SCBC Ride Leader Training

Transcription

1 SCBC Ride Leader Training March 15, 2018 Alan Sheiner, SCBC Rides Director (C) 1

2 Meeting Agenda 2017 Rides / Ride Leader Summary Ride Leader Training Ride Leader Incentive Update SCBC New Technology ü Ride News and RidewithGPS Break-Out Session by Pace Level - Ride Coordinators / Ride Leaders meeting 2

3 2017 Rides/Ride Leaders Summary Rides reached record high to 1,300 rides in 2017, up 21% or 230 from This YTY improvements can be mostly attributed to: Dedicated Ride Coordinator efforts from D and E rides are from D and E Enhanced Ride Incentive Point Programs: ü Double D/E level ride leaders points ü New Ride Leader $20 Incentive INSTANT Reward Local Bike Shop Collaborative efforts - ~240 rides are starting from bike shops (vs 2016, around 90 rides). Bike Shop Rides: Ride Leaders 105 Ride Leaders (out of total 216) led rides, up 7 YTY 32 new and re-activated ride leaders in 2017, and they together led 213 rides in 2017!! (vs 19 new / re-activated RLs led ~100 Rides in 2016) 3

4 SCBC Mission o Sound Cyclist Bicycle Club provides organized rides and other cycling related activities for our members and the community, which stress safety, fun and fitness for all levels of riders. o The club also provides the opportunity for cyclists to improve their riding skills. The club is an advocate of safe cycling in Fairfield County and the State of Connecticut. 4

5 Ride Leader Training o o o o o o o Planning the Ride At the Start of the Ride Helmet, What to bring/wear to ride Rules of Road / Safe Riding In Case of Emergency After the Ride Sign-in Sheet 5

6 Planning the Ride o Decide when and where to start your ride. Consider the pace, length and terrain. Use a cue sheet from the online library, check for accuracy and updates. Add your name and cell phone number to the cue sheet and plan to carry your cell phone. o Post your ride, at least 2-3 days prior to date of ride ( notice) o Decide time and location of rest stops and make sure the places will be open w/ bathroom available. o Know the route. If you are not familiar with the roads, or unsure of road conditions, drive the course a few days ahead of time. Make sure street signs are visible. o Print out cue sheets, Pre-Ride Briefing, accident reports, and sign up sheets (release form) o Check the weather. If you feel conditions are unsafe you may elect to cancel the ride, and post to Ride News. 6

7 Road Conditions After severe winter roads in poor shape Try to drive route to determine state of roadway Keep to slower pace and be hyperaware of road conditions 7

8 At the Start of Ride o Introduce yourself to all riders and hand out cue sheets. o Announce the ride name and pace. Describe the ride: hills, sharp turns, road conditions, food stops. o Introduce/welcome person new to club riding and/or new to the ride level. o Helmets are required. You may also want to check supplies such as tubes and water bottles. o Appoint a sweep, especially if the group is large. o Talk about safety and your expectations for the ride. o Remind riders to be helpful to and responsible for each other. Remind riders this is a Club ride, not a race. o Lead by example and keep to advertised pace, suggest that faster riders may go ahead on their own. o Take a head-count. Make sure all riders sign and complete the signin sheet. Leave within 10 minutes of published start time. 8

9 Helmet o Always wear a proper helmet when cycling. A properly fitted CPSC or SNELL approved helmet is the single most effective way to avoid head injury in a crash. o The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead - one or two finger widths above your eyebrow. o The helmet should fit snugly and sit at a level position with all straps buckled. With straps buckled, you should not be able to fit more than two fingers beneath the strap. o Helmets are designed to protect against ONE significant fall/crash only. Replace your helmet after a significant crash, if it is broken, old, or worn. o In Connecticut and at least 19 other states, it is the law that cyclists under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. 9

10 The Bicycle o Keep your bike maintained in a good state of repair o Before each ride, perform a safety check Be sure your brakes work properly o Maintain a bright red light/reflector on the back of the bicycle that can be seen for 600 feet, according to state law o Maintain a bright WHITE light on the front of the bicycle motorists are looking for cars, not bikes BE VISIBLE o Before each ride, check your tires and inflate them to the proper amount o Tri bikes and the use of aero bars are NOT allowed at SCBC club rides 10

11 Bicycle Lights Per CT State Bicycle Laws During nighttime and times of low visibility, bicyclists must utilize a front light visible from 500 feet, a rear red reflector or light visible from 600 feet, and reflective material on the bike visible from 600 feet on each side. o o It s a legal requirement to have a white light at the front and a red and the rear, and it s dangerous to ride without them. o Why Lights During the Day? ü When cars did it, they reduced accidents by 25%. And motorcycles saw a 13% drop. Bicycle Daytime Running Lights just make sense, and all existing research indicates that the single best way for a cyclist to increase the likelihood of being seen by a driver is to use a flashing light that s daylight visible. 11

