Club Member Code of Conduct

 
 

MOBILE BAY RIDERS CYCLING CLUB
CLUB MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT & SAFE RIDING POLICY
Adopted: December 2025; revised March 30, 2026

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct establishes mandatory standards of behavior for individuals affiliated with Mobile Bay Riders Cycling Club (“MBRCC”). Its purpose is to protect participant safety, ensure lawful and ethical conduct, and preserve the integrity and reputation of the Club. Safe riding practices are a fundamental and enforceable component of this Code.

2. Scope and Applicability

This Code applies to all individuals participating in or acting on behalf of Mobile Bay Riders Cycling Club, including members, officers, directors, volunteers, contractors, event participants, and guests (“Affiliated Individuals”). Compliance is a condition of participation in any Club activity.

3. Legal and Policy Compliance

Affiliated Individuals shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including all traffic and bicycle safety laws, as well as all Club bylaws, policies, procedures, ride guidelines, and event rules. When standards conflict, the most restrictive requirement applies.

4. Standards of Conduct and Safe Riding Requirements

Affiliated Individuals shall:

A. Legal Road Use and Predictable Riding

  • Operate bicycles with the same rights and responsibilities as other road users.

  • Ride predictably and in a manner consistent with normal traffic flow.

  • Always ride on the right side of the roadway, with the flow of traffic, as required by law.

  • Obey all traffic signs, signals, and traffic control devices.

  • Yield to overtaking traffic and signal before turning or changing lanes.

  • Yield to vehicles and pedestrians when required by law.

  • Ride single file unless laws and traffic conditions safely allow riding two abreast.

B. Awareness, Communication, and Hazard Avoidance

  • Maintain full attention to traffic and road conditions at all times.

  • Look behind before turning or changing lanes and ensure the path is clear.

  • Communicate clearly using verbal calls and hand signals for stops, slowing, turns, and hazards.

  • Call out and safely navigate hazards including potholes, debris, gravel, animals, and other dangers.

C. Visibility and Equipment

  • Remain highly visible by wearing bright or light-colored clothing during daylight.

  • When riding in low light or darkness, use a white front light and red rear reflector, and utilize additional reflective materials when possible.

  • Wear a properly fitted helmet at all times during Club rides.

  • Maintain bicycles in safe, working condition through regular inspection and maintenance.

D. Group Riding and Responsibility

  • Follow all ride leader instructions and established group riding practices.

  • Maintain safe spacing and avoid sudden or erratic movements.

  • Ride within personal skill level, experience, and fitness.

  • Select routes appropriate to ability and conditions when participating in or organizing rides.

E. Equipment and Load Safety

  • Securely carry cargo using racks, panniers, bike bags, or properly fitted backpacks.

  • Do not carry items in hands, on handlebars, or in a manner that interferes with safe operation of the bicycle.

F. General Conduct

  • Accept responsibility for personal conduct and safety.

  • Respect Club rules, facilities, and property.

  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.

  • Refrain from discrimination or harassment of any kind.

  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship.

  • Avoid profanity, threats, violence, or illegal conduct.

  • Respect the property of others.

  • Not use Club logos or branding without written Board approval.

  • Avoid conduct that brings disrepute or harm to the Club.

5. Minors

If an Affiliated Individual is under 18, parents or legal guardians must first submit a waiver of responsibility with a paid membership. Minors will not participate in club organized activities without their parent or legal guardian, and will require prior board approval. Parents/Guardian may be notified of any alleged or confirmed misconduct.

6. Duty to Report

Affiliated Individuals must report known or suspected violations of this Code, including unsafe riding practices, to the Board of Directors. Retaliation for good-faith reporting is strictly prohibited and constitutes a violation.

7. Incident Response and Safety Protocol

In the event of an accident or safety incident:

  • Riders shall stop when safe to do so and render reasonable assistance.

  • The safety of the group shall be prioritized.

  • Emergency services shall be contacted when appropriate.

  • Incidents must be reported to ride leaders and/or the Board as soon as practicable.

8. Investigation and Enforcement

The Board will investigate reported violations and may impose disciplinary action, including warnings, suspension, removal from events, termination of membership, or removal from office. Individuals will receive reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard, except where immediate action is required for safety or legal compliance.

9. Condition of Participation

Participation in any Mobile Bay Riders Cycling Club activity constitutes acknowledgment and agreement to comply with this Code. Enforcement authority rests with the Board of Directors, consistent with applicable law.

Ride predictable. Ride visible. Ride responsible.