Cycling Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Wildlife encounters — Provide guidelines on how to behave if encountering wildlife, including avoiding sudden movements and maintaining a safe distance. Select routes that avoid areas known for potentially dangerous animals. Educate participants on local wildlife to foster understanding.
• Uncontrolled speed — Set speed limits for different terrain and instruct riders on how to control their speed, particularly on descents. Provide training on using gears and brakes effectively to maintain a safe and steady pace. Have group leaders enforce the pace as necessary.
• Collisions with objects — Clear the route of obstacles where possible and warn participants of any unavoidable hazards (e.g., low branches, street furniture). Emphasize the importance of spatial awareness and maintaining focus to avoid collisions.
• Dismounting accidents — Teach participants the correct way to dismount their bikes, especially on uneven ground. Encourage slow dismounts and caution riders about potential hazards such as loose rocks or uneven surfaces near stopping points.
• 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.