Generic Risk Assessment
This document is reviewed annually.
Date of most recent review: 16/07/2026
| Hazard | Risk | Who may be involved? | Control Measure | Is the level of risk acceptable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road traffic accident (RTA), the likelihood of which is increased by large groups. | Severe injury or death. | All ride participants. | Ride leaders should devise routes avoiding busy roads as much as possible. Ride participants should be familiar with Cycling UK’s guide to cycling in a group. Ride leaders should confirm each of their rides are going ahead by emailing the CTC Grampian google group with sufficient notice, and request confirmation from potential riders of their intention to participate. The recommended maximum number of ride participants is 8, although a ride leader may accept to lead a larger group than this if they feel comfortable to do so, depending on the route, proficiency of riders, etc. However, if a ride leader becomes aware, either beforehand or on the day of a ride, that the number of participants exceeds the quantity with which the ride leader feels comfortable, it is the ride leader’s discretion on how to control this hazard. Potential measures include:
If participants proceed to ride in an unled group, it will not be a CTC Grampian organised ride. | These control measures should minimise the risk to as low as reasonably practical. |
| Adverse road or track surface condition (e.g. potholes, loose material such as stones, sticks, greasy wet lichen, ice or snow). | Injury from falling. | All ride participants. | Most roads on organised rides are well known to ride leaders, including any constant and transient hazards (due to adverse weather, etc.) that may be encountered. Therefore, the ride leader should brief ride participants before starting the ride about any expected hazards. Alternatively, if the ride leader is not familiar with any roads on the proposed route, the ride leader should reconnoitre them beforehand. The ride leader should re-route the ride to avoid risks judged to be unacceptable. Ride leaders should warn of any expected adverse conditions by emailing the CTC Grampian google group. Once on the ride, the ride leader should ensure they are in front of the group on hazardous sections, signalling if they see a hazard, or stopping to warn group. | These control measures should minimise the risk to as low as reasonably practical. |
| Ride difficulty exceeds participant ability / health, leading to exhaustion. | Loss of ability to ride safely, leading to RTA. Emergency medical situation arises. | All ride participants. | Information is made available for potential ride participants to make an informed decision on whether a ride is suited to them. This is achieved by the online publication of a ride list for each upcoming quarter, stating the speed and distance categories of each ride. Additionally, the CTC Grampian google group exists for ride leaders to provide further information closer to the event of the ride. All riders are encouraged to join this group. Nevertheless, it is the ride leader’s discretion as to whether a potential participant can join a ride. Ride leaders should not allow the ride to exceed its given speed and distance categories without agreement from all the ride participants. Ride participants should always carry next of kin cards and information on any medical conditions. | These control measures should minimise the risk to as low as reasonably practical. |
| Ride participant is dropped by the rest of the group. | Dropped rider is unsupported in the event of an incident, e.g. RTA or emergency medical situation. | All ride participants. | Ride leader should stop the ride as necessary in order to re-group. Ride leader should appoint a ‘back-marker’ and familiarise them with the route. All riders should share each other’s phone numbers, although signal strength and the audibility of a ringing phone while cycling cannot be guaranteed. | These control measures should minimise the risk to as low as reasonably practical, and also aid recovery. |