Code of Conduct
When taking part in a Club related activity, whether this activity involves cycling or not, all members must remember that their conduct reflects directly on the Club, and consequently it must be of the highest order.
When cycling on the road, all members must adhere strictly to the ‘rules of the road’ and must not put themselves or fellow cyclists, whether Club members or not, in danger. Safety in our sport is of the utmost importance, and members must not only look out for themselves, but also for fellow cyclists. This includes pointing out obstructions on the road and remaining as a group to assist a member with any mechanical or other issues that may arise. The group must only move off when the issue has been resolved or if the person requiring assistance has agreed that the group may continue without them. NO RIDER WILL BE ABANDONED.
Each member is an ambassador for the Club, and should promote the benefits of being part of the Club whenever they can.
Wearing the Club top whenever they are participating in a Club activity is encouraged and is compulsory when competing in an event run under the auspices of Cycling Ireland. Club sponsors have paid the Club to advertise their businesses, therefore a great effort must be made to wear club kit at club events, such as Time Trials, road races or at sportives. Club clothing can be purchased through the Clothing Secretary.
Although it is not yet a legal requirement, wearing an approved safety helmet when cycling is strongly advised and MUST be worn on any club-sanctioned event, whether it is a club run, Time Trial or Road Race. The risk of serious head injury is greatly increased if a helmet is not worn and this is likely to be taken into account in the event of an insurance claim.
Each member is responsible for maintaining their bicycle in a good and safe condition, and particularly during the winter months or when the weather demands it, fitting mudguards as a courtesy to other Club members.
Discipline and Appeals
All complaints regarding the behaviour of members should be submitted in writing or via electronic means, i.e. email to the Secretary or Chairperson.
The complaint will be heard at the next Club Committee meeting. If the complaint is deemed to be of a minor nature, the Committee can dispose of it accordingly. However, if the complaint is of a serious nature, the accused member will have the right, should they so desire, to attend the Committee meeting and have one ‘friend’ accompany them, in order to provide their side of events. If the Club Committee so decides, an EGM can be convened to discuss a serious complaint, and has the power to take appropriate disciplinary action including the termination of membership.
The outcome of a disciplinary hearing should be notified in writing to the person who lodged the complaint and the member against whom the complaint was made within 7 days of the hearing.
There will be the right of appeal to the Club membership at an AGM or EGM following disciplinary action being announced. The appellant must notify the Secretary in writing within 21 days of notification of the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.
The appeal will be heard at an AGM or an EGM convened specifically for that purpose, following receipt of notice of appeal.
Road Racing competitions
The club shall hold a Road Racing League Championship each year. The winner shall be the person who has amassed the most points during this league. If it is a tie, then the title will be awarded to the person who had the most consistent high place finishes.
A Road Race will be held to award a prize for riders in separate age related categories or as a one off, handicapped road race with an award going to the winner of same.
The Club will provide sufficient marshals to ensure the events are run safely and efficiently. As per the Code of Conduct, members must adhere to the rules of the road, wear club kit and abide by the rules for this form of competition as set by Cycling Ireland and the world governing body, the UCI.
Riders and marshals should endeavour to be signed on and/or briefed at least twenty minutes before the commencement of the event. This will ensure a timely and punctual competition.
Time Trial Competition
The club shall organise a Time Trial series each year.
The Series will be consist of Time Trials of the following distances: One kilometre; Five miles; Ten miles and twenty-five miles.
The course will be measured to ensure compliance of these distances, and at the discretion of the Race/Time Trial sub-committee, the start or finish may be moved accordingly.
The Club will provide sufficient marshals to ensure the events are run safely and efficiently. As per the Code of Conduct, members must adhere to the rules of the road, wear club kit and abide by the rules for this form of competition as set by Cycling Ireland and the world governing body, the UCI.
Participants must have a bicycle in sound and proper working order, wear a helmet, whether it is of an aerodynamic style or conventional road cycling helmet but it must conform to current recognized safety body regulations.
Aero-designed bicycles or Time Trial bicycles, tri-bars and solid wheels are permitted. However, a solid wheel may only be used on the rear. Bicycles must have a rear light attached that is working and visible to traffic.
The Club will award medals or trophies of gold, silver or bronze in nature according to the average speed of the individual rider recorded during the series. The speed required to achieve any of the medals will be determined prior to the commencement of the TT series and can be changed from year to year as seen fit by the TT sub committee.
The minimum age a rider for competitors is twelve years of age. Young riders must be familiar with the Highway Code, have the consent of a parent/appropriate adult and be confident and competent to ride on an open road alone. The Club will allow said parent/appropriate adult to accompany the rider but they must not assist, aid or otherwise during the TT, so that an unfair advantage is gained. If this is type of activity is reported/observed, the rider will not be given a time and may be disqualified for the duration of the series.
Riders and marshals should endeavour to be signed on and/or briefed at least twenty minutes before the commencement of the event. This will ensure a timely and punctual competition.
Club Rides
Safety and Risk Management
All riders take part in the group runs at their own risk. Those risks can never be totally eliminated but can be minimised by following the advice below. Riders, who do not meet certain standards or are not of an adequate level, will have their deviations politely pointed out to them by a senior club rider. A senior club rider will be one as listed by the Committee. If they believe that a rider’s conduct is putting others at risk they have the authority to exclude the offender from the group run and will subsequently report the circumstances to the club committee who may wish to take further action. Consider your own insurance needs. In particular ensure that you have Third Party (Public Liability) insurance that covers you whilst cycling. Although this is not a legal requirement, the current “sue everyone for everything” attitude makes insurance essential. The Club has such a policy to cover claims against the Club and its officers but it does not cover individual riders. You should consider joining either the Cyclists Touring Club or Cycling Ireland – membership includes both Third Party insurance and free legal assistance should you need to claim against someone else.
