Generic Risk Assessment

Purpose:

This generic risk assessment applies to all volunteer-led cycle rides undertaken as part of New Forest Cycling Week. It identifies the common hazards associated with group cycling and the control measures expected of ride leaders and participants. A dynamic risk assessment will also be undertaken by the ride leader during each individual ride to account for conditions specific to that day.

This assessment covers:

  • Road rides.
  • Trail rides
  • Mixed road and traffic-free routes.
  • Adult and child participants riding their own bicycles.
  • Volunteer ride leaders.

Responsibilities

Ride Leader – The ride leader will:

  • Exercise reasonable duty of care to participants.
  • Brief riders before departure, including route, pace, regrouping, ensuring they are: fit to undertake the ride, riding a roadworthy bicycle, carrying a spare inner-tube of the correct size for their bike, wearing suitable clothing for the conditions, complying with the Highway Code, riding within their own ability, following reasonable instructions, regrouping arrangements and known hazards.
  • Monitor riders throughout the ride.
  • Adapt or curtail the ride where necessary.
  • Encourage compliance with the Highway Code.
  • Report any significant incidents to the committee.

Riders – Each rider is responsible for:

  • Ensuring they are fit to undertake the ride.
  • Riding a roadworthy bicycle.
  • Carrying a spare inner-tube of the correct size for their bike
  • Wearing suitable clothing for the conditions.
  • Complying with the Highway Code.
  • Riding within their own ability.
  • Following reasonable instructions from the ride leader.

Significant Hazards and Controls:

Hazard Control

Traffic – for example: Collision with motor vehicles, Junctions and roundabouts, close overtaking.

 Ride in accordance with the Highway Code.Avoid unnecessary obstruction of traffic.

Warn riders of hazards.

Regroup after complex junctions where appropriate.

Rider Separation – Riders becoming lost or isolated.

 Ride in accordance with the Highway Code.Avoid unnecessary obstruction of traffic.

Warn riders of hazards.

Regroup after complex junctions where appropriate.

Explain regrouping policy before departure.

Wait after significant junctions.

Use a back marker where available.

Ensure riders leaving the ride are content to continue independently.

Mechanical Failures – for example: Brake, tyre or transmission failure.

Riders are responsible for presenting a roadworthy bicycle.Leaders should carry basic tools where practical.

Minor repairs undertaken where possible.

Alternative transport arranged if necessary.

Weather – for example: Heat, cold, heavy rain, high winds, reduced visibility.

 Check forecast before departure.Modify or cancel ride if conditions become unsafe.

Encourage riders to carry suitable clothing, food and water.

Increase rest stops in hot weather.

Road Surface and Terrain – for example: potholes, gravel, mud, wet leaves, livestock, uneven surfaces.

 Warn riders of hazards.Reduce speed where appropriate.

Adjust route if conditions deteriorate.

Rider Health  – for example: fatigue, dehydration, medical emergency.

 Encourage riders to ride within their limits.Schedule refreshment stops.

Summon emergency services where required.

Riders to make ICE details available either by setting up on their mobiles or sharing with the ride leader.

Riders to have access to Committee members who can additionally share ICE details in an emergency

Falls – for example: rider losing control, contact between riders.

 Encourage adequate spacing.Ride at an appropriate pace.

Avoid sudden manoeuvres.

Stop safely to assist injured riders.

Public Interaction – for example: conflict with motorists, pedestrians or other cyclists.

 Ride courteously.Give way where appropriate.

Avoid confrontation.

Report serious incidents.

Emergency Procedure – In the event of an incident:

  1. Make the scene safe.
  2. Assess casualties.
  3. Contact emergency services where required.
  4. Arrange care for the remainder of the group.
  5. Record details as soon as practicable.
  6. Report significant incidents in accordance with Cycling UK procedures (via the Committee).

Dynamic Risk Assessment – Before and during every ride the leader will consider:

  • Weather forecast.
  • Road or trail closures.
  • Traffic levels.
  • Rider numbers.
  • Rider experience and fitness and any participant medical information volunteered.
  • Route changes.
  • Any temporary hazards identified during the ride.

The ride leader may modify, shorten, reroute or cancel a ride if the residual risk is considered unacceptable.

Residual Risk:

Group cycling on public roads cannot be made entirely risk free. By applying the above controls and undertaking a dynamic assessment for each ride, the remaining level of risk is considered Low to Moderate and acceptable for a volunteer-led recreational cycling activity.