Risk Management Notes -- Group Rides

This summer, CBC staff and volunteers will be leading more bike rides and extending our programming hours. There is always an element of risk to anything we do, especially when we're working with tools or out for a ride, so it's important for our policies to be carefully considered. During a staff meeting a couple weeks ago, we discussed how to better manage risk on our bike rides and in the shop. Here are our notes (Thanks to Bronwyn for typing them up!)

People: Ideally, we should have two or more adults on group rides (the ideal ratio is 5:1 kids: staff). This is important in the event of a medical emergency – at least one person to manage the emergency, one person to manage the other riders, and one person to manage the scene. Also, it’s important to have a ride leader and a ride sweep and one roaming rider. Take into account the complexion of the group and make conscious decisions about the number chaperons cycling. Consider the skills, conditioning, ages of the kids and the weather.

Be assertive and be OK with saying “No” if there are simply not enough chaperons to have a safe ride. It’s also OK to give a reason later.

Equipment: Mechanically unsound and un-checked bikes are not allowed on group rides. All bikes must pass an ABC Quick Check. Use bikes appropriate for the ride. For example no BMX bikes on a long road ride. No BMX bikes on a mountain bike ride. Preferably all road bikes and/or tandems on road rides. Properly fitted helmets are also required. Pay special attention to emergency forms and health-related prescriptions. Discourage jeans and shoes with loose shoe laces.

Protocols: We must have the emergency contact information for every participant - kids, staff, parents and volunteers. Make two copies of the emergency contact information: one for the ride leader to carry on the ride and one for your emergency contact person at the shop. Inform your emergency contact of your route and program their number into your cell phone.
Be aware of any medical issues (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes…). Document any medical issues on the emergency list and alert volunteers before the ride. Also, remind volunteers of confidentiality. Participants must have any inhalers, medications or other health related prescriptions noted on their medical sheet with them on the ride. If we know about a medical condition (aka if it is listed on their medical information form), we are liable.

Swimming: It’s OK to say “no” to swimming if you’re uncomfortable with the situation. We’re not lifeguard certified. Prefer to use swimming venue that have lifeguard or our public swimming locations.

Environment: Pay attention to weather, road conditions, and traffic. Stick to safe routes and adjust according to group complexity. Insure that the riders have the proper clothing for the weather conditions. Find shelter if the weather conditions worsen and riding becomes too unsafe– call contact back at the shop and let him/her know.

Background Checks for people 18+: If a parent/guardian is working with a child, we do not have to do a background check because a) we have all their information and b) they are primarily working with their own child. If there is someone 18 + working with frequently working with a friend, ask if he/she considers him/herself a volunteer and/or would like to volunteer here in the future. If the answer is “no,” that could be a red flag for follow-up.

Bike-to-School: If a child show up in a bike is not physically sound, he/she is not OK to ride with us. Call the parents and let them know.

Bike Repair Common Misses (Part Two of Two)

Here are some more common misses -- watch out for these when you're fixing up your bike...

What's wrong with this picture?

Front/Rear Brakes

1. Spring tension not balanced (one pad rubbing on rim)
2. Pads not centered on rim (hanging off or rubbing on tire)
3. Brake pads not toed-in (to prevent squaky brakes)
4. Brake pads down or dried out
5. Missing parts (especially where they come in contact with the frame)
6. Missing cable cap
7. Used derailleur housing, not brake housing (derailleur housing is more rigid)
   

Chain

1. Dirty
2. Dried out/corroded/not lubricated
3. Too much lubrication (picks up dirt)
4. Tight links (watch for a 'hop')
   

Front/Rear Derailleur

1. Limit screw not set properly (not reaching gears on extremes, or overshifting and dropping the chain)
2. Frayed/corroded cable
3. Sharp bends in cable housing (makes it hard to shift)
4. Cable cap missing
5. Used brake housing rather than derailleur housing (will often cause indexed gear systems to not work properly)
6. No metal ends on the cable housing
7. Barrel adjuster all the way out/not present

Handlebars, Stem, Grips, and Levers

1. Bar end plugs missing
2. Stem loose
3. Stem higher than maximum height mark
4. Levers not secured
5. Levers not positioned properly (especially for hand size -- for younger riders, often the levers need to be brought within easier reach)

Seat and Seat Post

1. Seat post rusty/ungreased (ever encountered a stuck seatpost?)
2. Seat post higher than safety marks

Reflectors

1. Wheel reflectors not positioned close to rim/loose
   
2. Front and rear reflectors broken/not angled properly

What other issues have you encountered when fixing up a bike?

Bike Repair Common Misses (Part One of Two)

We see a lot of bikes come through the CBC, and after a while you start to recognize some common problems. Here's the first part of a list that we have compiled of these common issues that can make a bicycle unsafe to ride:

Sadly, this bike might be beyond hope.

