Events can be categorised as follows:-
1. Open NSWCF Road Race events, eg the B2B – Note these Large Events have a separate traffic management plan (as set out in the CNSW & RTA Guidelines). The event will be run according to that Plan
2. Interclub Races – eg The City Vs Country handicap, where numbers vary and formal traffic control procedures may be required with full RTA Guidelines to be considered. Larger events will run according to the submitted Bcc TMP (formal Traffic Control) but smaller fields may operate on the “Bcc General Event Rules” if considered Appropriate by the “Bcc Risk Assessment Process”.
3. Training/Timed/Conditioning Club Events – These are events that have been held in the Perthville area for over a century, and typically are small fields with a focus on training and social competition. To avoid the dangerous situation of frustrating local motorists the activities follow “Bcc General Rules” to minimise impact on non community Traffic yet at the same time ensuring safe passage for the club activity. As each Cat 3 Club event has the potential to become a Cat 2 event, eg with a large number of starters entering on a particular week, the duty officer must use the club Risk Assessment Procedure to ensure RTA guidelines are considered, and Bcc General Event Rules are appropriate.
Bathurst Cycle Club Events General Information (Intro to Bcc General Event Rules)
Traffic Management Issues: The Bathurst Cycle Club Traffic Management Plan (BccTMP) has been developed over a number of year working closely with Council & Police, it is imperative that it be strictly adhered too, and all participants make themselves aware of all the rules and Guidelines put in place by the club.
In Brief - Due to a number of dangerous incidents occurring after putting formal traffic control for weekly club Cat 3 activities where local motorists became frustrated after being stopped by the approved traffic controllers, the club had to lower the non event community impact by incorporating their cat 3 activities into a more common sense rules of the road approach.
With over a hundred years of the Cyclists and the local Perthville Community working together a relationship had developed, so a change to that relationship didn’t go down that well. It seemed the locals didn’t necessary like the cyclist but they put up with them and gave them respect on the road as they had always been there. But once the rules where changed and the residents where constrained by Formal Stop / Go traffic management approach on a quite bush road, that respect was replaced by frustration and a number of incidents where recorded. Hence the Development of the Bathurst Cycling Clubs General Event Rules (Bcc GE rules), to lower the impact on the local Perthville community.
The Bcc GE rules works on a common sense system where a group of cyclists (enjoying a bit of social competition) riding and reacting on the road as per normal conditions, careful to giving way to traffic as per the general traffic rules and behaving in a manner that is considered appropriate by the local community. To create the environment to do this:-
- The bunches need to act responsibly (see notes on bunch etiquette and Race Rules)
- A course needs to be designed to create safe cycling, (see Notes on course controls eg Turn off – u turns and race Neutrals).
- The administration needs to review the environment regularly. (see Notes on Risk Assessment)
NOTE: by signing on you are confirming that you have read and understood all the Bcc General Event Rules.
Sign on – Sign on is normally across the road from the Perthville Hall (10kms south of Bathurst on the Goulburn Road). Race Start is at the Perthville tennis courts, (at the sign on area). Do not block the road in the Perthville Area, (before or after the race). All event participants and supporters must not impede local traffic. Please do not talk or stop on the Road (tar surface) or even on the road shoulder.
All Participants take note when signing on you agree to the following sign on clause:-
By signing this event sign-on sheet, I hereby state that I have read, understand and will strictly abide by all event conditions as stated on the Bcc Web Site, and/or pre event handouts and Briefings.
All participants are reminded that all event held on a public road can be considered dangerous, and whilst all reasonable care is taken by the event organizers and officials when organizing this event, all participating cyclists have an equal responsibility to ensure they take all reasonable care by adhering to the road rules and any other conditions imposed by Police and or officials ensuring a safe race environment for all concerned.
Handicapping – The Bcc and committee will try to review the ranking before the weekend and add participants to the sign on sheet (“the Bcc handicapping system”). Visiting groups need to talk to bcc officials/handicapper 2 or 3 days before the event to attempt to integrate visitors into the local rankings. Final Handicaps should/can be queried at the event start, but this should be done through a nominated club officials. Ie. The visiting club’s handicapper should be the only one to talk to the Bcc Handicapper.
Club Courses – The Bcc is continually updating it courses through the Weekly Risk Assessment System which ensures the most effective mix of Safety and Minimal impact on local area traffic.
