Cycling Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• 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.
• 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.
• Traffic accidents — Plan routes that avoid or minimize high-traffic areas. Instruct riders on road safety, such as signaling, riding in a straight line, and maintaining a safe distance from vehicles. Use reflective clothing and ensure all bikes have proper lighting for visibility.
• Bike maintenance and mechanical hazards — Conduct pre-ride safety checks on brakes, tires, chains, and gears. Teach riders how to spot wear and damage, and provide training in basic bike maintenance, including puncture repair and chain adjustment. Carry spare parts and repair kits on all rides, and ensure leaders can perform roadside fixes or replacements.
• Loose gravel — Plan the route to avoid heavily gravel-covered areas. If unavoidable, slow the pace of the ride and ensure clear communication about upcoming gravel sections. Equip riders with bikes fitted for mixed surfaces and provide training on handling loose gravel.