Effective Date: May 2024

Policy Statement:
Sandymount Dodder Wheeler is committed to promoting a safe and healthy environment for all individuals engaged in cycling activities associated with our organization. This Cycling Safety Policy outlines the guidelines and procedures to ensure the well-being of cyclists, other road users and the prevention of incidences and injuries.

Scope:
This policy applies to all members.

Guidelines:
Members must adhere to the Rules of the Road at all times and take personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of other road users.
Management will endeavour to promote a safe cycling culture within the club.
Leaders will facilitate the group on the day of the cycle by determining the route, distance, speed, elevation, breaks and coffee stops. A leader may alter or cancel any/all of the above due to adverse weather conditions or other safety issues.
Each Member is responsible to ensure that they are medically safe to undertake club cycling activities. If in doubt they must consult with their medical practitioner beforehand.

Safety Equipment:
All cyclists must wear a properly fitted helmet meeting recognized safety standards. No- Helmet-No-Cycle.
Reflective gear and appropriate clothing should be worn to enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
Front and back lights are recommended.
It is the responsibility of each member to ensure that their bike is in a safe and roadworthy condition.
All cyclists must carry spare tubes and tools.

Training and Education:
All individuals participating in cycling activities must undergo the Sandymount Dodder Wheelers safety course on cycling safety, traffic rules, and emergency procedures.
All new Sandymount Dodder Wheelers members must partake in two green spins before they join a blue, yellow or red spin.
Regular safety briefings and updates will take place in keeping with our safe cycling objectives.

Emergency Procedures:
A clear procedure for reporting accidents and incidents will be established and managed by Safety Officer.
We have given leaders information on “Incident Scene Management” the objectives of which are:
Protection of the whole group
Managing traffic safely
Effectively contacting the emergency services
Communication with family members.
We have informed our members that under NO Circumstances should information about an adverse incident be uploaded to ANY social media platform.

Weather Conditions:
Cycling activities may be suspended or modified in adverse weather conditions.
Participants should be aware of weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

New Members:
Support and advice will be provided to new or less experienced cyclist during organized cycling events.

Documentation and Reporting:
Incidents, accidents, or near misses must be documented and reported to the designated Safety Officer within Sandymount Dodder Wheelers.

Policy Review:
This Cycling Safety Policy will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure its continued effectiveness.

By following this Cycling Safety Policy, Sandymount Dodder Wheelers aims to create a safe and enjoyable
environment for cyclists while promoting the physical and mental well-being of all participants.