Tribars, whether clipped on or fixed, are a definite ‘no’ during group rides.
Your bicycle should be safe and in full mechanical order.
Group Size
Very large groups can be hazardous to participants and frustrating to other road users.
Where groups exceed 8 people, the overall group should be split into two with a noticeable gap in between.
Using a GPS is useful if the group is split into two.
Mentioning on Facebook or Whatsapp that you will be joining the ride, is always appreciated.
Accidents can happen:
In Case-of-Emergency:
Make your ICE details accessible via your phone.
Carry your DCC membership card with contact details completed.
Attach an ICE identification label to your helmet or use an ICE wristband. Check out the ICE ID company.
At the scene of an accident:
Immediately assess the site around the casualty and accident scene and that it is safe.
Assess any danger to the rest of the group and remove the group as necessary.
Move the rest of the group to a place where there is no issue with cold or wet or have them continue to ride.
Move on anyone not necessary to deal with the situation.
Take images if required for the purposes of evidence, for example, of a vehicle or pothole, etc. This is secondary to assessing the casualty.
If the casualty can move
If the casualty can move, get them and the bike away from danger. If you have a medically competent person on the ride use them to make that assessment. Move off the road away from traffic. Get the rest of the group away from the scene to a point of safety.
Don’t try and move the cyclist against their will or you suspect and underlying injury that could be worsened by them moving.
Assess the casualty and bike for fitness and determine if you are going to ring for medical assistance. Use a medically competent person if available. If the rider is capable of continuing then someone should accompany them for the remainder of the ride, monitoring their progress and bike handling.
If the casualty is unable to ride through injury, agree how the rider can safely get home. It may be necessary for somebody to remain with them as an observer in case of medical complications. Establish whether the rider intends to seek professional medical assessment at a later stage.
If the rider is clearly uninjured, discuss how they intend to get home. You may or may not be able to help directly, for example, taking them to the nearest rail station.
If the casualty cannot move or be moved
Alert oncoming road traffic to slow or stop. Station one or two riders around the casualty. Send the remainder of the group off to a safe place.
If possible get the injured rider to the side of the road if it’s medically ok to do so. If you can’t move the casualty ring 999 stating the urgency of the situation and make the casualty as comfortable as possible until professional help arrives or take advice on the next action from the 999 call handler, particularly on the issue of moving the casualty.
Ensure that the casualty is kept warm, especially in cold or wet weather conditions. Use a space blanket if available.
Likely outcome is casualty goes to hospital either in an Ambulance.
When it’s clear there will be a delay send the rest of the group off to complete the ride, leaving only essential personnel to remain with the casualty.
After the accident
The rider leader or another agreed person should contact the Club Secretary and to inform them of the accident. The Club Secretary will complete an accident form.
An accident report may be required by the Police.
If the carriageway was the case, report the hazard to the highways authority, usually the County Council.
We always want to learn from any mistakes.
As we love all our riders, we also like to keep in contact regarding their wellbeing and recovery.
Credit: Adapted from guidance produced by Dynamic Rides.