The Cycling Academy (TCA) Risk Management Plan (updated February 29th, 2024)

Preamble

Cycling can be a dangerous activity. The Crank Cycling Academy Inc. (TCCA – operating as The Cycling Academy) has developed this Risk Management Plan to document how TCCA rides are to be managed to reduce risks associated with cycling activities.  These policies are to be practiced by TCCA members, and any permitted visiting riders as permitted by Ontario Cycling (OC) rules, during every TCCA ride. All TCCA members, and any permitted visiting riders, share the responsibility for making TCCA rides as safe as possible.

Definitions

TCCA Rides means rides formally organized by the TCCA.

CCA Incorporation

The TCCA was incorporated on March 8, 2023.

CCA Insurance

TCCA annually registers with Ontario Cycling (OC), 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 TCCA 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.

Standards of Care

This Risk Management Plan and all TCCA programs and rides shall adhere to the following, as applicable:

UCI, CCA (Canadian Cycling Association), OC rules and regulations as they pertain to TCCA Club Rides.

Ontario Highway Traffic Act

While on TCCA Rides, all TCCA members must adhere to and obey all rules of the road as per the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.

Risk Management

General:

All members of the TCCA are responsible for bringing forward to the TCCA Owner any safety issues related to TCCA Rides which present themselves throughout the riding season.

While on TCCA Rides, all TCCA members must adhere to and obey all rules of the road as per the Ontario Highway Traffic Act.

Any TCCA member on a TCCA Ride should immediately advise the ride leader(s) and other members of the ride should the member feel the group or individuals in the group are riding in an unsafe manner. The member should withdraw from the ride if they feel unsafe.

All participants of the TCCA Rides must provide proof of membership in good standing prior to each ride, if requested by the ride leader.

Each TCCA Ride participant will conduct themselves in a responsible manner and retains liability for their own actions.

Ride Leaders/Coordinators

A ride leader(s) will be appointed by the TCCA Head Coach for each TCCA Ride. The ride leader will identify himself/herself to the group so that everyone is aware of who is coordinating the ride. The ride coordinator may describe the general ride route and may provide a brief safety tip at the commencement of the ride.

The ride leader (s) has the final decision on all matters pertaining to the TCCA Ride and his/her decisions must be respected by all participants

Ride leader (s) will carry a cell phone for emergency use on all TCCA Rides. TCCA members are encouraged to carry their own cell phones on TCCA Rides.

Rides

TCCA Rides on roads will be planned to use lesser- traveled roads where possible and practical.

When a large number of riders come out for a TCCA Ride, the riders will be encouraged by the ride coordinator to break into smaller groups. A group of 10 riders is optimal and we attempt to not exceed 14.

Groups should ride at least 500 meters apart on the road to allow other vehicles to pass safely in two maneuvers.

Riders must not be left behind in a TCCA ride unless they confirm with the ride leader(s) that they are leaving the group, or the ride leader(s) asks the rider to leave the group for unsafe/disruptive behavior or inability to keep up with the group. If the ride leader(s) is not satisfied that the rider can continue alone, the ride leader or a volunteer must stay with the rider until they have appropriate assistance.

TCCA members are responsible for ensuring that their bicycle is in good working order before attending each TCCA Ride.

Bicycle helmets must be worn at all times while participating in any TCCA ride and other protective equipment is strongly encouraged (e.g., gloves, eye wear).

TCCA members are responsible for bringing sufficient liquids and food, as required, for each TCCA Ride, as well as appropriate tools/ spare tubes, etc.

TCCA members are responsible for ensuring they are sufficiently fit for their desired activity.

TCCA members are not to be under the influence of any drug or beverage product that could impair their riding judgment while on a TCCA Ride.

Any incident/accident on a club ride shall be immediately reported to Ontario Cycling through the proper reporting procedures and forms provided by the OC.

Skills Development

The TCCA encourages all riders to be comfortable and proficient with group riding before joining a TCCA ride.

To support rider skills development, the TCA may periodically hold skills development programs and encourages all TCCA members, but especially new or novice riders, to attend these programs and / or other cycling skills courses.

Riders may be requested to complete a skills development program before attending or continuing to attend regular scheduled TCCA rides.

Special Club Competitions 

Special Competitions held by TCCA will be conducted in accordance with the Risk Management Plan.

An Event Organizer will be appointed by the TCCA Owner to organize, oversee and manage the event.

The final plan for the event must be approved by TCCA.

Keep Safe, have fun and thanks for riding with The Cycling Academy!