Current Courses include:- Cross Roads Course (or sometimes called MacKay Course), Rockley Course, 3-Roads Course and 2 Roads Course. Different variation can be used after the Pre Race Risk Assessment on the event. The course generally used for interclub events is the MacKay (or Cross road) course as it is considered the best at handling a large field. Hence the reason for Visiting clubs to give a couple of months notice so changes can be made to the Calendar: For this reason the McKay Cross roads course is described in this document, however please note this is a “guide only” as the “Risk Assessment Process” can make regular changes to the course, so all new riders must confirm the course with a Bcc committee person or an experienced member.
MacKay Course –
Event starts at the Marshalling area at Tenison Wood Drive (Tennis Courts at Perthville), please be mindful of the driveways for the convent when assembling for the start and briefing. It should be noted that the Toilets at the Perthville Hall will be opened on race day, and there is also toilets at the Perthville Garage. Under no circumstances shall someone go to the toilet in the streets of Perthville (this especially means at the race start which is adjacent to the Perthville Convent.
The race start is in neutral with riders rolling out of Tenison Wood Drive onto the Rockley Road, although it is possible to Merge into the traffic, everyone must get off the line together, and riders must give way to rockley traffic under the neutral conditions.
Its 5km up the Rockley road to Ryans Road where there is a Race Neutral and a “Turn-off U turn”, do not cut the corner coming back onto the Rockley Road, as there is a marker which all riders must go around.
Then back to Perthville where there is a race neutral turn onto the Goulburn Road, (at the Perthville Hotel).
From there its around 22km out to the x-Roads following the Goulburn Road, please note the Goulburn Road turns right at the T Intersection Georges Plains (only 4 km from Perthville).
There is a Race Neutral “Turn-off U turn” at the Rockley turn off (33km from Bathurst). From there it’s back to Georges Plains, again note follow the traffic to Bathurst and turn left at the intersection before Georges Plains.
As you come out of Georges Plains left after the Railway line onto St Johns Road where the event finishes. Please note the turn onto St Johns road has a change of road surface and gradient, but riders are reminded to stay on the correct side of the road.
NOTE: the “Race Neutrals” and “Turn around” signs that are painted on the road, and you must stop at the lights on the Level Rail Crossing at Perthville and Georges Plains
Race Rules – General NSWCF Road Race rules apply, (see rules for Road Events on www.nsw.cycling.org.au). Besides the CNSW Race Rules, there is also an event etiquette that should be followed in an event such as this, so safety and an enjoyable environment is ensured. Each Handicap group should get together and talk with each other to get the most out of the handicap format. Weather it is a scratch race or Handicap format all groups of cyclists in Bathurst cc events need to act responsibly and communicate to ensure a safe passage through the activity.
Each handicap group must be:-
Decisive – to avoid confusion the senior member of the group shall take control in dangerous situation or sections where rules should be observed, eg race neutrals etc. The senior rider will be a club official or the oldest club member, however if there is a number of cyclist in the group with more than 4 season experience then the cyclist that has raced at the highest level shall take control. If there is some confusion on who is the group leader then the Starter will nominate some one when asked. If there is a problem after the event the senior rider will be asked to assist in the enquiry
Focused – The group should talk together at set some goals, (eg work hard to get to the hill before the backmarkers), then all members should form a relationship and commit to that goal and look after each other.
Smooth – The Bunch should work smoothly with inexperienced riders an appropriate distance off a wheel and either Rolling or working Pursuit Turns depending on the closeness in strength of the working group. Again Communication is required to change the correct time and side, while correct bunch etiquette such as minimum brake, no jamming, care out of the seat and no unexpected direction changes or rotations is essential.
Alert – Bunch should be aware and move over if they are to be over taken by another group. With the fastest group only allowed to over take on the right hand side as the slower riders should be on the left. Remembering it is very rude to cut into a rotation spot when you are unsure whether you can maintain pace.
Polite – we all realise even in social activities sometimes “things get said”. Any arguments that develop on the bike must be resolve, these are social based events and any argument must be settled after the event, if not both parties will be disciplined. Shouting and swearing is not allowed and all participant are asked to show a bit of control and decorum
Obey all road rules:- Unless specifically stated all riders in Bathurst Events must obey all Road rules. It is the Riders responsibility to know the course, (so they must attend the pre race briefing and ask an experience competitor to further explain the course if required. Riders must also make themselves aware of the specific conditions imposed on the course to comply with local event permissions, which try to lower the impact on non event traffic, (as mentioned above past Assessments has found this as a major Safety concern).
Reminders – obey all road rules, this means stop for training and keep to the left side of the road.
