Home | Club News | Events | Photos | For Sale | Links | Contact Us | Membership | Have Your Say | Club Coaches | Safety and Club Rules

Health & Safety Policy

Wolfpaxriders encourages members to minimise unnecessary personal risks associated with the sport, and is also committed to minimising any risk that our activities pose to other countryside users or to the environment.

Mountain biking is a potentially dangerous sport and taking some risks remains part of the attraction to most riders. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own health & safety - if you’re uncomfortable about trying something, just don’t do it!

Club Rules

• 1. All riders must wear a helmet at all times. The helmet should comply with British Standards for cycle helmets. - See Bike Helmet Clothing Checklist

• 2. Individuals are responsible for ensuring that their bicycle is safe to ride. It must be suitable for off-road riding and mechanically sound, have working brakes on both wheels and be fitted with bar plugs (and bar end plugs if applicable).

• 3. Experienced riders should know the whereabouts of less experience riders during rides. It is recommended that a leader is appointed and at least one rider carries a mobile phone.

• 4. It is recommended that all riders wear the appropriate protective clothing as well as a helmet: o XC Riders should wear gloves o DH Riders should wear a full face helmet, eye protection, gloves, knee and elbow protection.

• 5. All riders must ride appropriately as not to endanger others or to take unacceptable risks.

• 6. During club events riders must comply with all safety regulations imposed by the club organisers.

• 7. All participants in club activities must accept the advice and instruction of the group leader. 8. All juniors must have adult supervision during non-training times.

• 9. Riders should be prepared with a rucsac, carrying spare inner tube, drink, snack and jacket

• See - Code of Conduct for Parents/Carers and Other Supporters

• See - Code of Conduct for Young People

Often its the travel to and from off-road rides that poses the greatest risk to cyclists. If travelling by bike, ensure that lights are appropriate for road use and wear reflective clothing. If travelling by vehicle, ensure that bikes are securely fastened in or on the vehicle, and that the vehicle lights and number plates are not obscured. Take care.

Children

Wofpaxriders has a separate Child Protection Policy that deals with general aspects of child safety. In the context of minimising the risk that children might pose to themselves, parents are asked to ensure that they are fully aware of the nature of the trails that their children are using. Ideally, this should involve cycling or walking alongside any trails with their children before leaving them to cycle on their own.

Currently, Wolfpaxriders can only provide activities for unaccompanied under 16’s through occasional sessions offered by approved Cycling coaches. These will be advertised on the web site when available. In addition to the approved coach, several parent/adult members will be in attendance. At all other club rides, under 16’s must be accompanied by parent or named guardian.

Outdoor Access Code

Wolfpaxriders' members are urged to follow the guidelines for responsible access outlined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

• Give way to other users on shared paths, and dismount if necessary
• Protect trees, plants and other wildlife
• Avoid going off paths onto wet or boggy habitats and churning the soft surfaces
• Do not start fires or leave litter (including banana skins!).