VENETO CYCLING CLUB
Risk Management Plan (Plan) 

DEFINITIONS

Group: Two or more riders riding together.

Member: A paid-up member of the VCC.

OC: Ontario Cycling 

Ride Leader: A rider appointed by the Board of the VCC to lead a ride.

Rider: A rider participating in any event organized by the VCC and sanctioned by the OC.

VCC: Veneto Cycling Club. The VCC is a federally incorporated not for profit club. The VCC was incorporated February 13, 2013.

VCC Board: The duly elected and appointed directors of the VCC.

VCC Insurance: Insurance shall mean General Liability Insurance Coverage purchased through the OC. The VCC is insured for third party liability for all our Rides. (click tab “Accident & Insurance” under “Riding” for more detailed information 

VCC ride (Ride): Any ride organized by the VCC and sanctioned by the OC.

INTRODUCTION

Veneto Cycling Club (VCC) annually registers with Ontario Cycling, thus obtaining General Liability Insurance coverage for the organization for sanctioned activities and events. General Liability Insurance is designed to protect a person (member) or any entity (Club, Team, Ontario Cycling,
Canadian Cycling) against any legal responsibility arising out of a negligent act or failure to act as a prudent person would have acted, which results in bodily injury or property damage to another party.

Membership with Veneto Cycling Club is conditional upon all members purchasing an Ontario Cycling membership for that cycling season. With OC membership, a member has access
to individual General Liability Insurance coverage and, depending on the level of membership, Sport Accident Medical Benefits coverage while participating in sanctioned activities. Sport Accident coverage provides these members an opportunity to have some medical expenses covered as a result of an injury sustained during a sanctioned activity or event. This program is secondary to Provincial Health Care Program coverage and any existing benefit program coverage of the member. Common expenses can include physiotherapy, dental coverage or coverage for other medical costs. Members should familiarize themselves with the terms
of the insurance coverage, and can obtain more details at the OC website.

For anyone needing additional coverage, you can also purchase additional Personal Sport Accident Medical Benefits coverage when obtaining your OC membership. There are
two options: Personal Training or Anytime-on-Bike (which includes using your bike for commuting purposes). This additional coverage does NOT cover liability.

Cycling can be a dangerous activity. The VCC has developed this Plan in order to help manage, and as much as reasonably practicable minimize the risks associated with its cycling activities.

The rules set out in the Plan shall be followed by all riders. All riders are expected to familiarize themselves with the Plan. All riders are also expected to familiarize themselves with VCC insurance coverage and exclusions in coverage.

It is understood by all Riders that each of them shares responsibility for making Rides as safe as possible. As an OC affiliated club, the VCC conducts its activities in a safe and responsible manner by following certain guidelines and practices. Failure to do so could jeopardize insurance coverage.  

RULES

General

• Prior to applying for VCC membership the prospective member shall purchase an OC membership which includes insurance coverage through Cycling Canada’s insurance program. The prospective member shall deliver proof of OC membership and an executed waiver of liability, in a form acceptable to the VCC board, prior to being issued a membership card.
• All members are responsible for bringing to the attention of the VCC board any safety issues related to rides.
• All riders are expected to know and to obey the rules of the road as they are set out in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and its Regulations.
• While on a ride, should a rider feel the group or individuals in the group are riding in an unsafe manner, the rider shall immediately advise the ride leader.
• If requested by a ride leader, the rider shall provide immediately to the ride leader, valid proof of membership and proof of insurance (documents). Should the rider not be able to produce the required documents the rider shall not be permitted to participate in the ride.
• Each rider will conduct themselves in a responsible manner keeping in mind that they bear ultimate responsibility and liability for their own actions.

Ride Leader

• The ride leader will identify themselves to the group before the start of each ride. The ride leader may describe the general ride route, and may provide brief safety tips before the commencement of the ride. Each ride may not necessarily have a ride leader.
• All decisions pertaining to the ride for which that leader is responsible, to and including a decision to cancel a ride or to terminate a ride already in progress, shall be final and binding upon all riders. The ride leader may appoint an alternate for their ride should they be unable to attend the ride.
• Ride leaders shall carry cell phones with them for emergency use. Riders are encouraged to carry their own cellular phones as well.

Rides

• Whenever possible rides will take place on lesser- traveled roads.
• Rides will not take place if there is a possibility of lightning.
• When a large number of riders are present for a ride, the riders will be encouraged by the ride leader to break into groups. Six (6) to twelve (12) riders is a reasonable group size. Groups shall ride100 metres or more apart in order to permit other vehicles to pass safely.
• Riders must not be left behind during a ride unless the rider first notifies the ride leader that they no longer wish to participate in the ride and can be left behind.
• Should a rider be in need of help or unable to keep up with the group the ride leader will designate a rider to stay with the rider and escort them back to the ride starting point.
• Bicycle helmets shall be worn by riders at all times.
• Front and rear lights are required for a ride which takes place one half hour before sunset and/ or which may extend into darkness.
• The playing of music by speaker or earbuds is strictly forbidden during rides
• Riders shall be solely responsible for ensuring they are sufficiently fit to participate in a ride.
• A rider shall be responsible for bringing sufficient liquids and/or food as they may require for each ride, as well as appropriate tools/ spare tubes, etc to be able to perform simple repairs.
• A rider shall ensure that their bicycle is mechanically fit prior to initiating a ride.
• Riders are not to be under the influence of any drug or beverage that could impair their judgment on a ride. Should the ride leader, prior to the start of a ride, form the opinion that a rider is impaired the ride leader shall exclude the rider from the ride.
• All accidents occurring on a ride shall be immediately reported to the ride leader.  The ride leader will fill out an OC Sport Injury Form.  Once this Sport Injury Form is reviewed by an officer of the VCC and duly signed, it shall be forwarded to the VCC Board and the OC (Italics are the writer’s and only to emphasize change).

COVID Protocols

The VCC will follow and adhere to any COVID protocols, rules or regulations that may impact its activities and that are set out by either the federal or provincial government, and any local competent authority such as municipal government or a local health unit