Risk Management Plan

Background

Cycling can be a dangerous activity. The Dig Deep Cycling Club (DDC) has developed this Risk Management Plan to document howDDC rides are to be managed to reduce risks associated with Cycling activities. These policies are to be practiced by DDC members, and any permitted visiting riders as permitted by Ontario Cycling Association rules, during every DDC ride. All DDC members, and any permitted visiting riders, share the responsibility for making DDC rides as safe as possible.

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COVID-19 Statement

Please be mindful that COVID-19 is limiting regular club activities.

Not all rides will be scheduled during these uncertain times.

Keep up to date on the latest OCA Progressive Return to Cycling Policy: COVID-19 Information – Ontario Cycling Association
Follow the most recent recommendations from the Ontario Government, Ontario Public Health, and local public health units.
Rides are cancelled during local or provincial lockdowns.
Carry PPE (a mask or appropriate face covering). A mask must be worn anytime you need to interact with another person in close proximity while not on a group ride or when you venture indoors for water or nature breaks.
Only show up to ride if you have pre-registered using the Cycle Club App. Attendance records will be kept by the club for at least 30 days for contact tracing purposes.
Complete the health check on the Cycle Club App prior to attending a ride.

COVID-19 SAFETY

Do not show up to ride if you are feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms (cough, fever, sore throat, runny, stuffy or congested nose, etc.).
No sharing of food, water or equipment is allowed.
Do not spit or clear any airways outwardly.
If you must sneeze or cough, this should be done into your arm or sleeve only.
In order for us to offer rides we must impose limits on ride sizes, keep participant lists for contact tracing purposes, and require pre-registration for each ride.
Ride participation is reserved on a first come first served basis.
Rides are capped at a maximum of twelve (12) participants including Ride Leaders.
We normally target to have a group size of 8-10 & split group when get beyond 12 participants.

Each DDC member shall receive a copy, electronic or otherwise of this Risk Management Plan and a copy shall be available on the DDC website at: http://www.digdeepfitness.ca. Additional information regarding DDC rules and programs can also be found on the DDC website (see Ride Participant Guidelines for the DDC)

Definitions

DDC Rides means rides formally organized by the DDC and as described on the DDC website. Rides not listed on the DDC website are not DDC rides.

DDC Insurance

Through the member registration process, each member purchases General Liability Insurance coverage through the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA). General Liability Insurance is designed to protect a person (member) or any entity (Province, Club, Canadian Cycling Association) against any legal responsibility arising out of a negligent act or failure to act as a prudent person would have acted, which results in bodily injury or property damage to another party. DDC members should familiarize themselves with the terms of the insurance coverage. The coverage details may be accessed at https://ontariocycling.org/about-ontario-cycling/insurance/

The DDC must receive signed insurance waivers from each DDC member; membership is not assigned or granted until a signed waiver is received by the DDC. This is part of the online member registration process.

Standards of Care

This Risk Management Plan and all DDC programs and rides shall adhere to the following, as applicable:

UCI, CCA, OCA rules and regulations as they pertain to Club Rides.
Ontario Highway Traffic Act
While on DDC Rides, all DDC members must adhere to and obey all rules of the road as per the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. The Ontario Highway Traffic Act is available here: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h08_e.htm

Risk Management

General:

All members of the DDC are responsible for bringing forward to the CCC Board any safety issues related to DDC Rides which present themselves throughout the riding season.
While on DDC Rides, all DDC members must adhere to and obey all rules of the road as per the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.
Any DDC member on a DDC Ride should immediately advise the ride marshal(s) and other members of the ride should the member feel the group or individuals in the group are riding in an unsafe manner. The member should withdraw from the ride if they feel unsafe.
All participants of the DDC Rides must provide proof of membership in good standing prior to each ride, if requested by the ride marshal.
Each DDC Ride participant will conduct themselves in a responsible manner and retains liability for their own actions.

Ride Marshals/Coordinators

A ride leader(s) may be appointed by the DDC Board for each DDC Ride. The ride leader will identify himself/herself to the group so that everyone is aware of who is coordinating the ride. The ride coordinator may describe the general ride route and may provide a brief safety tip at the commencement of the ride. Each individual group on a DDC Ride may or may not have a leader/coordinator.
The ride leader (s) has the final decision on all matters pertaining to the DDC Ride and his/her decisions must be respected by all participants
Ride leader (s) will carry a cell phone for emergency use on all DDC Rides. DDC members are encouraged to carry their own cell phones on DDC Rides. Riders should immediately call 911 in the event of an emergency.
If no ride leader is present, members should continue to follow the Risk Management Plan and Ride Policies accordingly.

Rides

DDC Rides on roads will be planned to use lesser- traveled roads where possible and practical.

DDC Rides will not run if lightning is present and will be cancelled if lightning is sighted.
When a large number of riders come out for any given DDC Ride, the riders will be encouraged by the ride coordinator to break into smaller groups. A size of 6-12 is a reasonable group. Groups should be at least 100 meters apart on the road to allow other vehicles to pass safely in two maneuvers.
Riders must not be left behind during a DDC Ride unless they first confirm with the ride marshal(s) that they are detaching from the group; all members of the DDC Ride are responsible for ensuring they properly notify the ride marshal(s) if they are detaching from the group.
DDC members are responsible for ensuring that their bicycle is in good working order before attending each DDC Ride.
Bicycle helmets must be worn at all times while participating in any DDC ride and other protective equipment is strongly encouraged (e.g., gloves, eye wear).
While trail riding all riders must be courteous and considerate of other trail users and the trail system.
DDC members are responsible for ensuring they are sufficiently fit for their desired activity.
DDC members are responsible for bringing sufficient liquids and food, as required, for each DDC Ride, as well as appropriate tools/ spare tubes, etc.
DDC members are not to be under the influence of any drug or beverage product that could impair their riding judgment while on a DDC Ride.
Any and every accident on a DDC Ride shall be immediately reported to a DDC Board member to be reported to the Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) through the proper reporting procedures and forms provided by the OCA. The list of Board members can be found on the DDC website.

Skills Development

The DDC encourages all riders to be comfortable and proficient with group riding before joining a DDC ride.
To support rider skills development, the DDC will periodically hold skills development programs for road riding and/ or mountain biking and encourages all DDC members to attend these programs and / or other cycling skills courses.
Riders may be requested to complete a skills development program before attending or continuing to attend regular scheduled DDC rides. This applies for both road and off-road DDC rides.
New or novice member are encouraged to participate in the Learn to Ride programs offered by the DDC before participating in more challenging or technically advanced rides.