Safeguarding.
British Cycling and Cycling UK recommend that a cycling group like ours considers how it looks after its members, especially the younger and/or more vulnerable cyclists. We have therefore drafted a Farcycles Safeguarding Policy document. It is worth having a look at this, especially if you are leading rides or training groups that include children or vulnerable adults
David Williamson, who is one of the founder members of Farcycles and one of the Directors, has volunteered to look after this, and is officially our Safeguarding and Welfare Officer.
Please don't hesitate to contact David if you have any concerns or worries that things aren't happening as they should. David's contact details are in the policy document in the section on Welfare Officer.
Saturday Rides
All under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times on a ride. All under 18s will be required to complete the parental/guardian Consent Form below and also be expected to be self-sufficient on a ride.
Whilst our rides do have a designated Host Volunteer to help rides and riders where possible, most of them have not undertaken any safeguarding training or undertaken any DBS checks.
We, therefore, request that all young riders pre-arrange a nominated adult to accompany them throughout the ride. The nominated adult should introduce themselves to the ride host at the ride start point.
All participants in Farcycles rides, including Saturday Rides, and events under the age of 18 must have a signed Farcycles Parental Consent Form.
The only exemption is where a young person having reached the age of 16 can prove that they are no longer living with their parents or guardians and are living as an independent adult. This needs to be proven by the supply of evidence such as a rent book or utility bill with the person’s current address in their name or a National Students Union membership card.
Farcycles Policy on Young People’s Participation in Cycling events
The minimum age for unaccompanied children on any ride/event is 13.
Children aged 13 to 17 may participate unaccompanied if they have parental permission and a signed Parental Consent form. It is preferable if a responsible adult is nominated to look after the young person.
the ride host reserves the right to reduce the number of participants if numbers and ages exceed safe supervision.
they (parents/guardian) alone can make the decision about the ability of their child to complete the event.
the child may cycle with other adults and/or with other children, but there is also a possibility of the child cycling on their own;
while Farcycles extends a welcome to cyclists of all ages and abilities, no special provision for children is made;
arrangements to get to/from the event are the sole responsibility of the parent;
DBS checks may not have been done on all event organisers or ride leaders or hosts.
Farcycles Teaching Sessions
For Farcycles Teaching Sessions and Guided Rides, we require a consent form signed by the child's parent/guardian to be returned electronically prior to the session or brought on first attendance.
