Helmets must be worn unless a disability prevents it (proof required and Ride leaders are made aware).
Hi-Vis clothing is required for on-road riding.
Please be respectful and polite.
Please handle the bike club equipment with care.
Respect Others; Personal boundaries and choices.
Unscheduled stops must be agreed upon by the Ride Leader and participants unless for Health & Safety reasons.
Disputes will be resolved through the club's agreement process.
Children under 16 MUST be supervised by an adult (Minimum participant age: 6).
No alcohol or drugs are allowed during rides. Participants must comply with UK Cycling Laws.
A minimum of two Ride Leaders is required for a ride, Three where possible. If over 13 Participants, more Ride Leaders will be required.
All Participants must have a bicycle (Personal or Borrowed) (We can provide a Borrowed Bike).
Changes to rules require Committee Team Approval.
An M-Check or ABC Check is mandatory for new members and before each ride.
No Smoking or Vaping on a ride. (On a café stop, vaping and smoking is allowed as long as it is in a designated area or a safe distance away from others).
Additional Notes
Risk assessments are conducted for all rides and are reviewed as rides go on.
A First Aider is present on every ride.
Why is "Knowing Your Bike" Important?
Safety: Understanding how your brakes work and ensuring your bike is in good repair is crucial for safe riding.
Efficiency: A well-maintained and properly fitted bike will allow you to ride more efficiently and with less effort.
Longevity: Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your bike and its components.
Problem Solving: Knowing your bike can help you identify and potentially fix minor issues on the go.
Enjoyment: A comfortable and well-functioning bike makes riding more enjoyable.
During the M-check, you follow your bike in the shape of an M typically looking for:
Back Wheel:
Tyre pressure and condition: Is the back wheel inflated properly? Any cuts or bulges?
Wheel security: Is the back wheel properly attached (quick release or nuts)? Any loose spokes?
Saddle:
Saddle and seat post: Is the saddle secure and at the correct height?
Pedal:
Chain and drive train: Is the chain clean and lightly lubricated? Do the gears shift smoothly?
Pedals and cranks: Are they securely attached and do they spin freely?
Handlebars:
Handlebars and stem: Are they tight and aligned? Is the headset (where the fork meets the frame) free of play?
Brakes: Do the levers feel firm? Do the brakes effectively stop the wheels? Are the cables/hoses in good condition?
Back Wheel:
Tyre pressure and condition: Is the back wheel inflated properly? Any cuts or bulges?
Wheel security: Is the back wheel properly attached (quick release or nuts)? Any loose spokes?
The M-check is a quick way to identify potential problems before they lead to a breakdown or a safety hazard during your ride.
During The ABC Check You follow The ABC Rules and typically look for:
A - Air:
Tyre pressure and condition: Are the wheel's inflated properly? Any cuts or bulges?
B - Brakes:
Brakes: Do the levers feel firm? Do the brakes effectively stop the wheels? Are the cables/hoses in good condition?
C - Chain:
Chain and drive train: Is the chain clean and lightly lubricated? Do the gears shift smoothly?
Pedals and cranks: Are they securely attached and do they spin freely?
D - Distance:
Distance Traveling: Is your bike fit for riding the distance you are traveling.
The ABC check is a quick, Systematic way to perform a pre-ride safety inspection on a bicycle. It's designed to ensure your bike is mechanically sound before you head out, helping to prevent accidents or breakdowns.
Many people call this the ABC Quick Check. The final step is to ensure that the Quick Release Levers on your wheels and seat post are closed tightly and pointing toward the back of the bike so they don't catch on anything