Cycle Cardiff :: www.cyclecardiff.org.uk

Rides policy

Do I have to be a member?

Not at first. You can come on three rides before becoming a member. After this, we will ask you to join the Cycle Cardiff Ride Group.

How much does it cost to join?

Cycle Cardiff is free to join – just sign up to our e-newsletter list. However, we charge a small fee of £3 for annual membership of the Cycle Cardiff Ride Group. This contribution goes towards the very small costs of running the rides. Membership will run until 30 March each year.

How hard are the rides?

We have rides at three levels: Easy, Moderate, and Hard. We also give the distance for each ride. It is your responsibility to ensure that a ride is appropriate for you before you attend. Please be realistic about your capabilities. Read the ride notes and contact the ride leader to discuss. Bear in mind that you will be riding in a group. If you are a beginner or feel that you need to regain your confidence, start with a ride marked Easy: we can adapt the pace of Easy rides to suit all levels of ability.

What if I come on a ride that's too hard?

In rare cases, we may feel that you have misjudged your fitness or cycling skills. This may also have implications for the safety of yourself and the group. We may ask you not to participate in a particular ride or rides above a certain grade. However, we will advise on how to improve your cycling fitness and skills so that you can achieve your goals.

Can I bring my kids?

Yes. Some rides are suitable for people aged under 18. You know their abilities better than we do, so you must assess the appropriacy. Inform the ride leader in advance. All the remarks above about appropriacy for adults apply here too. Remember they're your responsibility at all times. Please don't send your children along unaccompanied. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I race?

Absolutely not. None of the rides are competitive; these are sociable fun days out.

Can I ride on the pavement or go through red lights?

On our rides, we expect all participants to abide by the law at all times. You must ride sensibly and safely. When in traffic, you should be able to assess situations and make appropriate decisions.

What if there's an accident?

It is in the nature of cycling that our activities take place in public spaces. We will do all we can to make the rides as safe as is reasonably possible given this constraint. While we believe that the benefits of cycling far outweigh its dangers, cycling is not an activity completely without hazards, and many of these are outside our control. All riders must accept that participation is at their own risk. Cycle Cardiff recommends membership of the Cyclists Touring Club. This membership automatically includes third party insurance

What sort of bike do I need?

Any style of bike should be OK for most rides, but you must ensure that it is roadworthy and safe. Contact us if in doubt.

What should I bring?

We advise you to bring the following items:

What if my bike develops a problem on a ride?

Rest assured you won't be abandoned miles away from home. Ride leaders or other participants will be able to help you solve some mechanical difficulties.