Cycling Safely
The following guidelines are intended for all riders taking part in any of the Bryncoch Bombers organised cycle rides - but many can be applied to rides you do outside of the club, so its worth familiarising yourself with the basics anyway.
Before Your Ride
You are required to provide contact details of next of kin to the club committee that may be contacted in the event of an accident, or at least carry a mobile phone with ICE enabled so that another rider within the group can access it.
YOU are responsible for riding sensibly and cautiously within the rules of The Highway Code to protect yourself and
those around you including other riders, pedestrians and other road users.
You should check your bike maintenance including brakes regularly after completing rides. That way you know your equipment is in good condition ready for the next ride when you are scrambling to get out of the house because you slept late. You should be able to repair a puncture and always carry appropriate tools to do so: a pump, tyre levers, repair kit - or at least 1 or 2 x spare inner tubes.
It is strongly recommended to wear a helmet on all rides for your own safety. Lack of such an item may prohibit you from riding on organised club rides. Bright colours is also advised, especially during the darker winter months to make sure you are seen. Always dress for the conditions, and (yes, we are in Wales) be prepared for rain. Nothing worse than being soaked through due to inappropriate clothing. We also recommend eyewear of some sort to limit any kind of ingress which may impede your vision, or worse. Small stones are a regular hazard from passing vehicles.
Rides can require substantial effort, and regularly last for several hours - so remember to bring enough food and drink to sustain your energy levels.
If you have ANY doubts about your fitness or health, don't ride until you have seen your
doctor for the appropriate checks and been cleared as fit. If you feel unwell on a ride, let
people around you know immediately and stop.
During the Ride
If you are finding it difficult in any way, you should make it known to other members in order the ride pace can be adjusted to ensure all make it back in one piece. Alternatively, we publish cut short options on most ride to allow shorter routes for those who need it.
Most riders will speak up if they see any rider involved in unsafe manoeuvres or
careless cycling. If you show yourself unable or unwilling to ride safely, you may be asked
to leave the ride. If you find the pace is 'too slow' for you, DO NOT zoom off in front or you may get lost and leave the group
concerned for you. WAIT at the next junction for the rest of the group, keeping in mind the next junction may be on your left or right, not necessarily in front.
The highway code permits riding two abreast but never more, when the road is straight and clear. It is for the courtesy of car drivers and your own safety that a single file approach be adopted on twisty sections. Whenever possible, always try to keep the maximum length of the rider group as short as possible within these confines - as it will serve to make passing traffic do it quickly and efficiently. Drawn out trains always aggravate car drivers, which will result in safety compromises for all.
DON'T brake suddenly in a group if you can avoid it. Watch the road and surface ahead to
anticipate, avoid, and warn others of, hazards. Learn from experienced riders how to
recognise and point out hazards. Potholes, gravel, oil, branches, debris, pedestrians on the
road, parked cars and even bollards can cause accidents if other riders can't see them. It is
dangerous to avoid a hazard yourself and not make following riders aware.