Introduction

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for all participants is a top priority for our community bike rides. While we aim for smooth and incident-free events, unexpected situations can arise. Having a clear emergency plan helps us respond quickly and effectively to keep riders safe, supported, and informed.

Lost Rider Protocol

Prevention

• Provide route maps to all participants before the ride
• Use clear route markings at turns and intersections
• Designate experienced "sweep" riders to bring up the rear
• Establish regular regroup points along long routes
• Collect contact information when riders register and provide organizer's contact information

Response Procedure

1. Immediate Actions

   • Contact the ride leader immediately if a rider is missing
   • Dispatch rider(s) back along the route
   • Designate a stationary contact person at the last known location
   • Call/text the missing rider if contact information is available

2. Escalation (After 30 Minutes)

   • Organize a systematic search of the route and alternate paths
   • Contact emergency contacts from rider registration information
   • Notify local authorities if rider remains missing after 1 hour
   • Provide description, last known location, and riding attire

3. Communication

   • Use predetermined group communication channels (group text, walkie-talkies)
   • Establish clear communication protocols for reporting a found rider

Mechanical Issues Protocol

Prevention

• Require basic pre-ride safety checks (e.g. ABC Quick Check) for all participants
• Encourage riders to carry basic tools and supplies
• Schedule group mechanic sessions before community rides if resources permit
• Maintain a list of bike shops along or near the route

Response Procedure

1. Minor Mechanical Issues (flat tire, dropped chain, loose parts)

   • Move affected rider and helper safely off the road
   • Assess if repair is possible with available tools
   • Designate a bike mechanic with appropriate skills when possible
   • Determine if rest of group should continue or wait based on repair time estimate

2. Major Mechanical Issues (broken frame, wheel, derailleur)

   • Assess if bike is rideable safely
   • Implement "sag vehicle" pickup if available
   • Arrange transportation to nearest bike shop or end point
   • Coordinate alternate transportation if necessary

3. Group Management

   • Assign a leader to continue with main group if separating
   • Establish clear meeting points for regrouping
   • Update all ride leaders on situation and resolution

First Aid & Medical Emergencies Protocol

Prevention

• Require emergency contact information from all participants
• Identify riders with medical training before the ride
• Maintain stocked first aid kits with ride leaders
• Review locations of medical facilities along the route
• Encourage medical ID tags/apps for riders with conditions

Response Procedure

1. Minor Injuries (scrapes, cuts, bruises)

   • Move injured rider to safe location off road
   • Administer appropriate first aid
   • Assess if rider can continue
   • Document incident in ride report

2. Serious Medical Emergency

   • Designate a primary responder to assess and attend to victim
   • Assign someone to call 911 immediately
   • Provide exact location
   • Have someone direct emergency vehicles to the location
   • Move uninjured riders to safe location away from the scene
   • Collect and provide relevant medical information to EMS
   • Notify emergency contact

3. Follow-up Actions

   • Designate someone to accompany injured rider to medical facility if needed
   • Maintain communication with injured rider's emergency contact
   • Complete detailed incident report
   • Review emergency response for future improvement

Rider Fatigue/Dehydration/Heat Exhaustion Protocol

Prevention

• Clearly communicate ride difficulty, distance, elevation in advance
• Recommend appropriate hydration and nutrition guidelines
• Schedule rides during cooler hours in hot weather
• Establish regular rest/refueling stops
• Monitor weather conditions and modify plans accordingly

Response Procedure

1. Early Signs of Fatigue/Dehydration (complaints, slowing pace)

   • Initiate immediate rest stop in shaded area
   • Provide water, electrolytes, and simple carbohydrates
   • Assess level of fatigue and ability to continue
   • Modify pace or route if necessary

2. Moderate Heat Exhaustion/Dehydration

   • Move rider to cool, shaded area immediately
   • Remove excess clothing/gear
   • Apply cool, wet cloths to neck, wrists, ankles
   • Provide oral rehydration (water with electrolytes)
   • Monitor vital signs and mental status
   • Determine if rider should continue or arrange alternate transportation

3. Severe Heat Illness (confusion, vomiting, fainting)

   • Call 911 immediately
   • Move to cool area and initiate rapid cooling with wet cloths
   • If conscious, provide small sips of water (no caffeine or alcohol)
   • Monitor vital signs until emergency services arrive
   • Do not allow rider to continue under any circumstances

Crash & Traffic Violence Protocol

Prevention

• Review road safety rules before each ride, e.g. ALERT system
• Require helmets and encourage high-visibility clothing
• Use bike lights even during daytime
• Designate experienced riders to lead and sweep
• Plan routes on bike-friendly roads when possible