Turn-off U turns:-
Event participants must give way to traffic with the right of way, to ensure this happens the Bcc uses a “Turn-off U Turn”, at selected corners in events where appropriate, eg. Ryan Road (5km mark) and the Cross Road (approx 30km mark).
The Turn-off U Turn has been developed over the last decade to ensure a safer environment for club activities, while lowering the impact on the non - event community. Reviewing incidents over time, the club found the stopping of local traffic created frustration while the driver held up to allow the event to pass. It was discovered that this frustration then caused problems further along the course. Hence the “turn-off U Turn” was designed to integrate the regular social Bcc Events into the local traffic environment.
The “Turn off U Turn” replaced the old style U turn which was simply performed on the main road with a number of controllers trying to get the riders safely around. The process is very difficult to control as the traffic needs to be stopped in both directions, plus a follow car needs to be used to separate the cyclist from the following traffic as this traffic is likely to overtake the slowing group and then collide with the cyclist as they come to the turning point. The smaller and more regular the event or activity, the greater the difficultly in controlling the following traffic.
The Turn on U turn was a simple fix, as when performing a U turn riders will now;
Turn into a minor T intersection road eg Ryans Road under neutral conditions,
They will then “U-turn” in minor road where traffic is slowing for the corner, (of course the cyclists must obey road rules and give way to any traffic).
Riders will then precede back on to the major (eg Rockley Road) obeying road rules with improved vision and clear road responsibilities and allowing following traffic to have cleared. The responsibility is with the cyclist to obey road rules and give way.
Bunch Neutrals –
Bunch neutrals can be used to relax the stress in a number of dangerous situations. The common Bunch Neutral uses a specifically marked out Neutral Zones to halt any competition and force the participants to concentrate on any traffic or changing conditions that may pose a danger to the cyclists.
There are 3 common Bunch Neutrals on the McKay Course, the 2 “Turn-off U turns” and the Pub Corner at Perthville, it is the riders responsibility to make themselves aware of these corners, and the markers that signify the extent of the Neutral Zone
The most experienced rider in the bunch will act as a marshal to ensure compliance to the Bunch Neutrals, this can be clarified with the starter if needed.
The Bunch Neutral with ensure at no individual will gain any advantage from racing Traffic through a corner or rushing through a dangerous situation.
The bunch is deemed to be a group of cyclist that have been riding together before the Neutral zone. The distance between the riders
Course Preparation
Course Preparation & Signage and event Risk Assessment are performed by a duty Officers which are appointed via the Bcc Roster.
BCC Intermediate Sprint Rules -
Intro:
Bcc Intermediate sprint rules ensure that normal road rules stand when looking for a winner of a sprint on the open road. As you would expect the rule makes it impossible to have a bunch sprint ensuring only maximum of 2 abreast riding at the finish location. In fact the rule ensures that a sprint doesn’t take place, but more a last man standing effort; for that reason the event can only use “Bcc Intermediate sprint rules” on a section of course that allow for a selection of the strongest before the marked finish. (in other words “Bcc Intermediate sprint rules” will be only used at the top of a hill).
Bcc Intermediate sprint rules:
In general Bcc Intermediate sprint rules means that the leader has priority on the road but must move to the outside (left) to allow passing up the center of the road, (ie on the right) for 1 other rider.
If a third rider is involved in finish, joining in down the centre of the road because he is the last to go before the finish line, he/she will be placed behind the 2 earlier leaders. (who had road position).
Although it would be not in the sprint of the contest for a rider to keep a slower rider beside them while in front to close down the road, the 2 abreast rule will still be enforced in the final 50m. However the rider will be warned afterwards that it is not in the correct spirit of the event, with the aim of the rule to spread the field not bunch it up. If the rider in question continues to use this blocking tactic in the future, it could result in a fine or disqualification.
The correct procedure when passing is to continue overtaking with current momentum or faster, till you are a wheel distance clear of the rider on the outside then move to the left to allow an overtaking lane free. (the same as you would if you where in a car).
Bathurst Cycling Club Regulations
Members should be aware of their responsibilities at assembly areas at Bathurst Cycling
Club events, specifically the starting and finishing areas, where on stopping all
riders must move well off the road to a safe position.
NOTE - 07/07/08 -St Johns
Road:- riders should assemble behind the line well pass the finish once completing
the course. All riders are to remain behind the line till all participants complete
the course so to avoid any congestion at the finish line. In special circumstances
it is possible for a rider to return back along St Johns Road while the rest of the
event is finishing but they must ride alone back through the finish shut when it
is clear and dismount and move well clear of the tar it a rider approaches.
