Interesting mindset creeping through here - imagine the scene:
100 riders arrive at CSS which has been suitably fenced off just in case a pedestrian gets knocked down by a rider. The Chief Risk Aversion Officer (formally Club Captain) draws together his Health and Safety Officers (formally VCs) clad in full high viz gear to discuss the day's ride. Reports of the weather along with road condition reports from advanced drivers who have driven the route measuring road temperature and moisture. So far so good, the signed disclaimer forms are collected with a check of everybody's insurance certificate, the St John's ambulance is ready to go but wait..... a last minute report....wet leaves on a bend that riders might use as a short cut.......sorry Club Run cancelled.....
Sounds a bit dramatic but consider, egg and spoon races, conker fights and British Bulldog are all banned from schools; school fetes and sports days all have to be risk assessed before given the go ahead - the future of club runs are looking bleak...
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On a more serious note:[/color]
Ride leaders - do we have ride leaders? We have VC's but at the end of the day we have no jurisdiction or control of what riders do and they do not lead, organise not lead.
Care of Duty / risk assessments - who would do these, what qualifications/training would they require, what would they base their assessment on, what if they are not available on the day?
We should not have ridden when it was icy - really..are we not capable of making that decision ourselves or are you saying we are sheep and have to be told what to do. I notice that those that were most negatively vocal were not even there on the day.
The Addiscombe cycling club and its Officers are fully covered against liability and supported by British Cycling who have a team of lawyers that deal with litigation of this sort day in day out so those so inclined - sue away. Frankly if that is your mindset then really I really do not want to ride with you.
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On an unpleasant note:[/color]
There have been some personal criticisms made against a much respected member of ACC on this thread (sorry I think that this was on another thread) whose contribution would be greatly missed if he stepped away. Some of these comments have come from somebody who is not even an ACC member as wasn’t even there. We have an open and vibrant forum and that is its strength but I think that this kind of thing is disgraceful.
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Remember[/color]
We take responsibility for our own actions
We do not force you to go on the club runs
There is risk in everything we do
Cycling is dangerous - doh