National Capital Region Notes

Purpose

The purpose of the Ottawa group is to provide an opportunity for cyclists of average ability to enjoy a pleasant outdoor activity, to socialize, have fun and keep active and healthy.

We provide two categories of local rides in addition to participating in general CCCTS tours and Hub and Spokes.

  • Easy Riders – should be able to cycle at speeds from 18 to 21 km/hr (on flat ground with no wind). Rides will vary from 40 to 70 km and generally take place on Thursdays.
  • Faster Rollers – should be able to cycle at speeds between 21 to 25 km/hr (on flat terrain with light to no wind) and range from 60-90 km. These rides generally take place on Tuesdays.

Note : On occasion, a Tuesday ride may also offer a shorter option and/or a Thursday ride may also offer a longer option.

Start times are 10:00 AM (unless otherwise specified but the ride leader). The destination may be changed on the day of the ride, with the approval of the group.  But the advertised distance will remain the same.

The default location for rides without a designated leader or destination is Britannia Park. Meet at 10:00 am and whoever is there decides where to go and who is going to lead.

Weekly Ride Cancellation/Change : In the event of inclement weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, heat, etc.), an emergency, or illness of the ride leader, the ride may be changed or cancelled.  The ride leader will notify those on the sign up sheet the day before if the ride is doubtful for any of the above-mentioned reasons,  as well as Barbara Wilson barbarawilson142@yahoo.ca . On the day of the ride, the ride leader will reconfirm with those who have signed up, no later than 8:00 AM that morning.  If a previously signed up member needs to cancel, simply take your name off the online signup sheet and email the ride leader.

Chapter Cancellation Policy for Hub and Spoke  trips and Tours: If you are sharing a room and find you have to cancel, every effort will be made to find a suitable replacement either by the organizer by way of an email, or by yourself.  In the event no-one is found, you may be expected to shoulder the cost of your share of the room.

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  • TEMPLATE FOR RIDE LEADERS TO USE WHEN SIGNING UP TO LEAD RIDES
  •  

COVID-19 SAFETY PROCEDURES :  PARTICIPANTS, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY and FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS :

IF YOU FEEL UNWELL, PLEASE STAY HOME
EACH GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 6 RIDERS
PLEASE HONOUR THE SIGN UP TIMES
PLEASE DO NOT CARPOOL EXCEPT WITH MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD
BE SELF-SUFFICIENT

PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WHEN SIGNING UP :

1. EMERGENCY INFORMATION :  FULL NAME ; EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER  ; YOUR CELL NUMBER (Copy and paste into your reply)
2. IN THE EVENT OF AN OVERFLOW OF RIDERS, ARE YOU PREPARED TO LEAD A SECOND GROUP LEAVING 30 MIN. LATER?
3. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO ACCEPT THE REVISED COVID-19 WAIVER
 

Ride Leader : Name, email, phone

Name of Ride :

Date of Ride :
                                                                                        

Start time :  

Start Location : 
 

Distance :   km.

 
Group Size :

Route details :   RWGPS link from CCCTS library or check with Richard Tobin
 

Lunch plans : 

 
Other information :
 

Pre-registration times : (CHOOSE WHICH APPLIES TO YOUR RIDE) : 
Tuesday rides Sunday, [date] 8 PM-Monday [date] 10AM ; Thursday rides : Tuesday, [date] 8 PM-Wednesday,[date] 10 AM

Sign up Link https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UPM2c3EpORLBac3pjSbJWoIrUqJUfuC2?usp=sharing

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Ride Guidelines

These guidelines apply to our club rides as well as solo riding.  REMEMBER, we share the roads/paths with other users

Please read carefully and understand what is expected of you on a club ride.

  • Practice PVACCC riding … Predictability, Visibility, Anticipation, Cooperation, Courtesy, Communication
  • Arrive at the designated start location in good time (10 min. early)
  • Make sure your bike is road worthy (tires pumped, brakes adjusted, etc.)
  • Make sure you have tools, spare tube or two, water, sunscreen, ID, emergency contact info., cash/credit card, small first aid kit.
  • Know the rules of the road and abide by them.
  • Be predictable and avoid any sudden moves.
  • Anticipate any changes in the road surface or direction of travel.
  • Be considerate of your  fellow cyclists and other road users.
  • Know the accepted signals and verbal calls and use them.
  • Take responsibility for the safety within the group as well as your own safety.
  • Stay with the group unless the ride leader of sweep is notified of an early departure.
  • Notify the ride leader if any difficulties arise during the ride.
  • Be prepared to act as sweep if asked by the ride leader.

RIDE SIGNALS AND VERBAL COMMANDS :

SIGNALLING AND VERBAL CALLS : Used when riding as part of a group or for solo riding.  For group riding, each rider is responsible to pass information, either verbal and/or signalling, to following riders.  For both group and solo riding, using these maneuvers will indicate to other road/path users that you are a responsible and considerate cyclist.

LEFT TURN : Use LEFT arm extended parallel to the ground.  Call “LEFT TURN” to following riders.