12 What to wear and carry while biking o Wear bright, reflective clothing especially in low light situations! o Wear clothing that does not flap loosely so it does not get caught in the bicycle or chain or wheel o Do not wear flip flops which can become entangled in the bicycle mechanism o Wear protective eye wear sunglasses or clear goggles to protect your eyes from road debris or insects o Never use headphones while riding you need to be fully aware of your surroundings o Never talk on a cell phone while riding keep both hands on the handlebar o Carry some identification on your person a Road ID is a perfect device for that o Don t carry heavy/bulky items that will cause you to be off balance use a basket or rack or bicycle pouch o Carry water/food with you and keep hydrated o Riding around dusk: should have white head-light and red tail light 12

13 Rules of the Road o In Connecticut, per Department of Transportation, cyclists must follow and obey all traffic laws ride in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic signs o Ride on the right side of the road, as far to the right as practical and safe and ride single file as much as possible o STOP at all red lights, just as you would in a car o STOP at all stop signs, just as you would in a car o Do not ride on sidewalks this is prohibited in many municipalities for adults o Use hand signals to alert motorists and other cyclists of your intention to turn or slow down o Be alert for hazards in the road potholes, branches, debris, animals and call out to those riding with you 13

14 Rules of the Road o Check for traffic; scan the road in front of you, behind you, and around you. o Always try to pass others on their LEFT, and all out before passing. o The THREE FOOT LAW motorists passing a cyclist must allow at least a three foot distance between themselves and the cyclist. Be courteous and allow three feet when passing a fellow cyclist and call out passing on your left. o Be careful when riding past parked cars allow room for a car door to open and do not pass closer than three feet past these cars o Be courteous and always yield right of way to a car or other cyclist unless you make eye contact and are waved on by the other cyclist or motorist. Always remember that even if you have right of way over a car and crash, you still lose! o If you need to stop for any reason, move yourself and your bike off the road. o Always yield to pedestrians, and slow to a walking pace if safety dictates. o Eat before you are hungry, drink before you are thirsty. Carry water/food with you and keep hydrated. 14

15 Safe Riding Recommendations o Group Size - Group ride size: In general, a group size of 8 or less is ideal. o As the number of riders on a ride becomes larger a number of issues begin to arise: a) it is more difficult (or impossible) for cars to pass us on narrow twisty roads, b) it becomes very difficult for the group to communicate effectively, and c) it becomes increasingly easy to lose track of an individual rider and leave them behind. Although not set in stone. o The club encourages the use of the following guidelines: Up to 8 riders: This seems to be the optimal ride size. One ride leader can more easily keep track of the group and communication is relatively straightforward. o We recommend to appointing a 2nd ride leader and split into two groups leaving at least 50 yards distance between the two groups on the road. o Cross railroad tracks at a 90 angle, this is extra important when the road is wet. o Watch for car doors opening in your path. Leave 3ft to pass cars. o Riding after Dark - Rides should not be scheduled to finish (or start) after dark. However, if you are riding after dark, slow down and keep the group together. A group of cyclists, each one properly lit with a headlight and tail light, is much more visible after dark than an individual rider. 15

16 Safe Riding Recommendations o Ride to the right and single file whenever possible. o Use voice and hand signals to communicate with other riders, especially when you are riding close together. o Let riders behind you know when you are slowing and/or coming to a full stop. o Look ahead for road hazards (glass, potholes, wide cracks, metal, grates, gravel, sand and so on), and point them out to others o Check for traffic; scan the road in front of you, behind you, and around you. o Make eye contact with drivers so you know that they have seen you. 16

17 Safe Riding Recommendations o Yield to pedestrians, and slow to a walking pace if safety dictates. o Pass on the left, and use a bell or your voice to alert others that you are passing. o Cross railroad tracks at a 90 angle, this is extra important when the road is wet. o Watch for car doors opening in your path. Stay 3 ft away! o If you stop for any reason, move yourself and your bicycle completely off the roadway or trail. o Eat before you are hungry, drink before you are thirsty. 17

18 Unsafe Riders / New Riders Unsafe Riders GROUP RIDING ETIQUETTE IS POSTED ON WEBSITE REFER TO THIS IF NEED Unsafe riders endanger everyone around them, ruin the experience for others on the ride, and give cyclists a bad image. If you are uncomfortable with a rider s actions, quietly and politely explain your concern. If the situation does not improve, ask the rider to leave the group. Any serious situations involving unsafe riders should be reported to the Rides Director, who will then contact the individual(s) involved to discuss the matter. New/First Time Riders Check in with each of the new riders periodically to ensure that they are getting along all right and that the pace is comfortable for them. 18

