The Code of Conduct

EBTC (the Club) strives to promote a safe and enjoyable cycling environment for all its members in the company of other cyclists. It endeavours to lead by example and relies on each of its members to take responsibility to achieve this. By being an EBTC member, you are expected to adhere to this code of conduct. For the safety of others, failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Safety is paramount to the enjoyment of cycling. Awareness and consideration of others are fundamental to ensuring a cycling environment that is safe and fun. It is the responsibility of each individual to practice safety in respect of their own actions, as well as being friendly, courteous and respectful in their conduct towards other cyclists, motorists and road/trail users.
EBTC's website www.bikeclub.ca has a very informative and comprehensive section titled “Learning to Cycle Safely” that members are encouraged to study and incorporate into their cycling patterns.

Personal Equipment

• Helmet –that meets approved standards, must be worn on all rides.
• Road worthiness - of bicycles and equipment must be maintained.
• Identification - including phone number, should be carried on the bicycle at all times.

Riding Etiquette & Conduct

• Be predictable - ride in a consistent manner. Do not swerve or change rate of travel unexpectedly.
• Indicate - learn accepted cycling hand signals and use them.
• Call out hazards - the rider in front is responsible for those following.
• Keep an even pace - do not brake or slow unexpectedly, be aware that there is a compounding effect to those following. Look ahead at what is happening on the road and anticipate the moves of the cyclists ahead of you.
• Keep adequate distance - avoid overlapping wheels. If your front wheel touches the rear wheel of the rider in front of you, you will fall. Be defensive to stay safe.
• Obey the rules of the road – conduct one's self with the same consideration as one would expect from any other road user, particularly motorists. Aggressive behaviour and gestures by cyclists will alienate motorists and could lead to endangering other cyclists.

Stop at all red traffic lights and stop signs – When riding alone, obey the traffic signals and proceed when conditions permit. When riding in a group, do not cross an intersection, even if the traffic light is green, unless you are sure that the whole group will be able to cross safely before the light changes.
If the group inadvertently does becomes split at a traffic light, the leading riders should then slow, or stop in a safe place, to enable the trailing riders to rejoin them.

Crossing major highways and uncontrolled intersections – At an uncontrolled intersection when riding alone, select a gap in traffic that will be safe and proceed with caution. The rules change when riding in a group. At an uncontrolled intersection or at a major highway, do NOT act individually. The vehicle driver sees the group as one entity and expects it to act as one. One individual should take charge, (the Ride Captain if present), directing everyone not to cross until there is a gap in traffic large enough for the entire group to safely cross the road. Acting in unison, the group proceeds when safe to do so, under the leader’s direction.

Do not hold up following traffic - Ride single file on single-lane and busy roads where motor vehicles are frequently coming past. In Alberta it is illegal to ride two abreast unless passing. When overtaking slower riders or vehicular traffic do so in a prompt manner ensuring that you yourself are not impeding the free flow of other cyclists or motorists.

On rare instances it becomes necessary for a cyclist to “take the lane” for his/her own safety. This is both legal and practical (an instance could be a narrowed construction zone). Never stop in the traffic lane or otherwise impede traffic flow.

Bike skills - learn to handle your bike confidently in all situations. Attend bike skills training arranged by the Club or ask someone experienced to assist you. You should learn how to ride through corners, how to "bunny-hop" over obstacles, what to do when you bump into a fellow cyclist or when your front wheel connects with the rear wheel of the bike in front, etc.

Respect for other riders – Club members are expected to treat each other with respect. Any concerns with disruptive conduct or riding etiquette that have not been resolved should be discussed with your ride coordinator or any of the Club executive. Serious violations may result in expulsion from the Club.

Organization & Support

Ride captain - must be appointed or elected for each group ride. They will be responsible for ensuring that good order and safety are maintained. This could mean stopping for stragglers or accidents or ensuring someone goes back to assist with a puncture or breakdown. Every Club member must submit to the Ride Captain’s direction & decision during the ride.

Groupings - it is preferable that cyclists of equal ability and fitness ride together. No more than 10 to 15 is a manageable group for a Club Ride - therefore groups should be divided when necessary. It is important to choose a group where one is comfortable and within one's capability.

If a rider rides with a slower group (e.g. seeking an easier ride), that rider must not attempt to set the pace of that group, but leave it to that group’s regular riders to determine the pace.

Equally, it is unfair to expect a group to wait for a rider when it was that rider who chose too strong a group. If the strength of a group varies significantly, the Ride Captain should split the group and nominate a second ride captain for the other group. Under no circumstances are cyclists to be left behind on their own.

Most Club rides are geared towards social riding and beginners. These groups should stay together and collect stragglers by stopping or slowing from time to time. Nominate a “sweep” who will ride at the back to ensure no one is “dropped” on route.
Sweat Rides are generally are intended for fitness, so participants will not be expected to hold back for anyone who cannot keep up. As they are “out and back” everyone will naturally regroup by the end regardless of ability.

Ensure that people who drop off or have a puncture are not “abandoned.” Circular or destination routes obviously require care to be taken that people are not simply left – particularly where it may be unsafe for an individual. On challenging rides a support vehicle is desirable.

Use the "buddy" system - every rider should, at the start of a ride, ask another rider to be his "buddy" for that ride. Each rider should then ensure that his buddy is not left behind at any stage.

Club Spirit

EBTC is a voluntary club, run by volunteers, for volunteers. Everyone, whether on a ride or at an event is expected to participate and be an active Club member. Everyone is encouraged to volunteer for major Club events such as the Tour de l’Alberta. Pitch in to help out whenever possible. Cooperate with fellow riders so that fun and work are equally shared.

Promote Club spirit by riding together whenever possible. When passing fellow members and other cyclists, greet them in a polite and friendly manner. Acknowledge patient and considerate conduct by motorists or other road users with a friendly "Thank You" wave.

Attend the Club AGM and social functions. Particular care should be taken to make any visitors feel welcome. At the start of the ride the Ride Captain should welcome them and ensure that they will be looked after.

Any conduct that is disruptive or unlawful, or that may bring the Club into disrepute or could be an embarrassment, is prohibited. Club members are at all times expected to treat other Club members, other cyclists, motorists and other road/trail users with the utmost respect.