RIGHT TURN : Sit up on your bike so signal is more visible.  Use LEFT arm extended, forearm turned UP at right angles, palm forward.  And/or, use RIGHT arm extended to the right parallel to the ground.  Call “RIGHT TURN” to following riders.

SLOWING : LEFT arm extended, forearm turned DOWN, palm facing back.  Call “SLOWING” to following riders.  Stop pedaling and prepare to brake.

STOPPING : Same signal as above.  Call “STOPPING” to following riders, gear down, stop pedaling, brake gently.

SLOWING/STOPPING : Use combination of above.

HAZARDS ON THE ROAD : Use either RIGHT or LEFT hand depending on position of hazard so following riders know which side to pass.  Point and call “GLASS”, “POTHOLE”, GRAVEL”, “ROADKILL”, etc. to indicate the type of hazard

MOVING OUT : To avoid parked cars, joggers, overtaking others cyclists, losing shoulder. or anything causing you to move out of your line of travel.  RIGHT arm behind back, point and move hand from right to left.  Call “MOVING OUT”

RAILWAY TRACKS : Use RIGHT or LEFT  arm behind back with back and forth motion.  Call “TRACKS” to following riders.  Slow down.  Position yourself to cross at RIGHT ANGLES when safe to do so, or dismount and walk over tracks (SLOWING, STOPPING)

TRUCKS APPROACHING FROM THE REAR : Last rider calls “TRUCK BACK” and uses LEFT arm to “push” truck to left lane.  Give a friendly wave.

GENERAL TRAFFIC APPROACHING FROM THE REAR : Call “CAR BACK”,and/or “CAR PASSING”

ONCOMING TRAFFIC : Call “CAR UP” if rear approaching traffic warrants 

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CCCTS Returning Members/New Riders Information Sheet

  • Before the ride :
  1. An email will be sent out to you on a weekly basis by Sam Ludmer.
  2. If the ride is a remote start, contact the leader if you plan to participate.
  3. Check your bike and make sure it is in good working order.
  4. Make sure you have a few tools, spare tube, pump, water, snack, lunch if applicable, ID with emergency contact info, credit card/$$, cell phone, small first aid kit, extra stuff depending on weather.

At the Start :

  1. Arrive at the start location in good time for a 10 AM leave time.
  2. Introduce yourself/Sign in with the ride leader.
  3. Ask any questions in regard to the ride.
  4. Know/practice the accepted signals and verbal calls.
  5. Know the rules of the road.

During the Ride :

  1. Practice PACCC riding … Predictability, , Anticipation, Communication, Cooperation, Courtesy.
  2. Be visible with bright clothing and lights
  3. Abide by the rules of the road.
  4. Use accepted signals and verbal commands
  5. Be predictable and avoid sudden moves
  6. Use shoulder checks and mirrors frequently to know what traffic is doing behind you
  7. Anticipate any changes in road surface or direction of travel
  8. Be considerate of your fellow cyclists and other road/path users.
  9. Use “Passing on your left” and sound bell well in advance when approaching another rider from the rear.
  10. Take responsibility for the safety within the group as well as your own safety
  11. Stay with the group ; Notify the ride leader of an early departure.
  12. Notify the ride leader if any difficulties arise.

Obstacles and Hazards on the Road

  • Railway tracks : Slow down ; Cross at right angles ; If in doubt (traffic approaching from either direction), stop, dismount, walk across
  • Trucks approaching from the rear : Last rider indicates approach of truck ; Signal for truck to “move over” ; Give a friendly wave
  • Vehicles with trailers : Assume all passing traffic has a trailer ; Hold your line of travel
  • Pavement cracks : In hot weather they are soft and easy to catch a wheel.
  • Road kill : Indicate in plenty of time ; Avoid swerving to avoid
  • Dooring : Give ample room (take the lane) when passing parked cars to avoid the unexpected.
  • Blind Spots : Especially around buses, trucks, vans.  If you can see the driver in his/her rear view mirror, they can see you.
  • One metre rule (3 feet) : A shared responsibility.

Where to be on the Road

  • Be responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of the group.
  • Two-Way Traffic : Stay to the right but don’t hug the curb or shoulder.
  • In Heavy Slow-moving Traffic : Claim your space in the middle of a lane ; Don’t skirt the edges as drivers are too likely to take chances on getting around you and you might get side-swiped.
    • When passing parked cars or other hazards : Check traffic flow behind well in advance ; Signal moving out, sooner rather than later, giving at least 1.5 metre to avoid dooring.
    • Making a Right Turn :  Stay in the line of traffic ; Signal ; Proceed When safe.
    • Making a Left Turn with One Turning Lane : Anticipate well in advance ; Check the flow of traffic behind ; Signal ; When safe move over toward the centre of lane in line with traffic in front of you (this prevents cars from coming up beside you) ; Keep in line with cars in front ; Continue to signal ; Make the turn into right side of lane on new road ; Avoid cutting the corner.
  • Making a Left Turn with Two Turning Lanes : Anticipate well in advance ; Check the flow of traffic behind ; Signal ; When safe, move over to the centre of the right of the 2 turning lane in line with traffic in front of you (this prevents cars from coming up beside you) ; Continue to signal ; Make the turn into right side of new road ; Avoid cutting corners.
  • At a red light : Indicate a stop.  Keep behind stopped cars ahead to avoid vehicles stopping beside you.  If there is a bicycle-designated lane, use it..
  • Roundabouts : Use the bicycle lane if there is one.  Otherwise take the full lane for better visibility.  If there are 2 lanes, be in the correct lane depending on direction of travel.  Signal your intention when approaching/making your exit.
  • Beware of vehicles turning right!
  • Always be vigilant : use shoulder checks and mirrors regularly.

