NDV Code of Conduct

North Devon Velo’s code of conduct is devised for the safety and benefit of the club and its members.

It outlines the minimum standards expected on all rides. Some rides may have additional rules. If in doubt, please consult your ride leader who will make themselves known at the beginning of the ride.

North Devon Velo provides a varied programme of rides at varying paces, including a social ride, a steady training ride and a fast training ride. Distances, speeds and destinations of rides are generally shared on the NDV Facebook page and displayed on the club website’s Rides page.

- Guiding Principles

Club rides are not races and members are expected to treat them appropriately. When riding as a club we must:

  • behave in a manner that represents North Devon Velo in a good light;

  • act for our own safety and well-being;

  • respect our fellow club members.

Riders are responsible for their own health and safety at all times. All riders must adhere to the rules of the road and ride in accordance with the Highway Code. Disregard for the Highway Code and behaviour that endangers yourself or others may lead to disciplinary action by the committee.

 

- Ride Discipline

  • Riders should ride no more than two abreast unless overtaking;

  • Be aware of riders behind you. Try to ride smoothly and do not brake without warning if it can be avoided;

  • Shout warnings and signal to other riders if there is a danger in the road;

  • Groups should allow appropriate gaps in traffic and slow to allow enough time for the entire group to negotiate obstacles;

  • Should the group be split, riders should slow down or find a safe place to stop and reform before proceeding;

  • The group should always stop and assist any of its riders suffering from mechanical or physical problems;

  • The group should always wait for the last rider, unless the rider has requested to be left, or an agreement made with everyone’s consent, that the group will not wait for dropped riders;

  • No rider should leave the group without first notifying other riders, preferably the ride leader.

  • We advise all riders, whether seasoned veterans or new to the sport of cycling to read our NDV Riding Principles Document. This outlines all aspects of group riding on North Devon Velo including group ettiquette, hand and verbal signals whilst out on the road and the how to guide for the group chaingang.

- Ride Leader

The ride leader is the official representative of the club and his or her instructions should be followed. The ride leader must be a club member and will endeavour to ensure that the ride is conducted in a safe and well-organised fashion. All riders must assist the leader in this duty. If any member or ‘taster’ rider has any questions whilst out on the road/session, please make yourself known to the ride leader and they will be able to assist.

 

- Dealing with Mechanical Problems

To ensure that mechanical problems are minimised, riders must keep their bikes in roadworthy condition. A tool kit should be carried that includes, at the very least, the following:- pump or other way of inflating tyres- spare inner tubes- puncture repair kit- two tyre levers- allen keys or multi-head spanner as appropriate to your cycle.

 

- Dealing with Accidents & Injuries

NDV does not provide first aid cover or medical support for riders on club runs. In the event of an accident, the ride leader and the group will do all they can to assist any rider who has suffered injury.

Riders who have pre-existing medical conditions that require special treatment must take precautions to ensure that information about their condition can be easily found by the emergency services or other medical professionals in the aftermath of an accident or the onset of the medical condition. One way of doing this is to wear a MedicAlert bracelet or pendant. These are pieces of jewellery containing a telephone number which any doctor can ring to find out about your medical conditions. To find out more, contact your GP, or contact: MedicAlert at 1 Bridge Wharf, 156 Caledonian Road, London N1 9UU Tel: 020 7833 3034 Freephone: 0800 581 420.

- Food & Clothing

You must dress appropriately for the weather. You should carry a waterproof on all but the best of days. Club runs may include a café stop; however you should carry drinks and food sufficient to get you to the café and home again.

- Use of Aero-Bars

Club rides are group rides. While the club accepts that aero-bars may be permanently attached to your bike, please do not use them while riding in company, unless practising team time trial.

- Child Protection Policy

Riders under 16 must be accompanied by their parent or an approved coach, unless special arrangement has been made with the club prior to the day of the ride. For further details on the club’s Welfare Policy, please contact our Welfare Officer, Maxine, on info@northdevonvelo.com. See also our Welfare page.

- Getting Home Again

If you are not confident of finishing the ride or your bike has a mechanical problem, please let other riders know as soon as possible. The ride leader and the group will do all they can to assist you, but they can only do so if they are aware of your problem. The group will be supportive in offering assistance and advice ensuring everyone gets home safe and in as reasonable amount of time as the situation practicably allows.

This conduct policy was reviewed and agreed by NDV Committee in February 2024.