19 New Riders Pace- Terrain If you are new to group riding and do not know your pace level, when coming to your Club first group ride, it is better to start with a ride that is one level lower than what you think your pace would be. It is easier to enjoy your first group ride a level slower than to struggle through a ride that is too hard. The faster the average speed, the higher the level of groupriding skills required to ensure that rides remain safe. Some rides may be more appropriate than others for you to learn the skills needed to enjoy riding safely. Ride leaders will be happy to give you details regarding what is expected of you on rides. Please call the ride leader if it is your first ride at that level or if it is your first club ride. 19

20 Weather Conditions We experience a range of weather conditions over the riding season. Some weather can be hazardous. Sun Long rides in extremely sunny conditions with their high ultra-violet rays may expose the riders to risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion. Be aware of the potential and follow the suggestions on rider injury. Heat Heat and humidity will raise the possibility of dehydration. Watch for these risks and take note of riders with minimal fluid supplies. Thunder/lightning When lightning is imminent take appropriate shelter until the immediate danger has passed. Torrential rain In heavy rain that affects visibility or causes water build up on the road you should consider taking shelter. However, standing around while wet raises the risk of hypothermia, and you need to consider the lowest risk alternative. Cold/high wind Riding in cold weather and high wind raises the potential of hypothermia and dehydration. If conditions deteriorate during a ride, you should consider shortening the route, or until conditions improve, take shelter. 20

21 Correct Intersection Procedures Multiple Scenarios: Cyclist A: When your intention is to proceed straight through a multilane intersection, where both lanes permit traffic to make right hand turns, position yourself in the left most lane. Cyclist B: position yourself in the far right lane when your intention is to make a right turn. 21

22 Correct Intersection Procedures Multiple Scenarios: Cyclist A: Here the intention is to proceed straight through a multi-lane intersection and the cyclist is positioned in the correct lane, anticipating the cars in the right lane turning right and has moved to the left lane in advance of reaching the intersection. This way the cyclist avoids having to look forward and backward at the same time. Cyclist B: This cyclist, positioned correctly in the left lane, can make a safe and legal left- hand turn. Cyclist Group C: These cyclists have positioned themselves correctly in the left lane, allowing for a safe and legal left-hand turn. Driver 1: This car can make a safe and legal turn without Cyclist A becoming involved. Driver 2: This car can clearly see Cyclist A and should yield the right-of-way. Driver 3: This car can proceed through the intersection behind both cyclists until the cyclists can move out of the way. 22

23 Correct Intersection Procedures Multiple Scenarios: Cyclist A: Here the intention was to proceed straight through a multi-lane intersection but the cyclist is in the incorrect lane, where it is possible that cars to the left will turn right, crossing paths with the cyclist. Because of this unsafe position, the cyclist now has to stop and look forward and backward to correct the situation. Cyclist B: Here the intention was to turn left at multi-lane intersection but the cyclist is in the right lane, where clearly paths will cross with Driver 1. Because of this unsafe position, the cyclist now has to stop and look forward and backward to correct the situation. Cyclist Group C: These cyclists have positioned themselves incorrectly in the right lane intending to make a left turn. Their path will cross with Driver 4 who is proceeding straight through the intersection. Driver 1: This car, attempting to make a right turn, must look left and ahead for other traffic and may not see Cyclists A or B, crossing their paths. Driver 2: This car, turning left, may not see Cyclists A and cross the cyclist s path if Driver 1 should yield to the cyclists, letting them through the intersection. Driver 3: This car must wait for the situation to clear but still might cross the path of Cyclists B making an unsafe left-hand turn. 23 Driver 4: This car, proceeding straight, may not see Cyclists B if Driver 1 should yield to the cyclist, letting them through the intersection. Also its path will cross Cyclists Group C attempting to make an unsafe left turn from the right lane

24 Too fast, Too Slow and Lost Riders Faster riders who ride beyond the advertised pace and accelerate the pace of the ride should be asked either to ride at the advertised place, or offered the opportunity of riding ahead of the group without the benefit of the Ride Leader. You may suggest regrouping at a food stop, or other regrouping point. Assess how the slower riders at the back of the group are doing and determine how much slower they are than the advertised pace. If the difference is significant, suggest these riders ride on their own or find their way back to the start. Try not to leave anyone behind or lose them. However, you need not go back and look for anyone who is unable to ride at the advertised pace. (An exception might be new riders who misjudged their ability to ride in a given group. Some Ride Leaders will give first time riders one chance) You may want to have someone ride at the back of the group to encourage and keep track of the slower riders. For more information, see Use of a sweep later in this section. 24