NOTE -
02/09- Spectator vehicles are to be parked at least 150m after the finish line. The
spectators are to then walk to the finish line. Do not park before the finish line.
It is also in our road permissions that we do not have official follow cars. Therefore
it is asked that spectators are to drive to safe spots along the race course and
watch the race pass by.
Rider should always obey road rules Be mindful at the turns
to look for cars coming from all directions. Remember to give adequate notice to
cars of your intention to turn. 03/09
Sign Duty Roster that is in place for putting
out or turning down the signs along the road race route (and doing the reverse after
the race). They also are responsible for running the race that day, taking note of
any hazzards along the race route so that it can be announced before the start of
the race. Each BCC member that races on the road is required to do their turn; this
includes the juniors; (whom will have to get the help from their parents or guardians).
The Senior rider of the bunch will be considered the Race Marshal of the bunch.
They have the responsibility to direct riders at turns or to advise riders in their
bunch if they have done the wrong thing (ie, cutting corners, crossing centre lines).
05/2009
Rides must not remove their hands from their bicycle to touch/push another
rider. 01/09/08
Riders in person must sign on 15minutes (or as per stated sign-on
time) before the recognised start time of the event. Late riders will be initially
be penalised by the handicapper, by being dropped back a bunch, and/or charged a
late entry fee, then refused a start. (01/09/08
A rider must have raced in 3 club
races before a Bcc Championship so as to establish a grade before the event. Discretion
can be used in special circumstances, as a championship can be held early in the
season, or a new starters ability is known to the club. -03/03/08
Members are not
allowed to train on the race route during race times, this can be extend to riders
that turn short in club events whom can not re join back in with a race bunch. These
riders (and those working as race marshals/spectators) must clear the road as the
race passes.
NOTE (April 2009) Rockley Road: The BCC would like to extend the rule
to parents/partners/children of members racing to particularly avoid the Rockley
Road during club events. This is to try and minimise the number of bunches that can
pass one another going up and down Rockley Rd and the possibility of cars trying
to overtake bunches and squeezing between the bunches as they pass.
Supporters, family
and friends of cyclists racing are not to follow a rider during a race. Spectators
are to drive to safe areas along the course and park and wait for the rider to reach
them. The Bcc stresses the importance of not interfering with local traffic to ensure
the continuation of the good relationship with the club and residents where the Bcc
runs its activities.
(Spectator traffic cannot bunch hop during the final 5 kms of
an event to get to the finish. - 02/05/11)
(Due to the nature of some local courses
the spectator traffic may need to position themselves in an appropriate safe viewing
stop (well off the road) before the event goes past, it is the duty of spectator
to check with the event administration if this is the case. – 02/05/11).
(Note as
common practice in NSW events a Spectator breaking the rules will see discipline
action taken against the person they are following. – 02/05/11)
General Handicap Review
– Each club meeting the clubs administration will review the clubs Rankings / Handicaps.
To ensure the Handicapper has time to investigate any grievance before the review
meeting and consider its full impact on his/her handicapping strategy these grievances
should be formally sent to the handicapper 3 days before the meeting, preferably
through a committee person or the club captain. The Handicapper will release his
revised grading and marks at the meeting after considering all formal handicapping
grievances. To ensure the meeting uses available time effectively only issues formally
raised before the meeting will be debated in the meetings handicap review; please
note for debate to occur a member of the committee or the executive should be prepared
to take up the case.
After the Review is completed and the new rankings documented,
(eg up dating the sign-on sheet), it is the duty of the handicapper to keep the rankings
up to date, (adjusting marks after weekly events) till the next review. The handicapper
judgement should be respected in this time, with all grievances waiting till the
next review meeting.
(Meeting 6/02/2011).
Handicapping Championships – in the process
of ranking the field into grades for a club championship, it should be noted that
the concept is:- Who qualifies for a grade rather than ranking on that the most recent
handicap (ie their predicted performance level on the day).
This means effectively
the grades for a championship are locked at the last Handicap Review meeting, (where
the club administration will consider who qualifies for a grade).
It is possible
for the handicapper (and in special circumstances the executive) to formally request
the creation of a special ranking list outside the normal handicap sign on sheet,
which is specifically for the Championship event.
In special circumstances (given
it is possible for a new member to qualify for a grade for a championship, ((eg complete
3 events)) after a Monthly Handicap Review), a Handicapper has the power to change
the so called locked grades. However given this is going against the general precedent
the handicapper should talk to the person involved and come to a mutual decision
to change grade. If an understanding isn’t worked out then the executive followed
by the committee would become involved. (Meeting 6/02/2011)
