Woodstock Cycling Club
Risk Management Plan
Preamble
Cycling can be a dangerous activity. The Woodstock Cycling Club (WCC) has developed this Risk Management Plan to document how WCC rides are to be managed to reduce risks associated with cycling activities. These policies are to be practiced by WCC members, and any permitted visiting riders as permitted by Ontario Cycling Association rules, during every WCC ride. All WCC members, and any permitted visiting riders, share the responsibility for making WCC rides as safe as possible.
Any member or non-member participating in club activities does assume full responsibility for their own safety and does also assume full liability for any injury or loss that may occur as a result of their actions.
Each WCC member shall receive a copy, electronic or otherwise of this Risk Management Plan and a copy shall be available on the WCC website. Additional information regarding WCC rules and programs can also be found on the WCC website.
Definitions
WCC Rides means rides formally organized by the WCC and as described on the WCC website. Rides not listed on the WCC website are not WCC rides.
WCC Trails means the mountain bike trails, known as “The Pines” on Upper Thames Conservation Authority lands and as leased by the WCC under the licence agreement with the Upper Thames Conservation Authority.
WCC Incorporation
• The WCC was incorporated on April 6th, 2001.
WCC Insurance
• The WCC annually purchases General Liability Insurance coverage through the IMBA, Oasis Insurance and Lloyd’s Underwriters. General Liability Insurance is to protect the Woodstock Cycling Club, it’s executive members and ride coordinators against any legal responsibility arising out of a negligent act or failure to act as a prudent person would have acted, which results in bodily injury or property damage to another party. Liability Insurance is a condition of the lease agreement with the Upper Thames Conservation Authority.
Standards of Care
This Risk Management Plan and all WCC programs and rides shall adhere to the following, as applicable:
• UCI, CCA, OCA rules and regulations as they pertain to Club Rides.
• Ontario Highway Traffic Act
While on WCC Rides, all WCC members must adhere to and obey all rules of the road as per the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act is available here: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h08_e.htm
Risk Management
General:
• All members of the WCC are responsible for bringing forward to the WCC Executive any safety issues related to WCC Rides or the WCC Trails, which present themselves throughout the riding season.
• All members or non-members participating in WCC rides must wear an approved cycling helmet.
• While on WCC Rides, all WCC members must adhere to and obey all rules of the road as per the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
• Any WCC member on a WCC Ride should immediately advise the ride coordinator(s) and other members of the ride should the member feel the group or individuals in the group are riding in an unsafe manner. The member should withdraw from the ride if they feel unsafe.
• All participants of the WCC Rides must provide proof of membership in good standing prior to each ride, if requested by the ride coordinator. If an ineligible rider insists on participating even after being asked not to, then the WCC Ride may proceed, however, the ride coordinator shall advise the ineligible rider, with a witness present, that he or she is ineligible and is not covered by any WCC insurance and is responsible for all his/ her actions.
• Each WCC Ride participant will conduct himself or herself in a responsible manner and retains liability for their own actions.•
No hiking is permitted and all dogs must be on a leash.
The WCC Trails Committee is responsible for maintaining and managing the WCC Trails in accordance with the requirements of the Upper Thames conservation Authority.
Ride Coordinators
• A ride coordinator(s) will be appointed by the WCC Board for each WCC Ride. The ride coordinator will identify himself/herself to the group so that everyone is aware of who is coordinating the ride. The ride coordinator may describe the general ride route, and may provide a brief safety tip at the commencement of the ride. Each individual group on a WCC Ride may not have a coordinator.
• The ride coordinator(s) has the final decision on all matters pertaining to the WCC Ride and his/her decisions must be respected by all participants. The rider coordinator may appoint a designate should the ride coordinator be unable to attend a WCC Ride.
• Ride coordinators will carry cell phones for emergency use on all WCC Rides and, from time to time, will remind riders to carry their own cell phones on WCC Rides. Riders should immediately call 911 in the event of an emergency.
Rides
• WCC Rides on roads will be planned to use lesser- traveled roads where possible and practical.
• WCC Rides will not run if lightning is present and will be cancelled if lightning is sighted.
• When a large number of riders come out for any given WCC Ride, the riders will be encouraged by the ride coordinator to break into smaller groups. A size of 6-12 is a reasonable group. Groups should be at least 100 metres apart on the road to allow other vehicles to pass safely in two maneuvers.
• Riders must not be left behind during an WCC Ride unless they first confirm with the ride coordinator(s) that they are detaching from the group; all members of the WCC Ride are responsible for ensuring they property notify the ride coordinator(s) if they are detaching from the group.
• WCC members are responsible for ensuring that their bicycle is in good working order before attending each WCC Ride.
• Bicycle helmets must be worn at all times while participating in any WCC ride and other protective equipment is strongly encouraged (e.g., gloves, eye wear).
• Front and rear lights are required during any WCC Ride which takes place one half hour before sunset and/ or which may extend into darkness.
• While trail riding all riders must be courteous and considerate of other trail users and the trail system.
• WCC members are responsible for ensuring they are sufficiently fit for their desired activity.
• WCC members are responsible for bringing sufficient liquids and food, as required, for each WCC Ride, as well as appropriate tools/ spare tubes, etc.
• WCC members are not to be under the influence of any drug or beverage product that could impair their riding judgment while on a WCC Ride.
• Any and every accident on a WCC Ride shall be immediately reported to a WCC Board member. The list of Board members can be found on the WCC website.
• For non-WCC riders wishing to try out a WCC Ride, they shall be informed that they are doing so at their own risk. They will be encouraged to ride safely, follow the club rules and join the club when possible.
Skills Development
• The WCC encourages all riders to be comfortable and proficient with group riding before joining a WCC ride.
• To support rider skills development, the WCC will endeavor to hold a youth cycling program.
• New or novice members are encouraged to participate in an Open House event hosted by the WCC annually, as to become better familiar with safe riding practices.
Trail Forks Map
https://www.trailforks.com/region/woodstock/?activitytype=1&z=11.9&lat=43.16600&lon=-80.70357
WOODSTOCK CYCLING CLUB 