Safety & Etiquette

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.

SAFETY RULES

All roads are open to traffic at all times. Road rules must be obeyed at all times. Keep left at all times. Maximum Bunch Size = 12 riders.

A leader will be allocated for each bunch as it leaves the start. All riders must follow the instructions of the designated bunch leader

COURTEOUS BEHAVIOUR

At the start of the rides the ride leaders will ride at a slower than average pace for the first few kilometres to allow for the bunch to form and settle.

Wait at the top of hills – you can race up hills like Mt Biggs but you wait at the top until the last rider gets there.

When you leave an intersection or after a regrouping – make sure the whole bunch is together before resuming normal speed.

When someone has a puncture – the whole bunch stops and waits until the puncture is repaired.

When stopping for any reason – get off the road.