In Case of Emergency…..

We all know that cycling is good for your health and there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that cyclists live longer and healthier lives than the general population. It’s also encouraging to note that in Great Britain, between 2004 and 2022, the number of cycling fatalities fell even though the number of cyclists rose. Although the number of serious injuries did rise over that time, it did not rise as much as the number of cyclists.*

Of course, accidents do still happen and the club committee spent some time in April discussing how to minimise their impact and the duty of care the club has towards its members. As a result, we’ve decided on some changes and also made some suggestions so please take some time to read through what follows.

 

In Case of Emergency (ICE)

Many members will already have ICE contact details in their phones. It’s a really sensible thing to do and we have decided to go one step further at club events. Many events already note down emergency contact details but not all. We don’t want to create an administrative burden but at club runs and similar rides we will now ask members to text event leaders their ICE contact before the ride begins. After a couple times, the leaders will have almost all the numbers needed and it will just be a case of “topping up” when new folk join.

Some of our members have taken steps to ensure their ICE details are readily accessible on their cycling helmet. This is another very good idea and we would encourage all our members to do something similar.

You can purchase silicone tags for helmets from the British Horse Society. The 10-18 mm version fits readily on to the straps of a cycling helmet. You choose what is engraved on your tag. With post and packaging they cost around £10. Here’s the link: Small Silicone Slider Horse or Rider Tag (10-18mm bridle/collar width) – The British Horse Society Shop (britishhorseshop.com)

Alternatively, you can buy stickers specifically designed for helmets for a few pounds. You pull out the tab to reveal the contact details.  Here’s the link for Amazon but you’ll find them elsewhere too:  Helmet ID Tags : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

You could even write your ICE details on your helmet using a permanent marker pen.

Insurance

Welland Valley ensures that public liability insurance is in place for all club events. However, this is insurance for the club and not for individuals.  We strongly advise you to take out at least 3^rd party insurance cover for yourself. This not often included in household insurance and it will cover you if you damage another person or their property, for example if you were to accidentally injure a fellow rider or hit a car.

Such insurance comes with membership of organisations such British Cycling and Cycling UK.

Club members, who are not already members of British Cycling, can currently get a 40% discount on BC membership. You can apply for that here: Joining for the first time – British Cycling

 

* information from the Dept of Transport: Reported road casualties in Great Britain: pedal cycle factsheet, 2022 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)