Ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for all participants is a top priority for our community bike rides. While we aim for smooth and incident-free events, unexpected situations can arise. Having a clear emergency plan helps us respond quickly and effectively to keep riders safe, supported, and informed.
- Provide route maps to all participants before the ride
- Use clear route markings at turns and intersections
- Designate experienced "sweep" riders to bring up the rear
- Establish regular regroup points along long routes
- Collect contact information when riders register and provide organizer's contact information
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Immediate Actions
- Contact the ride leader immediately if a rider is missing
- Dispatch rider(s) back along the route
- Designate a stationary contact person at the last known location
- Call/text the missing rider if contact information is available
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Escalation (After 30 Minutes)
- Organize a systematic search of the route and alternate paths
- Contact emergency contacts from rider registration information
- Notify local authorities if rider remains missing after 1 hour
- Provide description, last known location, and riding attire
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Communication
- Use predetermined group communication channels (group text, walkie-talkies)
- Establish clear communication protocols for reporting a found rider
- Require basic pre-ride safety checks (e.g. ABC Quick Check) for all participants
- Encourage riders to carry basic tools and supplies
- Schedule group mechanic sessions before community rides if resources permit
- Maintain a list of bike shops along or near the route
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Minor Mechanical Issues (flat tire, dropped chain, loose parts)
- Move affected rider and helper safely off the road
- Assess if repair is possible with available tools
- Designate a bike mechanic with appropriate skills when possible
- Determine if rest of group should continue or wait based on repair time estimate
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Major Mechanical Issues (broken frame, wheel, derailleur)
- Assess if bike is rideable safely
- Implement "sag vehicle" pickup if available
- Arrange transportation to nearest bike shop or end point
- Coordinate alternate transportation if necessary
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Group Management
- Assign a leader to continue with main group if separating
- Establish clear meeting points for regrouping
- Update all ride leaders on situation and resolution
- Require emergency contact information from all participants
- Identify riders with medical training before the ride
- Maintain stocked first aid kits with ride leaders
- Review locations of medical facilities along the route
- Encourage medical ID tags/apps for riders with conditions
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Minor Injuries (scrapes, cuts, bruises)
- Move injured rider to safe location off road
- Administer appropriate first aid
- Assess if rider can continue
- Document incident in ride report
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Serious Medical Emergency
- Designate a primary responder to assess and attend to victim
- Assign someone to call 911 immediately
- Provide exact location
- Have someone direct emergency vehicles to the location
- Move uninjured riders to safe location away from the scene
- Collect and provide relevant medical information to EMS
- Notify emergency contact
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Follow-up Actions
- Designate someone to accompany injured rider to medical facility if needed
- Maintain communication with injured rider's emergency contact
- Complete detailed incident report
- Review emergency response for future improvement
- Clearly communicate ride difficulty, distance, elevation in advance
- Recommend appropriate hydration and nutrition guidelines
- Schedule rides during cooler hours in hot weather
- Establish regular rest/refueling stops
- Monitor weather conditions and modify plans accordingly
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Early Signs of Fatigue/Dehydration (complaints, slowing pace)
- Initiate immediate rest stop in shaded area
- Provide water, electrolytes, and simple carbohydrates
- Assess level of fatigue and ability to continue
- Modify pace or route if necessary
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Moderate Heat Exhaustion/Dehydration
- Move rider to cool, shaded area immediately
- Remove excess clothing/gear
- Apply cool, wet cloths to neck, wrists, ankles
- Provide oral rehydration (water with electrolytes)
- Monitor vital signs and mental status
- Determine if rider should continue or arrange alternate transportation
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Severe Heat Illness (confusion, vomiting, fainting)
- Call 911 immediately
- Move to cool area and initiate rapid cooling with wet cloths
- If conscious, provide small sips of water (no caffeine or alcohol)
- Monitor vital signs until emergency services arrive
- Do not allow rider to continue under any circumstances
- Review road safety rules before each ride, e.g. ALERT system
- Require helmets and encourage high-visibility clothing
- Use bike lights even during daytime
- Designate experienced riders to lead and sweep
- Plan routes on bike-friendly roads when possible
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Minor Crash with No Serious Injuries
- Move everyone to safety off the road
- Assess all involved for injuries
- Administer first aid as needed
- Check bicycles for damage and safety
- Document incident including photos if appropriate
- Exchange information if other parties involved
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Serious Crash with Injuries
- Ensure scene safety to prevent additional crashes
- Call 911 immediately
- Do not move seriously injured riders unless in immediate danger
- Assign someone to direct traffic around the scene if necessary
- Apply appropriate first aid until emergency services arrive
- Designate a point person to communicate with emergency responders
- Collect witness information and take photos if appropriate
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Traffic Violence/Road Rage Incident
- Prioritize rider safety above all else
- Remove riders from dangerous situation if possible
- Call 911 immediately if threat persists
- Do not engage or escalate with aggressive individuals
- Record vehicle information, description, and license plate if possible
- Document the incident thoroughly after everyone is safe
- File police report for any threatening behavior
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Follow-up Actions
- Provide support for affected riders
- Complete detailed incident report
- Follow up with authorities as needed
- Review incident for future safety improvements
- Maintain contact with injured parties during recovery