Cycling
Notes for Cyclists
The Club runs a number of cycling activities including day (or part day) cycle rides and occasional multi-day cycling camps. Currently the Club does not organise rides on mountain bike tracks or parks, nor permit the use of e-Scooters on Club rides.
The Club’s basic risk management requirements (such as food, water, first aid equipment and following the leader’s instructions, etc) for walks also apply to cycling events. In addition, cyclists should note the following.
General safety and riding protocols
On roads, the road rules of the state you are in apply at all times, including traffic signals and not riding on footpaths.
Use hand signals to indicate changes of direction or if stopping (hand up at shoulder level) both to your fellow cyclists and any vehicles around you. The tail end rider should call out when vehicles are approaching from behind and the warning passed down the line to the front rider.
Keep a safe distance (as much as one metre) from the rider ahead of you and generally ride a little to the side of their rear wheel.
On wide open roads with low vehicle density, it may be safe to ride two abreast (but no more than 1.5mt apart). On narrow country roads, especially with a solid centre line single file riding must be practised. When reverting to single file, the outer rider should drop behind.
Wet or gravel roads increase risks so be aware of the surface conditions you are riding on. Use hand signals to warn the cyclists behind you of any surface hazards such as parallel cracks, glass shards, and potholes. When crossing tram tracks (as in Newcastle CBD) always cross as close to right angles as possible or dismount: Newcastle has already had a cycling fatality when a rider got their wheels caught in the one of the rails.
In cycle-lanes try to keep a one metre gap between yourself and parked cars to avoid door opening collisions.
On dedicated cycle or shared paths observe any posted speed limit (typically 10kph) and give way to pedestrians. Also, if there are other people on the shared pathway please ride in single file. Always use your bell when approaching walkers or call out “Passing on your right”. Watch for unpredictable dogs, children and the elderly.
Remember our rides are social rides, not competitive events, so no racing!
Clothing
An undamaged Australian & New Zealand Standards approved helmet is mandatory. To ensure the helmet is properly fitted on your head, check that the helmet’s front edge is no more than two finger widths above your eyebrow. Also, you should only be able to get one finger width between your chin and the strap when it is fully buckled.
Wear appropriate clothing, not so loose that it may catch in your wheels or chain but not so tight that it constrains you. Wear layers and be prepared for rain showers. Ensure you have a highly visible top or fluro safety vest. Footwear should be laced and covered shoes.
When using bags ensure they are well secured to your bike or your body with a waist strap.
Equipment
In addition to your food, water and first aid kit, you should have a puncture repair kit complete with tyre levers and a hand pump. A spare inner tube is strongly recommended.
Obviously, your bike should be in a maintained and roadworthy condition – tyre pressures, tyre treads, brakes and a lubricated chain (especially if the bike was last used in the rain). Remember front and rear reflectors or switched on lights are required in all light conditions and a working bell/horn are mandatory.
e-Bikes
Most of our cycle rides are suitable for “analogue” bikes as well as e-bikes. Where “analogue” bikes would be at a severe disadvantage, that will be indicated in the event description. If in doubt as to your bike’s suitability, please contact the ride leader before registering on our Member Jungle website.
Ebikers should ensure they have sufficient battery charge to cope with the event’s projected distance plus a margin. Pedalling a heavy e-bike uphill with no charge is not to be contemplated!
With the increasing ownership and use of e-bikes, e-bike riders should note that as of writing, e-bike riders are not covered by the Club’s public liability insurance scheme through BushwalkingNSW. Riders are strongly urged to self-insure their e-bikes (for loss) and themselves (for liability). Velosure and BicyclingNSW are dedicated bike/rider insurers. Some general insurers will also such insurance.
All riders should be familiar with the NSW Government’s Road Rules for Cyclists, at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/road-rules-for-bicycle-riders
and Safe Bike Riding at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycle-riders/safe-riding
2023-12-08 Harwood Lockton
