BWAM Ride Protocols and Disclaimer

 All riders attending the group ride should abide by the following guidelines. Where there are concerns regarding the standard of riding or safety of an attendee this will be addressed discreetly with them at the first suitable stop.

Safety

The paramount consideration when riding in a group is always safety. At no time should the safety of riders, or any third party be compromised. It always remains the personal responsibility of all riders within the group to exercise their own judgement about every course of action that they take. Each rider is responsible for their safety, their actions and any consequences that those actions may have.

Guidelines for participants

• Arrive punctually for the pre-ride briefing with a full tank of petrol and be ready to go by the stated time.

• Remember- Safety first!

• At all times, every rider is responsible for their own safety, actions and any consequences that those actions may have.

• The leader is responsible for navigation only, every rider must use their judgement about every course of action that they take.

• Always obey traffic laws.

• Ride at a pace that is legal and at no time ride faster than you consider safe for the conditions, always ride smoothly and predictably, try to avoid harsh acceleration, sudden braking or changes in direction.

• At junctions take the obvious straight-ahead route unless a marker bike indicates otherwise.

• At roundabouts, the marker bike should be on the exit route, if you cannot see the marker on the approach be prepared to circle the roundabout to confirm the correct exit (mainly large roundabouts).

• Overtaking within the group should be facilitated where safe and legal if permitted by the ride leader and clarified in the briefing. A rider should not be pressured into going any faster than they feel safe and the following rider should not pressure the rider in front. The following rider can make their intentions known and where appropriate the rider in front can yield allowing for a safe and courteous overtake. The tail-end rider will not overtake others in the group.

• If you intend to leave the group, allow all riders to pass you and indicate to the tail-end rider your intentions. Preferably this will have been communicated at the briefing stage if possible, however circumstances may change during the ride.

• When on the open road, ride in staggered formation when near other group riders.

• Allow other road users to overtake the group if they wish. Where it is safe make space for them to do so.