Cycling Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Instructors' qualifications/experience — Ensure all instructors have relevant certifications for leading cycling activities, such as first aid training and experience with youth groups. Conduct regular skills assessments and ongoing professional development to keep instructors updated on safety protocols.
• Uneven terrain — Pre-assess the route to identify uneven surfaces. Use clear route signage and inform cyclists of potential hazards. Provide appropriate bikes with suitable tires for the terrain. Ensure riders wear helmets and padded gloves to reduce impact in case of a fall.
• Rider skill and experience — Assess participants’ cycling ability before the ride and match routes to their skill levels. Provide training on essential handling skills such as braking, cornering, and balance in a controlled environment. Pair less experienced riders with more skilled participants, and monitor behaviour for signs of overconfidence. Offer progressive challenges to build skills safely.
• Visibility hazards — Equip all bikes with front and rear lights for low-light rides. Require high-visibility or reflective clothing. Postpone rides in heavy fog where visibility is unsafe. Slow group pace to allow more reaction time, and ensure riders stay closer together while maintaining safe distances.
• Supervision and group management — Maintain clear adult-to-participant ratios, with leaders positioned at the front, middle, and rear of the group. Provide thorough pre-ride safety briefings, covering route details, signals, and emergency procedures. Establish clear communication methods (hand signals, radios, vocal commands) and set regrouping points. Regular headcounts should be conducted to maintain group cohesion.