DPCC Club Runs

Didcot Phoenix CC organising safe, fun organised social rides for club members. All rides are ‘non-drop’ and all participating riders can expect the group to help them complete the ride successfully.

Riders wishing to attend DPCC club rides must complete the following sign up form in advance of the ride. The Sunday/Group Rides online sign-up form can be found here

A copy of the Sunday Rides Risk Assessment can be found here

We will aim to keep groups to a maximum of 6-8 riders per group

For Sunday rides, riders must sign up for group rides via the online form by 8pm on the Friday before.

Additional Covid-19 Guidelines

Riders must not join rides if they display any Covid-19 symptoms, if someone in their household does, or they or anyone in their household is self-isolating. 

Riders must carry any necessary items in line with Government guidance, e.g.  

  • (1) sanitising gel (preferred) or hand wipes
  • (2) disposable gloves (non-latex preferred)
  • (3) a face covering.

Riders must adhere to Social Distancing measures at all times (“2m” or “1m plus” as appropriate).

Riders must practice good respiratory hygiene (ie coughing/sneezing into a tissue or the crook of an elbow). If possible move safely to the rear of the group to do this.

Strong hand hygiene to be practised. Use of contactless payment methods during any café stop is recommended (most cafes will insist on this).

Riders must provide all their own equipment and refreshments for the ride, and should not share drinks bottles and food unless members of the same household.

If a rider develops symptoms of Covid-19 during a ride they should stop taking part immediately, return home and follow HM Government’s Self-Isolation and Test & Trace procedures. Any rider developing symptoms after a ride should notify a DPCC Sunday Ride Organiser or Club Officer so that other members of the group can be advised and all should refer to the latest Government advice.

The club will keep a record of the other riders in their group in case names are required for future contact tracing purposes (e.g. photographs, written record, use GPS ride tracking apps such as Strava) in accordance to the club Data Privacy Policy.

To achieve safe and enjoyable rides, DPCC will:

  • Maintain insurance cover with British Cycling to cover these activities 
  • Coordinate a schedule of rides of different distances and durations
  • Design safe and enjoyable routes avoiding busy roads where possible
  • Publish details of individual rides in advance and their expected duration, distance and speed
  • Ensures the rides are led by experienced ride leaders and to develop new leaders
  • The club organises the following Sunday Rides (9.00 am (BST)/9.30 am depart (GMT), Boundary Park) with a Cafe stop at approximately half distance:
    • Latte: approx. 30 miles/50 km; average speed 15-16 mph/24-26 kph
    • Cappuccino: approx. 50 miles/80 km; average speed 16-17 mph/26-28 kph
    • Espresso Group: approx. 55 miles/90 km; average speed 18-19 mph/28-30 kph

Ride Leaders will:

  • Undertake a risk assessment of the ride
  • Brief the riders on the routes and any expected hazards at the start of the ride
  • Split participating riders into appropriate sized groups (not normally greater than 12 riders each)
  • Lead the ride from within the group to ensure the route is navigated safely
  • Ensure the ride is run at a pace at which all riders can successfully complete the full ride
  • Coordinate action in the result of an accident or emergency and report the incident

In groups, riders will:

  • Ride two abreast where possible 
  • Follow directly behind the rider in front of you and maintain position with the rider next to you
  • Maintain sufficient distance from riders around you to be able to avoid hazards 
  • On narrow or busy roads follow instructions from the ride leader to ride in single file
  • Riders will take turns at the front of the group and will allow fresh riders onto the front when safe to do so
  • Ride at an even pace to suit all riders within the group
  • Moderate speed after corners and junctions to allow riders to maintain contact with the group
  • Reduce the pace of the group or find a safe place to stop to allow riders who have become separated from the group to rejoin (e.g. after hills)
  • Clearly signal changes of direction, speed or hazards to the group

Signals include:

Verbal Signal Hand Signal 
Change direction “Left” or “Right” Left or right arm extended
Car ahead “Car down”
Car behind “Car back” or “Car up”
Obstruction on the left (e.g. parked car) “Out” Left hand behind lower back
All riders rejoined “All on”
Slowing to a standstill “Stopping” Hand lowered palm facing  backwards
Pot hole or similar “Hole”, “Gravel”, “Mud” Hand lowered pointing at obstacle

Individual riders will:

  • Be over 12 years. Riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents of riders under 18 must have submitted a parental consent form.
  • Hold current Club Membership (available through British Cycling) unless you are trying club rides out.  
  • Have public liability insurance (available from British Cycling or Cycling UK or similar organisations such as British Triathlon)
  • Carry an In Case of Emergency contact number on their person or phone and maintain an up-to-date ICE on the British Cycling website.
  • Have appropriate equipment for the ride (see below)
  • Abide by the Highway Code
  • Be familiar with the published route
  • Choose the level of ride appropriate to their fitness in discussion with the ride leader (Espresso/Cappuccino/Latte/Decaf)
  • Ride in a safe and predictable manner by braking in a smooth and controlled manner
  • Be respectful of each other and other road users and follow the direction of ride leader
  • Communicate hazards to others
  • Help other riders complete the ride 

Equipment:

  • A well maintained bike
  • Clothing suitable for the conditions 
  • Puncture repair kit including two innertubes, tyre levers and a pump
  • Front and rear light in poor light conditions
  • Mudguards in the winter months
  • Helmet (recommended)
  • Sufficient food and drink for the ride
  • Mobile phone
  • Money/Cards