will be placed in an appropriate bunch by the ride leader.

Bike and Equipment - 

  • helmet fits,
  • bike well maintained,
  • have adequate food and nutrition and suitable clothing (visible as well as suitable for warmth, coolness etc)
  • tyres inflated to correct pressure, carry spare tubes and a pump and know how to repair a puncture,
  • Make sure pump is secured to frame, bottles fit inside cages securely, and that you know how to take and replace bottle whilst still looking ahead.
  • Minimise rattles (tools in kit, bike cages secure etc)
  • it is absolutely forbidden to use ipods and mobile phones in the bunch ride

Ride Safely When You Ride

Think of and for other riders in the group. Learn and practise bunch riding skills refer Techniques and Principles for group riding

Obey Road Rules

Obey road rules and the Road Code refer cyclists' section of the road code.

Be considerate of other road users.

Why we stop at red lights:

Every motorist comments on the arrogance of cyclists in running red lights. I suggest that this is the single most important attitude changer to improved relationships with motorists. In short, there is no reason why we should not stop at red lights: it is the law, it is common sense, it is safe, there is no justification for why cyclists should be exempt. It is something we can all do and should do.   Remember, when in a group expect to stop at a traffic light, indicate or yell this intention, comply and stop in an orderly manner

Report Road Hazards And Incidents

Report road hazards when riding to Wellington Regional Council.

Report dangerous driving to Wellington Regional Council  or the Police (call 111).

New riders

New riders are welcome to join us although we insist on just a few requirements:

  • Recognise that you ride at your own risk and it is your responsibility to ride safely, promote safe riding, and ensure the safety of other riders.
  • New riders must be competent at riding their bikes – we are not geared to teach you how to ride and operate your bike
  • you must be conversant with the Tarbabies rules and ethos
  • Please do not attempt to lead a group until a Leader has cleared you. This is purely so that we can be sure you are competent to perform this important role and also understand the culture within the small groups. 
  • You should review the web site and become familiar with the bunch riding tips refer Techniques and Principles for Group riding), the development squad and these safety guidelines.
  • If you are new to bunch riding or have not ridden with OTB before, advise the Ride Organiser or Bunch Leader before the ride. The Ride Organiser will place you in a bunch for the ride which is appropriate for your experience and pace intentions.

Whilst riding, introduce yourself to other riders, listen for calls, seek advice from and listen to experienced riders.

Be aware that experienced riders and bunch leaders will offer you advice. Although this may feel like you are being told what to do, advice is given for your benefit and with your safety and the safety of the group in mind. Take advice constructively, in good heart, as it is meant.

Guidelines for Ride Organiser/Bunch Leaders

Before The Ride

The designated ride organiser of the day should brief the group:

Describe the route and identify any known hazards and weather conditions. Be clear about the route and stick to it.

Set the size, number and departure of bunches – ideally 12 riders with similar pace intentions. Split bunches if  more than 15 riders.

Nominate a suitable person as bunch leader to guide the bunch, set an appropriate pace (it's not a race) and keep the group together.

Identify new riders and assign them to a bunch appropriate to their pace and experience (A, B, C, D or E grades)

With the longer rides, the leader of the development squad should generally take one of the shorter options in order to bring the bunch back in good time.

Remind riders of the following key safety points as appropriate:

  • Every rider rides at their own responsibility.
  • It is every rider’s responsibility to ride safely and ensure the safety of other riders.
  • At least two riders must stop to assist a rider who stops (puncture etc.)
  • Ensure signals and calls are passed up and down the pace line.
  • No more than two wide and keep the group together, filling gaps.
  • Ride shoulder to shoulder when in pairs.
  • Watch following distances.
  • No erratic moves or sudden braking.
  • New riders must stay off the front until they know where they're going and can maintain an appropriate pace.
  • Call if passing another rider – pass on the right, not the left.

On The Ride

The bunch leader should ensure that a rider with appropriate experience monitors the rear of the bunch, to ensure that no one is left behind, and whether the general pace is either too slow or too fast. This rider should also monitor gaps, line etc. and communicate any following traffic.

Single or Double File?

Where the road configuration width allows (wide, cycle-lane, multi lane) ride two abreast, riding in two rows, each pair aligned shoulder to shoulder a half to one wheel diameter apart and slightly off-set from the rider in front.

