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.
• Loose clothing — Instruct participants to wear fitted, weather-appropriate cycling gear and ensure no loose items (scarves, untied shoelaces) that could get caught in bike chains or wheels. Emphasize the importance of securing clothing during a pre-ride briefing.
• 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.
• Other road/path users — Teach participants proper etiquette for sharing roads and paths, including yielding to pedestrians and signaling intentions to other users. Instruct riders to stay in single file on narrow paths and to be aware of motor vehicles or pedestrians at all times.
• Weather and environmental conditions — Monitor weather conditions before and during the ride. Reschedule or reroute in extreme conditions such as storms, high winds, or excessive heat. Ensure participants wear weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., layers, waterproofs, breathable fabrics) and apply sunscreen. Encourage regular hydration breaks and adjust ride intensity based on environmental conditions.