Frame and Fork

1. Bent derailleur hanger drop-out
2. Collision damage (see above), bent frames
3. Excessive surface/interior rust
   

Bottom Bracket, Cranks, and Pedals

1. Bearing play
2. Loose of missing lockrings
3. Crankarms not securely fastened
4. Bent chainrings
5. Pedals not securely fastened

Front/Rear Hub

1. Locknut missing
2. Locknut not tightened against cone
3. Hub not centered with axle
   
4. Bearing play
   

Freewheel or Cassette

1. Worn (sharp) teeth
2. Dryness, corrosion
   

Headset

1. Lockring not securely fastened
2. Bearing play

Front/Rear Rim and Tire

1. Valve stem not straight
2. Tire underinflated
3. Tire bean not seated in rim
4. Wheel not centered
5. Quick release levers closed backwards
6. Safety catch washers missing
7. No valve cap
8. Bald (from skidding)/cracked or dry-rotted tires
   

Next Post....
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
Chain
Front Derailleur and Cable
Rear Derailleur and Cable
Handlebars, Stem, Grips, and Levers
Seat and Seat Post
Reflectors

What other common problems have you noticed on bicycles you are fixing?

Bike ride season kicks off this week!

After many false starts (and signs of warmer weather), April is finally here and our bike riding season is beginning. If you're looking for some opportunities to mentor, have fun, and get exercise all at the same time, you're in luck! We are planning many regular rides for which we will need volunteer chaperones.

The Bike and Walk to School program kicks off next week (on Wednesday, April 7), and will continue each Wednesday until the end of the school year providing a safe and healthy way for students at Biddeford Intermediate and Middle Schools to commute to and from school.

Here's the schedule:
For Biddeford Middle School students,

Wednesday Mornings
6:45-6:55 Gather at Emery
6:55-7:00 Briefing
7:00-7:15 Ride
7:15 Arrive at BMS

Wednesday Afternoons
2:40-2:50 Gather at the BIS bike racks
2:50-2:55 Briefing
2:55-3:10 Ride/walk
3:10 Arrive at Emery/CBC

The Biddeford Intermediate School program will have a walking component this year. Here's their schedule:

Wednesday Mornings
7:25-7:35 Gather at Emery (bikers) or CBC (walkers)
7:35-7:40 Briefing
7:40-7:55 Ride/walk
7:55 Arrive at BIS

Wednesday Afternoons
2:40-2:50 Gather at the BIS bike racks
2:50-2:55 Briefing
2:55-3:10 Ride/walk
3:10 Arrive at Emery/CBC

Dillon is coordinating this program, so if you are interested in volunteering or have any questions you can contact him at cbcamcorps@gwi.net.

Also starting this week, the CBC Girls' Group will begin their season of bike rides to fun destinations -- this week's ride will be an introduction to the tandems at the parking lot across the street, and it's a great opportunity for volunteers especially to learn how ride a bicycle built for two. Bronwyn is coordinating this program, so if you're interested in volunteering or have any questions you can contact her at cbcvista@gwi.net.

We hope you'll join us as a volunteer this spring!

Spring Riding Links

Here are some links to get you ready for the Spring riding season:

Information about tandems -- terminology, riding tips (from Sheldon Brown)
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tandem.html
-The CBC has 5 tandems for use on rides

How to treat road rash (from Bicycling.com)
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s-4-22-19638-1,00.html
-Treating road rash with Preparation H wipes? Genius!

Safety, crash prevention, and code of conduct form (from the ALA-ME's Trek Across Maine, and we also use it)
http://www.lungusa.org/associations/charters/new-england/assets/pdfs/maine-trek/resources/2009-safety-and-conduct.pdf
-The CBC uses this sheet as part of the Bike to School program's permission form

What are some other links with good information about bike riding and safety?

Spring Bike Riding!

With the temperature rising and longer days, spring is definitely on the horizon -- at the Community Bicycle Center, that means ride season!

We'd love to have your help as a chaperone on our rides -- the Bike to School program (which provides a safe way to bike to and from Biddeford Intermediate and Middle Schools) will operate on Wednesdays this spring beginning April 7.

Our Girls Group on a ride last Fall!

On Fridays this spring, 3-5pm, our Girls Group will go on road rides to fun places in the area, and a group will also go on mountain bike rides in Clifford Park.

If you are interested in helping as a volunteer on rides this spring (and please do, it's a lot of fun!), stop by the shop or contact Dillon for more information (207-282-9700, cbcamcorps@gwi.net).

How to fix a flat

At this week's Bike Monkeys class we talked about one of the most important skills for a bike mechanic to know -- how to fix a flat tire. A flat tire is a relatively common problem that can be a real bummer out on the road or trail, but with some simple know-how you'll be back on the road in no time. Park Tool has a great step-by-step guide that shows the best technique -- check it out here: http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=100

Bummer! Hope you know how to fix that...

Some tips to keep in mind to help prevent flat tires:
-Check and maintain your tire pressure
-Make sure the valve stem is always straight -- if it's angled, you're risking a hole that can't be patched
-Always use a rim strip between the tube and the rim
-Be on the lookout for obstructions (a big bump can sometimes be enough to cause a flat!)

What other tips can help prevent flat tires?