Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

London Dynamo’s Code of Conduct is designed to create a culture of good practice and good conduct when riding.

KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE CODE

As a member of London Dynamo, you represent London Dynamo.

London Dynamo expects its members to behave in a way that demonstrates respect for other members and other road users.

The Code is not an exhaustive list of do’s and don’ts but summarises the core principles that members should adopt. The Code is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all Club members and to both protect and enhance the reputation of the Club in the wider community.

Group Riding Etiquette & Safety

London Dynamo provides a varied programme of rides of varying pace. Distances, speeds and destinations of rides are generally shared on the club Forum, our club WhatsApp Community and are displayed on the club website.

For the safety and benefit of the club and its members, riders must always adhere to the Highway Code and act in a respectful manner to fellow Club members and all other cyclists and road users.

Club rides are not races and members are expected to treat them appropriately. When riding as a club we must:

  • Always, ride safely, considerately and courteously (even when provoked by other people’s rude or dangerous behaviour).
  • Wear club kit on club rides and when representing the club at races and sportives.
  • Always ride a well-maintained bike and wear a helmet.
  • Unless racing, always carry a spare inner tube, tyre levers and a pump or gas.
  • Learn and use all common hand signals and use verbal warnings when riding on the road or racing.
  • Respect the ride leader’s instructions.
  • Ride no more than two abreast unless overtaking. On busy or narrow roads consider riding single file if appropriate and safe to do so.
  • Anticipate traffic and allow enough time for the entire group to negotiate obstacles. Should the group be split, riders should slow down or find a safe place to stop and reform before proceeding.
  • Stop when riding in a group and assist any of its riders suffering from mechanical or physical problems.
  • Wait for the last rider, unless the rider has requested to be left, or an agreement made with everyone’s consent, that the group will not wait for dropped riders.
  • Not leave the group without first notifying other riders, preferably the ride leader.
  • Not jump red lights (this includes riding to/from the meeting point for a Club Ride when wearing club kit) – see detailed policy below
  • Not ride with earbuds and/or earphones – see detailed policy below
  • Not drop or leave any litter on any part of your route. Please dispose your litter responsibly at an appropriate place or bin – see detailed policy below
  • Not leave any rider behind if they suffer a puncture or a mechanical failure – see detailed policy below
  • Not spit or clear noses while riding in a group or in close proximity to others. However, we understand that some members may need to cough, spit, or clear their airways due to medical conditions such as hayfever or allergies. In such cases, this must be done safely, discreetly, and well away from others to avoid any risk or offence to fellow riders or members of the public. London Dynamo operates a strict no-spitting policy during all rides and club activities.

Red Light Jumping (RLJ) Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to ensure the safety of all London Dynamo members and to promote adherence to the Highway Code. Running red lights is dangerous and illegal. This policy outlines the consequences for members who are observed or reported jumping red lights during club rides or outside of club rides but wearing identifiable London Dynamo club kit.

Policy
  1. Definition of Red Light Jumping: Red light jumping is defined as any instance where a cyclist crosses an intersection or proceeds through a red traffic signal without stopping and waiting for the light to turn green.
  2. Expectations: All members are expected to obey all traffic signals and laws while participating in club rides or at all times when riding in branded club kit. Members should set a good example for other road users and promote safe cycling practices.
  3. Observation and Reporting: Red light jumping can be observed by ride leaders, other club members, or verified third-party reports (e.g., video evidence or reports from traffic authorities). Any member who observes another member jumping a red light should report the incident to the club committee with as much detail as possible, including the date, time, and location of the incident.
  4. Penalties
    First Offense: The member will receive a formal warning from the club committee. They will be reminded of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the potential dangers of red light jumping.
    Second Offense: The member will be suspended from participating in club rides and activities for a period of one month. During this time, they are encouraged to review safe cycling practices and local traffic laws.
    Third Offense: The member will face a more severe penalty, which may include a longer suspension (up to six months) or permanent expulsion from the club, depending on the severity and circumstances of the violations.
  5. Appeal Process: Members who receive a penalty have the right to appeal the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the club committee within 14 days of receiving the penalty notice. The club committee will review the appeal and make a final decision within 30 days. The decision of the club committee is final.
  6. Education and Prevention: The club will provide regular reminders and educational resources about the importance of obeying traffic signals and the dangers of red light jumping. Ride leaders will periodically brief participants on safe riding practices before group rides.

