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CLUB POLICIES

RULES OF PARTICIPATION

  • Event Registration The Club uses event registrations to plan appropriate launch points, manage Ride Leaders and oversee participant safety. 
    • Riders must register for Calendar events they plan to attend.
    • Riders are expected to cancel a registration if they are unable to participate. 
  • Guests Guests are welcome to try a Club ride, but must complete the applicable waiver form beforehand.

Adult Guest Rider Waiver

Adult with Minor(s) Guest Rider Waiver

EQUIPMENT

  • Helmet Riders must wear a helmet.
  • Lights Riders must have front and rear lights with daytime flashing modes (the brighter the better), and should adjust the settings appropriately.
  • Equipment Maintenance Riders must ensure that their equipment is in good working order at all times. They should specifically check their brakes and tire pressures before each ride. 
  • Bright Clothing and Reflective Gear Riders are encouraged to wear both.
  • Rider Kit Riders must bring the following on each ride:
    • cell phone (if available), with the app "what3words" installed
    • copy of the ride route (downloaded or printed)
    • spare tube, pump and tool kit
    • sufficient hydration and nutrition
    • health card and document showing address and emergency contact information
  • Medical Emergency Information Riders should wear a ROAD.iD bracelet or other similar identification if the rider has a medical condition that might be relevant in the event of a medical emergency.
  • No Aero Bars Riding on aero bars is prohibited.
  • No Headphones Riding with headphones is prohibited.

RIDING

  • Tight and to the Right It's easier for a vehicle to pass a tight group of cyclists, as opposed to a group strewn along the road. In addition, the law requires us to move to the right to permit overtaking vehicles to pass.
  • Traffic Act and Other Laws Obey them, including:
    • stopping at stop signs and traffic lights (one foot down)
    • ensuring that both front and rear lights are on 1/2 hour before sunset, and that the rider's bicycle is in compliance with applicable reflector laws. 
  • Group Riding Riders must clearly communicate their movements within a group, and point out any upcoming road issues, using either verbal calls or hand signals as appropriate. 
  • Group Size Smaller is better than bigger.
  • Wheel Overlapping Don't do it! Most bike-bike accidents are caused by wheel overlapping--this video illustrates how.
  • Passing Always pass other cyclists on the left/outside. When passing, call it out (typically, “on your left”).
  • Lane Crossing Never cross into the oncoming lane, except when executing a turn.
  • Stopping When stopping at the side of the road, riders must get right off the shoulder and onto the adjacent grass verge. If there is no grass verge, don't stop there.
  • Two Abreast Cycling Should generally be okay on quieter roads with modest traffic. The Ottawa Police Force has endorsed two abreast cycling. However, on busier roads, staying safe as well as complying with the law may require riding single file, or even temporarily stopping on the shoulder to allow traffic to pass.
  • Three Abreast Never ride more than two abreast.
  • We Don't Litter 

GENERAL

  • Lost or Injured Riders None of the Club, its Ride Leaders, or its Executive, assumes any responsibility for lost or injured riders.
  • eBike Policy eBikes are permitted subject to the eBike Use for KVC Events policy.
  • Calendar Policy The Club promotes events in accordance with the Acceptable Use of the KVC Calendar policy.
  • Weather Policy Rides will be cancelled if the weather will potentially result in significant risks for riders. Among other things, the following factors will be considered:
    • any outstanding "weather alert" issued by Environment Canada
    • a high probability of thunderstorms (and especially lightning)
    • a high probability of significant rain
    • a forecast of high winds
    • a forecast of dangerous air quality (Kingston Air Quality Index)
  • Equipment Maintenance Training The Club regularly offers equipment maintenance courses. Riders with less developed equipment maintenance skills are strongly encouraged to participate in these courses.