Recreational Riders – Safety

Despite the current ‘cost of living challenges’ facing all community events, Bike Manawatu is 100% committed to ensuring the 51st year of the Novice Tour – once again provides a safe, fun, competitive cycle racing event.

We will adopt a high-quality assured approach in implementing the Local Roading Authority’s/Cycling New Zealand’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) standards which ensure best practices and rider and spectator safety.

If the level of community funding secured is not sufficient to contract in external road management service providers with the ability to stop/go traffic, the Novice Tour will proceed on a ‘local club racing’ model, whereby our team of trained/experienced road marshals will, where necessary, pause racing in order to give way to traffic and ensure rider safety.

Although funding external road management services with the ability to stop/go traffic is ideal, if this is not feasible – we are confident that the event’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) will provide a competitive, fair, enjoyable and importantly safe racing environment.

Irrespective of which model of traffic management/racing is finalised, as with all CNZ/Bike Manawatu events, normal road rules will apply and a full rider briefing confirming the event rules will be provided to all riders prior to the start of each race.

Recreational Riders – Safety

While it’s okay to challenge yourself, our recreational rides are social and are designed to keep our bunches together and not dropping riders, all while doing so safely and having fun before a nice social stop at the local coffee shop.

The key is communication.

Be seen – use front and rear lights at night, in low light and in poor visibility such as fog or rain.

Be aware – watch and listen for approaching vehicles, pedestrians, potholes, animals, car doors opening and other potential hazards.

Be predictable with all actions – Avoid sudden braking and changes of direction. Try to maintain a steady straight line. Keep to the left and signal your intentions clearly and early. Remember that there are riders following closely behind

Be safe – ride to the conditions and follow the road rules. Cycle no more than two abreast and ride single file where visibility is an issue or traffic is busy. Keep at least one metre away from parked cars and use cycle lanes where they exist.

Be patient – slow down near parked or queuing vehicles. Pass slowly and only when safe. On narrow windy roads, pull over where practical to allow vehicles to pass.

Be prepared – wear an approved helmet and check your bike regularly.

Respect the road rules – Neutralise the bunches when you approach the 50km sign into town.

Be an awesome cyclist – Be Safe – Have Fun.