25 Mechanical Failures If someone has a mechanical failure, you will need to assess if you should pause the ride to enable a repair or let the ride continue immediately. This will obviously depend on the level of the ride and the issue experienced. You can: Check with the riders to see if anyone has the skill and parts to make the repair. Determine the location of the nearest bike shop. Determine if the rider will make the repair and follow or rejoin the ride. Determine if the rider has the means to return to the start point. 25

26 In Case of Emergency o Signal traffic to protect the downed rider from oncoming traffic. o Call 911. o Give comfort and reassurance, but do not move rider. o Call rider s emergency contact. If rider is to be transported to hospital, inform emergency contact of the location. STAY CALM & REASSURE. o After the ride, follow up to find out condition of rider and offer assistance. o Fill out an accident report and send to the treasurer. o IF the Accident Involves Another Party, follow the above. Consider the need to call the police. Ask any rider who observed the accident to complete an accident report after the ride. Collect information from any other parties involved or any witnesses. 26

27 If there is an Accident Ride Leaser to Send an to Club Treasurer: Rider Involved in the Accident Their Contact Info if they are not a Member ü Cell phone is sufficient Date and Time of Accident Brief Description of Accident (1 or 2 sentences) Name of 1 or 2 witnesses 27

28 After the Ride After the ride has finished check the sign in sheet to make sure that everyone has returned safely. Thank riders for coming along and ask for any comments or suggestions. You should call any rider who was injured or lost during the ride or do a follow up call later or the next day if the rider is unavailable or cannot be contacted at the time. If the ride was uneventful with no significant incident/accident, please retain the sign in sheet for a week before safely disposing of it. Ride Leaders no longer need to upload or mail in the sign in sheets after a ride, nor do you need to list the names of the riders on your ride. To get credit for leading the ride, ride leaders must complete their post ride information on the Ride Scheduling System after a ride with average speed, number of riders, etc. The rides must have this post-ride information updated by December 31 of that current ride year to qualify for incentives. Using the information on the liability waiver: If a rider calls you to ask for the phone number of someone else on the ride, do not give out that information. Instead, take the name and number of the person making the inquiry, call the other rider, and pass on the inquirer s name and number. After your ride, sign back onto the rides schedule and fill in the information on sweeps, if used, and the number of riders that showed up. This information is important and is used for the club s insurance policy. 28

29 Sign-In Sheet o The Sign-In Sheet is intended to be used for: 1) After the ride, the ride leader can make sure everyone returned safely. 2) In case of emergency contact information. 3) Protects the riders to the insurance carrier it is the proof that they were on the ride, if that were to be called into question. 4) Guests are covered for one ride per policy period in our case the policy period is the calendar year. o Riders should sign into his/her level RL sheet, with complete information. o Each Ride Leader should bring the sign-in sheet on the ride with the riders riding the respective ride. o Even if you do not sign up but have accident, you are still covered since the ride is a listed club ride. o Non member or Guest Riders are covered for one ride per policy period the SCBC policy period is the calendar year. 29

30 SCBC Website Ride Leader sign in Go to click sign-in on the upper right corner Fill out your address and password, then click sign in Once signed in, you will see next screen as what your can do: 30

31 SCBC Website Ride Leader tab Once you are at SCBC Website, at the home page, the Ride Leaders tab is at the bottom of the left side panel: The Ride Leader tab has the following information & forms 31

32 SCBC Website To load / add / approve a ride Click member sign in tab. Then click ride schedule list view It will take you to next page, click Add to add ride. Once you fill out the information and press the submit button, the system will send an to the Ride Coordinator for their approval of the ride. Ride coordinator needs to go to the ride schedule site, to approve the ride, by clicking the second column Toggle approval. If there is a problem with the ride, your Ride Coordinator will be in touch with you. If there are no problems, they will approve the ride and you will receive an confirmation, and the ride will be seen by all the SCBC members who look at the rides schedule. The club would like to try to have a schedule of rides as far in advance as possible so that the members who like to plan ahead will know what rides are coming up. Please try to schedule the ride you want to lead as far in advance as possible. The minimum time is 2-3 days prior to the ride date so Rides Coordinators have time to approve the rides. 32

33 SCBC Website To load post ride information Click member sign in tab. Then click ride schedule list view Locate the ride you led, go to the first column, click Edit, at the After the ride section, fill in the information, and upload the scanned sign in sheet. Or you can mail the sign-in sheet to: SCBC, Incentives Chairperson, P.O. Box 1144, Darien, Connecticut