Cycling with Headphones or Earbuds Policy

Purpose

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all members during Club rides, this Policy addresses the prohibition of wearing headphones or earbuds while cycling whilst engaged in all club cycling activities. Maintaining awareness of surroundings is crucial for preventing accidents and fostering a cohesive riding environment.

Policy
  1. No Headphones or Earbuds: Members are strictly prohibited from wearing headphones or earbuds during all club rides. This includes any device that may obstruct hearing, such as wireless earbuds, wired headphones, or bone conduction headphones.
  2. Safety First: Members must prioritise safety by ensuring they can hear approaching traffic, verbal cues from fellow riders, and other environmental sounds. This heightened awareness helps in making quick decisions and reacting appropriately to potential hazards.
  3. Communication: Effective communication is key to group cycling. Members are encouraged to use hand signals, verbal warnings, and other non-verbal cues to maintain group cohesion and alert others to changes in speed, direction, or hazards.
  4. Accountability: Members found wearing headphones or earbuds during club rides will receive a warning for the first offence. Continued violations may result in suspension or expulsion from the club, depending on the severity and frequency of the infractions.
  5. Responsibility of Ride Leaders: Ride leaders and/or Ride Marshals are responsible for ensuring that all participants adhere to this Policy. They have the authority to remind members of the policy and enforce consequences for non-compliance.

Anti-Littering Policy

Purpose

At London Dynamo, we are committed to preserving the beauty and cleanliness of the environments where we ride. As cyclists, we recognise our responsibility to minimise our impact on the environment and set a positive example for others.

Policy
  1. Zero Tolerance for Littering: Members must not discard any litter, including food wrappers, water bottles, or other waste, during rides or events.
  2. Carry In, Carry Out: All members are required to carry their waste with them until it can be disposed of properly in designated trash or recycling bins.
  3. Report Littering: Members are encouraged to report any littering incidents to the Club Committee. This helps us address issues promptly and maintain our commitment to a clean environment.
  4. Lead by Example: As representatives of London Dynamo, members are expected to lead by example, demonstrating responsible behaviour whilst cycling.
  5. Consequences for Violations: Any member found to be in violation of this policy may face disciplinary action, including potential suspension from club activities.

Puncture and Mechanical Failure Policy

Purpose

At London Dynamo, we prioritise safety, and mutual support on all our rides. This Puncture and Mechanical Fail Policy outlines our club-wide expectations when a rider experiences a puncture or mechanical issue during a group ride.

Policy
Group Responsibility

If a rider in a group suffers a puncture or mechanical failure:

  • All riders in the group must stop in a safe place, off the road where possible.
  • No rider is to be left behind without mutual agreement and clear arrangements in place.
Assessment and Assistance

Once stopped:

  • The group should help assess whether the issue is fixable roadside.
  • If it is a simple fix (e.g., tube replacement, minor adjustment), the group shall assist where needed and wait for the repair to be completed.
  • Riders are encouraged to carry their own tools and spares, but assistance from others is always appreciated.
Non-Fixable Issues

If the mechanical issue is not fixable on the roadside:

  • The group should help the affected rider make alternative plans to return home safely.
  • This could include:
    • Helping them arrange a taxi or lift.
    • Directing them to the nearest train station or public transport option.
    • Waiting with the rider until their onward travel is confirmed and safe.
Communication
  • If the rider is being left behind by mutual agreement (e.g., waiting for a pickup), ensure they have a working phone, water, and are in a safe location.
  • Let other groups or the ride leader know what has happened if relevant.

This policy reinforces our ethos that no rider should be abandoned in the event of a mechanical or a puncture. Supporting one another on the road is what makes London Dynamo such a fantastic and supportive community.

Behaviour of Club Members

London Dynamo expects its members to behave in a way that demonstrates respect for other members and the public. It also wishes to operate in an environment that is free from harassment or discrimination. To this end, and as we are a club affiliated to British Cycling, London Dynamo members must read and comply with the British Cycling Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding policies.

In addition, the club will not tolerate:

  • Damage to or theft of any person’s property.
  • The use or encouragement of the use of banned substances (as outlined in the UCI anti-doping policy)
  • Any act of abuse, violence, intimidation, bullying or harassment against another club member, another rider or member of the public, including those in breach of the British Cycling Equality and Diversity Policies.
  • Any act that is deemed to be illegal whilst participating in a club organised activity.
  • Riding in or to/from a club activity whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol and not being in proper control of the bike.
  • Ignoring the requests or instructions from officials such as the Police.