- Club runs are not Club races and must not be treated as such. There will be numerous club events that members can attend involving racing, aside from applying for a full race licence.
- Groups ride 2 abreast with riders riding DIRECTLY behind the wheel in front. There may be a case when shelter is found sitting to the right or left of the wheel in front however the group CANNOT take up the entire lane/road by doing this.
- It is up to the first 2 riders in the group to spot potholes or other obstacles on the road and alert the group. Point with either hand and call ‘hole’. Following riders should also pass the call down the group. If you aren’t comfortable with taking your hands off the bars simply call ‘hole left/right/middle’. Do not scream it and terrify those further back in the group. Do not break rashly upon hearing the call.
- When turning left or right those at the front should alert the group in advance so that the riders at the rear can make the hand signal for traffic behind.
- When riding in the group take note of the speed of the group. When you get to the front try to maintain this speed. DO NOT half wheel at the front. Should you wish to go faster ask if the person is willing and capable. Training should be done on your own not with 15 other people.
- If you are suffering at the front of the group call ‘change’ yourself. Do not wait for someone to do it for you and do not wait until riders are swerving around you as you go out the back of the group. Riders will not be annoyed if you call early and the effort should be appreciated.
- Try to keep the changes in a group regular (2mins, 5mins etc). Weather/group size/ rider ability should decide this. You are not obliged to ride at the front and no one should complain to someone who is sitting on, however, it is not ok to sit on all day then ‘go racing’ for the last part of the run or put those who have been riding through under pressure.
- Should you, or should you notice, a puncture or mechanical you should call ‘puncture/mechanical’ loud enough for the group to hear. The call should be passed up the group if needs be. THE WHOLE GROUP SHOULD FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND STOP. Always wait and keep the group together.
- As above, should there be a call for a ‘pee stop’ the whole group should pull in and wait. Riding on creates small groups on the road and traffic can end up between groups. This not only inconveniences drivers it is also dangerous for the groups.
- Should a rider(s) go out the back of the group, e.g. on a hill, the group should wait and reassemble. DO NOT ride on and leave people on their own. Riders are safer when part of the group. Riders at the rear should take note of who has gone out the back and inform the group at the top of the hill etc. Should a rider tell the group to ride on someone in the group should ask where they are going and if they are ok.
- If you are getting dropped from the group often or are getting dropped while the group is riding standard you should allow the group to ride on. Tell someone where you are going. Try to link up with another group if possible. Ride in a group with people at a similar standard.
- When leaving a coffee shop or a puncture stop make sure everyone in the group is ready to leave. DO NOT ride off in 3’s and 4’s and have small groups playing catch up. Again, you are safer as part of the group.
- Should someone in the group have a word about the standard/safety of your riding DO NOT take it personally. Everyone is looking after their own and your safety.
- It is your responsibility to make sure your bike is safe and worthy of riding on the road. As a crash can affect many in the group it is selfish to arrive on a run with dangerous equipment. Check your chain and block for wear, your brakes, your cleats, your tyres and all other moving parts. Cleaning your bike is where you will notice if your bike has a problem. A regular service is essential.
- ALWAYS wear a helmet and have it fitted properly on your head. ALWAYS ask those who turn up for a run without a helmet why they aren’t wearing one. Our club has a few members who could advise on the effects of serious head injuries and a few who have been saved from serious head injuries thanks to a helmet.
- When coming out of a side road or junction think of the group as one big vehicle. Wait until there is a gap for the whole group to move off together. Again, having cars between the group is dangerous. Should this happen DO NOT overtake cars to rejoin the group in front.
The clubs reputation is judged by those we share the roads with. Whether the entire group are wearing the pink and black or not it is still an NDCC run. We must obey all laws of the road. Should anyone in the group break laws or damage the clubs reputation SPEAK UP either directly or to an experienced/senior rider. Or inform a member of the committee.
Children and Young Persons
NDCC will endeavour to take all steps necessary to protect all of the clubs children and young persons. This include, abiding by current legislation and forming its own set of guidelines. Cycling Ireland has a booklet entitled ‘Code of Practice and Safeguarding Procedures for Young and Vulnerable Cyclists’. This may be viewed either at the NDCC website or the Cycling Ireland website.
NDCC will appoint at least one safeguarding officer.
The club will encourage as many children and young persons to join NDCC, and will promote a health and well being lifestyle for them to follow. This will include advice on cycling, nutrition, training and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If advice and guidance is sought, the club will do its utmost to answer their query. Children and young persons will abide by NDCC’s Rules and Procedures and the aforementioned Cycling Ireland Code of Practice.
Currently, the club does not insist that all persons having attained the age of eighteen years be vetted, however to protect the welfare of the young persons and adults alike, it is highly recommended that all such persons submit their details for an Access NI (or similar) check on joining or renewing their membership of NDCC. If such a person refuses without good reason to submit their details for a check, they can be refused membership or have their membership revoked.
All adults assisting in the events where children will be present, must be appropriately vetted and be a member of NDCC.
No adult will be left alone with a child/young person and vice versa.
Before children and young persons under the age of eighteen can join NDCC, a parental consent form must be signed by a parent/legal guardian. By doing so, the parent/legal guardian agree to abide by Code of Practice and Safeguarding Procedures for Young and Vulnerable Cyclists and the rules and procedures as laid down by NDCC.