34 SCBC Website New feature to duplicate a ride listing To use: Go to the Ride Schedule RL List and add the first occurrence of the ride. Once the ride as been added, hover cursor at the left end of the line containing that ride and click on "Duplicate Ride : 34

35 SCBC Website New feature to duplicate a ride listing A form will open up to enable the ride leader to enter the dates for the additional ride listings. Enter as many as eight (8) dates and then click "Duplicate". Once the RL clicks "Duplicate", those duplicated rides will be loaded into the system. They will all be loaded with same start time, distance, pace, and ride leader as the original. Once they have been duplicated, the RL can go in and make any specific changes necessary (for example, a change in start time or a change in RL) 35

36 Incentive Updates SCBC Ride Leader Incentive Program Without ride leaders we do not have a club. 36

37 Incentive Updates SCBC Ride Leader Incentive Program Purpose The purpose of the Ride Leader Incentive Program is to recognize and reward club members for their on-going efforts to lead or sweep rides. The more effort people make; the more points they receive. 37

38 Incentive Updates SCBC Ride Leader Incentive Program Point System Basic Points Ride Leader 2 points Sweep 2 points. D/E level ride leaders and sweeps get 4 points per ride Cancellations (due to inclement weather) 2 points (ride needs to be officially cancelled) 38

39 Incentive Updates SCBC Ride Leader Incentive Program Basic Points - sweep To receive sweep credit a ride must have at least four total riders signed in (including the leader and the sweep). Sweeps are only permitted for ride levels C+ through E. RL and sweeps for D and E get 4 points towards incentives. 39

40 Incentive Updates SCBC Ride Leader Incentive Program Basic Points To get credit for leading the ride, ride leaders must complete their post ride information on the Ride Scheduling System. Post ride info only requires the number of riders and the honest MPH. Hold on to sign in sheet for a week after the ride. 40

41 Incentive Updates SCBC Ride Leader Incentive Program Other Points Create a new route with a cue sheet: 2 points Mentoring new RL one extra point to mentor plus the points for the ride. The mentee will also get credit for the ride. 41

42 Incentive Updates Ride Leader Incentive INSTANT Reward Plan - New in 2017 Any RL after Posting and leading 5 rides, will get a $20.00 voucher in the mail shortly after completing the 5th ride. This is a one-time per year annual reward for the RL that posts, leads and completes the appropriate incentive requirements.this does not include sweeps nor 2 nd ride leaders. 42

43 RL dinner Ride Leader Gifts for the RL dinner RL will have a choice of a SCBC tote bag or a SCBC phone charger. New this year for a special thanks to any RL in the past 10 years we will be offering the NEW 2018 SCBC jersey at a discounted price of $

44 SCBC New Technology Ride News and RidewithGPS 44

45 Ride News new communication tool Ride is more than 20 years old Yahoo has not invested in Groups has become impossible to administer Ride News is a web based Forum that has been configured for SCBC members Access is either from SCBC website All members will receive ride updates by (as Members can choose which ride levels notifications to receive. Club website shows all updates organized by ride level 45

46 Ride News new communication tool All ride leaders will have posting entitlements To post and update Go to Ride news Login Click Start New Topic Select a category - the ride level to which the update relates Enter title Ride name, date, start time Add update comment Ride cancelled due to rain Start location changed to Start time delayer 15 minutes Just posted ride... 46

47 Ride News new communication tool 47

48 Ride News new communication tool 48

49 Ride News new communication tool 49

50 Ride News new communication tool 50

51 Ride News new communication tool 51

52 RidewithGPS for Ride Leaders We have a club licence to RidewithGPS All existing routes with gpx files are being converted to RidewithGPS Focus is on routes ridden most frequently Accessible through web and smartphone app. The ride library and calendar views have a link to the route Existing cue sheets are not being changed Access available to all members using the club id ( address) Audible turn by turn directions when using smartphone Detailed user instructions forthcoming in 52

53 RidewithGPS for Ride Leaders Check the RidewithGPS route in advance of planning a ride If you need changes webmaster@soundcyclists.com If there is no gpx file webmaster@soundcyclists.com. There may not have been an prior gpx file, or it may not have been converted. Try to check route more than a week in advance so we can make changes as required Some routes with multiple variants may not have had all the variants added. Continue to bring cue sheets to your rides - not every rider will have downloaded the route Please get comfortable with the smartphone app. You may need to help members with usage. 53

54 RidewithGPS for Ride Leaders 54

55 RidewithGPS for Ride Leaders 55

56 RidewithGPS for Ride Leaders 56