Club Documents

Constitution

The club approved a new constitution by EGM in February 2017.
It was last updated in October 2022.

Data Protection

Orwell Wheelers Cycling Club will use the information provided by you (the member) to the club via membership registration, competition entry forms, and event registrations to carry out the business of the club. This includes but is not restricted to: communications on club matters, administration of club records, holding events. Your data may be recorded by the club electronically, kept and processed on computer or in manual form. Through this notice we are letting you know what we intend doing with your information before collecting it, or you confirming it, so that you can decide whether nor not to furnish that information to us.

Members' Responsibilities and Rights

You agree to keep the club informed of any changes to the personal data that you have provided to the club. You are entitled to write to the Secretary request a copy of your personal data which the club holds. Should any inaccuracies exist in your personal data held by the club you are entitled to request that the club amend or erase it.

Safeguarding & Child Protection

As part of the club's obligations under the Children's First Act 2015, here is our

Safeguarding Statement

and

Safeguarding Policy

Social Media Guidelines

The club uses social media accounts (including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) to share information including photos about club activities and events. We aim at all times to make sure that photos and comments on these channels are always respectful (we will not allow anything that is deliberately insulting, abusive, embarrassing). If you DO NOT wish to be in any photos posted then you will need to contact the club PRO directly. You will also be responsible for removing yourself from situations where group photos are taken. (The club cannot go through every photo of groups to check each individual). We recommend that you also familiarise yourself with the Cycling Ireland social media policy in relation to your individual responsibilities. A more detailed Social Media Policy will be published in April.

DRAFT Orwell Wheelers Social Media Policy

Orwell Wheelers Cycling Club Policy on electrically assisted bicycles (E-Bikes)
(Feb 2023)

It is the policy of Orwell Wheelers CC to encourage cycling and welcome cyclists using bicycles in compliance with the requirements listed on our website under “Spins”. In addition, we now welcome electrically assisted bicycles commonly known as “E-Bikes” under the following conditions:

Definition of E-Bike:
It must be in compliance with; (EU) EN 15194:2017 – Directive 2019/436 when applied to “road bikes” also described as racing bike. This agreed standard includes ISO specifications for the materials and manufacturing process, the rated maximum assisted speed (25kph) and the maximum continuous rated power of 250w. of E-Bikes (Applies to the majority of E-Bikes currently on sale in Ireland)

Exclusions:
The club excludes E-Bikes with straight handlebars, single gear (fixies) bikes without front/back hand operated brakes or fatbike/mountain bikes.

Permitted use of E-Bikes:
Compliant E-Bikes will only be allowed for use in the club under three conditions:
(1) Age, over sixty six (66) years of age;
(2) Age, over sixty years (60) with a self-declared medical condition;
(3) under sixty (60) with proof of a medical condition.

Permit System:
The club will operate a simple and discreet permit system to control the safe introduction of E-Bikes into our pool of conventional road bikes. Any person wishing to cycle an E-Bike must apply to the club for a permit, supplying a proof of age document (drivers licence/passport) or a letter from his/her doctor stating that they are medically safe to cycle an E.Bike.

Conditions of Permit:
That all persons using E-Bikes will cycle safely and responsibly, abide by all leaders instructions and only use the “electrical assistance” where necessary, and at a level, to ensure safe group riding.

New Members:
All new applicants to the club through Pathways wishing to uses an E-Bike, must apply beforehand for a permit and comply with all the conditions above.

Non-Compliance:
Any member persisting in cycling an E-Bike at club events without a permit, or cycling in an unsafe manner could be sanctioned or removed from the club in accordance with the club disciplinary procedure.

Policy

Process on eBike approval

Applicable member emails the club secretary confirming which of the conditions above they meet.
The Membership Secretary acknowledges the request and confirms back to the member that the request has been approved
The Membership secretary updates the membership list to reflect that the member is using an E Bike

Etiquette & Safety

For those new to group cycling in races, touring events or on club runs there are plenty of unwritten rules, traditions and techniques that are quickly acquired and will make the experience safer and more enjoyable for all. Here is a summary:

The rules of the road apply when cycling on the road.
The group rides in two abreast formation. Pair off in twos and rotate at the front every couple of minutes or so. The frequency of rotation depends on the size of the group, the weather, pace etc. Riders will often call 'up and over' to indicate that the riders at the front should rotate.
Maintain a steady straight line.
No sudden movements. Be predictable with all your actions. Avoid braking or changing direction suddenly. Likewise, don't get out of the saddle abruptly. It could cause the rider behind to hit you.
Lead riders should use hand signals to indicate stopping or turning as well as clearly audible shouted instructions.
Riders at the rear should warn of approaching cars, particularly on narrow roads. Call “car back!” to warn of cars overtaking from behind & “car front" when cars are approaching from the front.
Point out and call out any road hazards ahead. These include potholes, drains, speed ramps, animals, parked cars, opening car doors, wet or icy road surface, etc.
Don't overlap wheels. A slight direction change by the rider in front could easily catch you out. If you 'touch wheels' with the rider in front it's tough to keep upright.
Make sure to keep pedalling downhill when you are at the front of the group so that the riders behind don't bunch up behind you. It can be a bit fraught if everyone has to reach for their brakes.
Be smooth with your turns at the front of the group. Avoid surges. Stay alongside and don't increase the pace to move a half wheel ahead of the rider alongside. He/she will have to speed up to maintain the two-by-two formation and the speed will escalate unnecessarily. Don't acquire a reputation as a 'half-wheeler'!
Don't sprint up to take your turn at the front. Move up smoothly with a small increase in pace and ease that pace ever so slightly when you move alongside.
Avoid leaving gaps when following wheels. Cyclists save a huge amount of energy by following in the slipstream of the rider in front. However, don't become mesmerised by the rear brake of the rider in front as you concentrate on staying close as there's a good chance you'll ride into it! Keep looking well ahead to spot hazards and terrain changes.
When climbing hills, avoid following a wheel too closely. Many riders often lose their momentum when rising out of the saddle on a hill which can cause a sudden deceleration. This can often catch a rider who is following too closely, resulting in a fall from a wheel touch.
Don't panic if you brush shoulders, hands or bars with another rider. Try to stay relaxed in your upper body to absorb any bumps.
Wear a helmet on all club spins and make sure your bike is in good working order.
Use mudguards in winter as a courtesy to other riders.
Bring a minimum of one spare tube, tyre levers and a pump. A second spare tube and a multi tool can be useful too. Also, bring some money in case you need emergency food supplies and a mobile phone in case you get stranded.
Bring plenty of water or a sports drink.
If the spin is going to be more than two hours, make sure to bring food. Start eating after about an hour and a half. The golden rule is to eat 'a little and often'.
Relax and don't forget to have fun!