Clapham Cycle: Code of Conduct

Clapham Cycle’s Code of Conduct is designed to create a culture in the club of responsibility for our own conduct when taking part in club activities.

The Code outlines the types of behaviours which members are expected to follow when engaged in club activities. The Code is not an exhaustive list of do’s and don’ts but summarises the core principles that members should adopt so long as they remain a part of the club. The club’s management team will ultimately be accountable for the behaviours it wishes and does not wish to see in the club.

The Code applies to all members of the club and all non-members who ride with Clapham Cycle.

  1. Key Elements of the Code

The Code is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all Club members and to both protect and enhance the reputation of the Club in the wider community. All persons who are bound by this Code shall:

  • Act in a manner that is in the interest of the club and does not harm its reputation.
  • Follow the club’s policies, procedures and guidance.
  • Accord all members of the Club, the public and fellow road users the appropriate courtesy, respect and regard for their rights and obligations.

1.2. Riding etiquette and safety

All who participate in club rides must read and comply with Clapham Cycle’s Riding Etiquette and Safety Guidance.

1.3. Behaviour at club events

Clapham Cycle expects its members to behave in a way that demonstrates respect for other members and the general public. It also wishes to operate in an environment that is free from harassment or discrimination. To this end, members must read and comply with Clapham Cycle’s Equality and Diversity Policy.

In addition, the club will not tolerate:

  • Damage to or theft of any person’s property.
  • The use or encouragement of the use of banned substances (as outlined in the UCI anti-doping policy).
  • Any behaviour that would harm the long term reputation of the club, especially when out on an organised cycle event. For example, difficult encounters with inconsiderate drivers and other road users are a frequent occurrence and must be handled with tact and sensitivity, even if the other road user is in the wrong.
  1. Gross misconduct

The following are considered as gross misconduct:

  • Any act of abuse, violence, intimidation, bullying or harassment against another club member, including those in breach of the Equality and Diversity Policy.
  • Any act that is deemed to be illegal whilst participating in a club organised activity.
  • Riding in or to/from a club activity whilst under the influence of drugs or excessive alcohol.
  • Theft of another member’s or of the club’s property.
  • Ignoring the requests or instructions from officials such as the police.
  1. Grievance and disciplinary process
  • Non-compliance with the Code may be reported to an Organisers Committee member through a variety of routes, depending on the incident and sequence of events that have led to the breach.
  • The club occasionally receives feedback on its website or directly to Organisers Committee members about the conduct of its members on club rides. Most of these are of a trivial nature and do not require in depth investigation. If some action is required, it will probably be to ask the member(s) involved to address the issue and if appropriate take action to stop the incident happening again. Any action required to address these trivial incidents would probably be determined by the ride leader or the organiser of the Event.
  • For more serious issues, especially involving safety and/or abuse violence, intimidation, bullying or harassment, the member or members involved would normally be asked to explain what had happened to an investigation team, appointed by the Organisers Committee. This team would be comprised of three non-Organisers Committee members, and would have the power to investigate what happened and make recommendations. These would be discussed between Organisers Committee, if necessary at a specially convened Committee meeting. Any proposed actions would have to be approved by the Committee. Any Club member who was involved in this disciplinary process would have the right to bring as much evidence to the investigation team, (including witnesses) as they felt necessary to support their position in the case of a dispute. The investigation team would also be able to consult widely and gather as much evidence as is necessary to understand and resolve the issue. Finally, the investigation team would review the evidence with all those involved in the incident and agree its conclusions and recommendations. Once these had been agreed by the Organisers Committee, they would be communicated back to the members involved.
  • In the case of a dispute, the member(s) could appeal to a second Arbitration Team of three different club members (again not Organisers Committee members) and if still not resolved to the club’s Management Committee itself. The Management Committee’s decision would be final. Normally if the breach was the first of its kind and of a relatively minor nature, the individuals concerned would be requested to take the appropriate remedial action and would suffer no further consequences. A repeat of the breach, or a more serious incident might trigger the issuing of a written warning to those who were deemed to be responsible for the breach. Gross misconduct would result in expulsion from the Club and if necessary, involvement of the Police.