Download CCC RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN

CCC Risk Management Plan | 2026-02-04

Preamble

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

Definitions:

  • CCC rides means rides formally organized by the CCC.

  • CCC Incorporation

    • The CCC was incorporated on 18 December 1988.

  • CCC Insurance

    • CCC 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, Cycling Canada) 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 CCC is conditional upon all members purchasing an OC 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 Personal Sport Accident Medical Benefits coverage when obtaining your OC membership to cover you anytime while riding your bike away from your OC registered club activity or OC sanctioned event. There are two options: (1) 24/7 Anytime-On-Bike Sport Accident Coverage Extension — provides sport accident medical benefit coverage anytime you’re on the bike including training and commuting. (2) Individual Training Sport Accident Coverage Extension — provides sport accident coverage for training only (not commuting). This additional coverage does NOT cover liability.

Standards of Care:

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

  • Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Cycling Canada (CC), Ontario Cycling (OC) rules and regulations as they pertain to Club rides.

  • Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA): While on CCC rides, all CCC members must adhere to and obey all rules of the road as per the HTA.

Risk Management - General:

  • All members of the CCC are responsible for bringing forward, to the CCC Board, any safety issues related to CCC rides which present themselves throughout the riding season.

  • While on CCC rides, all CCC members must adhere to and obey all rules of the road as per the HTA.

  • Any CCC member, on a CCC 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 CCC rides must provide proof of membership, in good standing prior to each ride, if requested by the Ride Leader.

  • Each CCC ride participant will conduct themselves in a responsible manner and retain liability for their own actions.

  • Requirements for CCC rides:

    • Road bike or gravel bike or pedal assist e-bike with drop handlebars (no aero bars).

    • Bike must be in good repair.

    • Helmets are mandatory, rear lights, cycling gloves and sunglasses recommended.

    • Water and food sufficient for the ride.

    • Cell phone and ID.

    • Clothing appropriate for the weather.

    • Materials and capability to repair flats or make minor repairs.

  • Other recommendations for CCC rides:

    • Carry a cell phone, cash and credit card.

    • Download the route onto your Garmin or Wahoo computer.

    • Engage the emergency crash detection and notification functionality on your computer.

    • Engage “Livetrack” on your computer, or “Find Friends” on iPhones, or some similar feature, so your location can be tracked by someone.

    • Familiarize yourself with your cycling computer functionality, so that you can invoke the “Take Me Home” routing, in case you get lost.

    • Carry emergency contact information in case you lose consciousness.

    • Be aware that you, friends or family can send an “URGENT” email to CCC, in the event you or they require immediate assistance from the Club Executive.

    • Consider becoming a member of CAA so they can be called for assistance.

    • Keep your profile details current in the Cycle Club app:

      • Phone

      • Date of Birth (under Medical Information section)

      • Emergency Contact

Ride Leaders/Coordinators:

  • Ride Leaders are appointed by the CCC Board, for each CCC 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 Leaders have the final decision on all matters pertaining to the CCC ride and his/her decisions must be respected by all participants.

  • Ride Leaders will carry a cell phone for emergency use on all CCC rides. CCC members are encouraged to carry their own cell phones on CCC rides.

  • In the event of an emergency:

    • Pull "fully" off the road. Delegate group members to stop/direct traffic if necessary.

    • Check for a response from the injured rider, as applicable. Look for signs of confusion or disorientation, helmet damage etc. Identify cause of injury and minimize further injury. Don't move the victim if any suspicion of head/neck/back injury or broken bones. Any crash resulting in a suspected or actual blow to the head = immediate stoppage of the ride. Follow the Concussion Protocols.

    • Stay calm - delegate responsibilities.

    • Call 911 as necessary.

    • Designate a rider to look after the injured rider & bicycle if the group needs to go on, in cases where this is applicable.

    • In the Cycle Club app, the RL has access to medical information & emergency contacts during the set ride. Call emergency contact person listed in the Cycle Club app if necessary.

    • Later, send incident information to the RL Coordinator for completion of the OC Accident Report.

Rides:

  • CCC 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 CCC ride, the riders will be encouraged by the Ride Coordinator to break into smaller groups. A group of 8 riders is optimal and we attempt to not exceed 12.

  • Groups should ride at least 100 metres apart on the road to allow other vehicles to pass safely in two maneuvers.

  • Riders must not be left behind in a CCC 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.

  • CCC members are responsible for bringing sufficient liquids and food, as required, for each CCC ride.

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

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

  • Any incident/accident on a Club ride shall be immediately reported to OC, through the proper reporting procedures and forms provided by the OC.

 Skills Development:

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

  • To support rider skills development, the CCC may periodically hold skills development programs and encourages all CCC 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 CCC rides.

Special Club Competitions:

  • Special competitions held by CCC will be conducted in accordance with the Risk Management Plan.

  • An Event Organizer will be appointed by the CCC Board to organize, oversee, and manage the event.

  • The final plan for the event must be approved by the CCC Board.