REMEMBER this is your ride and is meant to be an enjoyable experience

After the Ride :

  1. Thank the ride leader
  2. Any questions, queries, etc. should be directed to the ride leader and/or the club Rep.

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NEW (April 21, 2021)

CYCLING CANADA CONCUSSION/HEAD INJURY PROTOCOL

This information is taken from Cycling Canada’s Complete Concussion Management document, Original/current version approved: May, 2020 

Concussions are frequent injuries in cycling crashes and it can be difficult for on-site members to understand how to properly identify and manage a cyclist with a suspected concussion

A RIDER DOES NOT NEED TO HAVE DIRECT CONTACT TO THE HEAD OR LOSE CONSCIOUSNESS TO HAVE A CONCUSSION

The following information can be used as a guide for CCCTS ride leaders and participants alike.  IF IN DOUBT, CALL 911

Ride leaders MUST carry a copy  of the CCCTS incident report on ALL their rides to document any accident. https://cccts.org/club-document/group-ride-incident-report/

Basic education and instructions on how to properly proceed if faced with a suspected head injury while on a ride :

a) A concussion should be suspected in any cyclist who sustains a significant impact to the head, face, neck, or body and demonstrates ANY of the visual signs of a suspected concussion listed below or reports ANY symptoms of a suspected concussion based on the common signs and symptoms listed below. 

b)Common Signs and Symptoms :  Headache ; Dizziness ;  Confusion ; Disorientation ;  Feeling “dinged” “bell rung” “dazed” “slow” “foggy” ; Ringing in the ears ;  Pressure in the head ;  Neck pain/stiffness ; See stars/flashing lights ; Memory problems (events leading up to the injury and events after the injury) ; Vision problems ;  Balance problems ;   Nausea/Vomiting ; Personality changes ;  Concentration problems ; Coordination/Balance problems ; Slurred speech ; Slow to respond to questions ; Serious 

c)Advanced signs and Symptoms : Severe pain or pressure in head or neck ; Sensory or motor deficits ;  Blood or fluid from nose or ears ; Diminishing level of consciousness ; Impaired breathing ; Loss of memory (amnesia) before impact of 30 or more minutes.

d)If a cyclist has a suspected head injury, please follow the following management protocol.  The cyclist should be assessed by a Medical Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as soon as possible.

1) Do not allow the cyclist back on his/her bike ; 

2) Call 911 ; 

3) If any of the signs and symptoms become worse or if new signs and symptoms appear, call 911 

4) Cyclist must be cleared by healthcare professional before returning to sport 

5) Advise cyclist to seek follow up care by a healthcare professional upon return to the city of residence. 

e)DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING : allow the cyclist to consume alcohol ; once conscious, wake the cyclist every 2 hours (a  concussion is a bruised brain, let it sleep, rest is good, monitor during waking hours) ; leave the cyclist unattended for more than 1-2 hrs ; allow the cyclist to return to cycling unless appropriate.

If somebody has a serious closed head injury, however, and has lost consciousness, there is fear of subdural bleeding and brain compression. Therefore that person needs to wake up to make sure they don’t need emergency brain surgery

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Safety First … Cycling and the Law

Check out these websites for information on Cycling and the Law 

  1. http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/transportation-and-parking/cycling/cycling-and-law
  2. http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/pdfs/cycling-skills.pdf
  3. http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/safety-and-crime-prevention/bicycle-safety.asp
  4. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h08
  5. http://legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/ShowDoc/cs/C-24.2
  6. http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._1044/index.html
  7. http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park/things-to-do/cycling-gatineau-park
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  • Club Discounts

    As of June 2022, the following merchants will provide a club discount.  Please show your membership card:

      • Giant Orleans (formerly Orleans Cycle) : 2404, St. Joseph Blvd, Orleans. 10% discount on all parts and accessories.
      • Giant Ottawa:1162 Bank Street, Old Ottawa South. 10% discount on all parts and accessories. THIS IS A NEW ADDITION.
      • Bushtukah: 203 Richmond Rd. and 5607 Hazeldean Rd., Stittsville. 10% discount on regular priced items. (If members are ordering online, they should reference the club affiliation in the comments section on the check out screen. On a mobile device they should select “Show Order Summary” at the checkout screen to access the comments box. Regular price items will be adjusted in price prior to the order being finalized and the final charge to the member will be amended.)
      • Fresh Air Experience: 1291 Wellington Street West. 10% off parts, accessories, clothing. No discount on complete bikes.
      • Cyco’s Bike Shop: 5 Hawthorne Ave., Ottawa. 15 % discount on merchandise and rentals.

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