The object of the SA Recreational Cyclists Club is to have safe and enjoyable cycling for all members, by observing the following guidelines for Leaders and Riders.

LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Before the ride, leaders should

1. Choose a route that they are familiar with that is both interesting and within the capabilities of our members.
2. Have the ride approved by the Ride Organiser.
3. When in built up areas choose routes which avoid busy main roads.
4. Write a few words about the location of the ride and features of interest suitable for publication and submit this to the Ride Organiser. In particular state the starting point and time, the distance and difficulty of the ride, % of unsealed roads and amount of climbing in meters. If there are any challenging surfaces (rocks, roots, ruts, …) or obstacles (stiles, fences, creeks, …) these should also be noted.
5. Indicate the location of lunch stop, or morning tea and include “BYO” lunch where appropriate.
6. Refer to the  Extreme weather policy and, in consultation with the Ride Organiser for the group, take the required action

A leader does not have to lead a large group if he/she believes it is not manageable or safe. The group should be divided and another member either take the ride on a totally different route or follow the original route a little way behind, but not joining up to the first group.

Leading the ride, leaders should

1. Attend the ride, or find an alternative leader who is familiar with the ride.
2. Introduce and welcome new members to the group.
3. Give a short description of the ride and emphasise any special features or road hazards that are expected to be encountered.
4. Keep the group together by incorporating regular stops in safe locations and quickly identify and find any missing participants.
5. Stay close to the front of the group so that nobody at the front is out of sight or earshot.
6. Carry a working mobile phone and first-aid kit
7. Appoint a “Tail End Charlie” to act as sweep if a ride has 10+ participants and exchange mobile numbers and route details with them.
8. Do the ride that is in the program. If they need to make any changes, gain the consent of the assembled members to ensure that those present are capable of the new ride.
9. Pace the ride at a comfortable speed based on the skill and experience of the riders present.
10. Break the group into small numbers of six or less where the road is narrow and the traffic is potentially dangerous.
11. At the completion of the ride make sure they return to the starting point and wait until the last rider arrives. If this is not possible, appoint a substitute leader to finish the ride.

RIDERS RESPONSIBILITIES

When riding in a SARCC group, riders must

1. Follow the ride leader’s instructions.
2. Carry ID and emergency contact number.
3. Ensure that they and their bike are fit for purpose. This includes among other things:
   I. Wearing at least 50% high visibility clothing:
   II. Having a safely maintained bike with a bell and rear light.
4. Obey all the road rules and be considerate of other bike riders and pedestrians.
5. Notify the leader or “Tail End Charlie”, if they leave the group before the official completion of the ride.
6. Not get ahead of the Ride Leader without their permission.
7. When on busy roads, ensure that vehicles can overtake safely, by riding in single file and in bunches of no more than four to six.

Updated by the committee on 11th October 2025