Where a call is made "single" form up in single file, riders on the left allowing the rider on the right to move into a gap in front of them. This is usually when the road narrows, crossing a bridge, to enable a car to pass or conditions are clearly not safe for two abreast. 

First Aid Kit 

Bunch leaders carry a first aid kit with them.  These are picked up and returned to the box at Natalie Brockie's house, 8 Burma Road, across the road from Civic Video.

Poor Weather

If raining, the ride is off and leaders are under no obligation to turn up.

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Technique and Principles for Group Riding:

Certain principles apply when riding in a pack of riders. These principles are vital to the safety of the group and its members. Learn them and you will be welcome. Failure to learn or adhere to these principles will mean you are putting yourself and others at risk.

Warn of road hazards: Anticipate hazards and risks and communicate these to other riders e.g. road narrowing, turns, hills, road surface, pedestrians, weather.
If there is plenty of time everyone can avoid a road hazard. If there is not sufficient time to avoid glass or a hole, it is safer to ride over the hazard rather than violate rule number one – No Sudden Moves.

Pass on signals and calls: Communication is emphasised, talking, indications, calling load and clear; up and down the pace line 

Common calls:

  • Car up                       Vehicle approaching the bunch from the front
  • Car back                    Vehicle approaching the bunch from behind
  • Single                        Form up in single file (merge like a zipper)
  • Glass, rock or gravel     Glass, rocks or loose gravel on the road
  • Slowing                      The bunch is about to slow down - prepare to stop
  • Chain off                    Someone has lost their chain and evasive action required
  • Slow rider                   The bunch is about to pass a slower rider  
  • Runner                       The bunch is about to pass a runner on the road verge
  • Clear                          From the last rider to indicate it is safe to change lanes
Yells and screams: In addition to common signals riders will often yell short commands or advice at you. These ‘barks’ often seem rude and angry so don’t take them personally. Empathise with new riders – avoid yells and screams. But do pull people into line that are putting the group at risk.

No sudden moves: Be predictable and smooth, no sudden moves eg suddenly brake, turn right, turn left, speed up or slow down. It is inefficient and dangerous.

Give others a turn: The idea is not to prove how strong you are by hogging the front, but rather to learn how to ride together in a group, and feel comfortable changing positions. There will be plenty of time to test your strength. 

Rotate in an anti-clockwise direction: To share the work load and maintain a consistent pace, the front riders will need to be retired and replaced with fresh riders from within the bunch.  To achieve this change over safely, the front right rider moves forward and left of the bunch and changes down (red rider below) .  The right hand line continues to move forward providing a new rider at the front left. After a suitable period (1-5 min depending on the strength of the riders now at the front) the manoeuvre is repeated. Thus the bunch will slowly rotate anti-clockwise (moving forward in the right line, drifting back on the left line) thus all riders will get a turn at the front.  The time you spend at the front is up to you and if you need to retire, communicate your intentions with your ride partner.

Don’t exhaust yourself by pulling too long: If you are weaker than the other riders in the group take your turn in front to practise technique and keep the pace line flowing smoothly, however take the front only for a few pedal strokes.

Draft reasonably close: Keep as close to the rider in front of you as is comfortable and safe. Try not to let ‘gaps’ open.

Ride close side by side: When you drop back to rotate, try to ride closely side by side (shoulder to shoulder) as well. This is much more efficient

Use brakes as little as possible: Braking wastes the energy you’ve expended building up to speed. It is also dangerous for the rider following you.

Don’t fool with water bottles or food while leading: Wait until you have pulled off. Also, be in the correct gear so you can avoid changing gears when you are leading. Don't take hand off handle bar to get bottle or food unless you have checked the road ahead is visible and safe ie not approaching a corner, roundabout etc

Don’t overlap wheels: Ride behind the rider in front of you. With a crosswind experienced riders ride partially to the side of the rider in front of them to help shield them from the wind. If the rider in front of you moves over slightly and you are overlapping that back wheel it is your front end that will be unstable and it is you who will go down.

Drafting is efficient: Riding behind another rider takes less energy than leading. At 30kph, about 20% less energy is required riding behind another rider when compared to riding on one’s own.

Punctures: When a rider punctures or has to stop at least two or more riders nearest must stop and assist and help the rider get back on the bunch. 

Learn the right techniques: Certain principles of riding in a group allow for both increased safety and efficiency of travel. Learn how to ride with a group of riders at moderate speed. You’ll be able to better anticipate what happens when riding in faster packs.

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