University of Limerick Mountain Bike Club Code of Conduct

Rules of the Trail

• Slow down when approaching other trail users.
• Slow to walking pace if you are approaching from behind and politely ask can you pass.
• If there are children or unrestrained dogs slow to walking pace or dismount.
• Approaching horses with care. Make sure you have permission from the rider before passing. Even more caution is required in the case of unsupervised livestock on a trail.
• Do not skid - it gives the impression you are out of control, and it also erodes the trails.
• Be aware of other forest users when exiting trails.
• When passing trail users, inform them of how many are following, and if you are last, tell them the trail is clear.
• When approaching trail users, shout back and inform cyclists behind, this also serves to make walkers aware of your presence.
• Cyclists travelling uphill have right of way.
• If other trail users complain of your presence in the forest, politely inform them that the UL Mountain Bike Club has permission from Coillte and the Forest Manager to conduct activities in the forest. This is providing you are behaving yourself!!
• Membership of the club does not entitle you to be rude or abusive towards other trail users. Use of trails as a member of the club is a privilege, not a right.
• Do not be rude to other trail users regardless of their attitude towards you. Contact a committee member if necessary to deal with the situation.
• Behaviour which damages the good name of the Mountain Bike Club or the University of Limerick will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
• Leave no trace - remove all discarded material.

Common Sense

• When breaking from the main group, no less than two, and preferably three cyclists should go together. If you crash you will need someone to assist you, and also a third person to inform the main group of the accident.
• If dangerous obstructions are found on trails, warn following cyclists and, when safe to do so, remove the obstructions.
• When breaking from the group, inform at least two people as to where you are going and when you will return. Arrange a meeting place.
• No messing or littering at the shop - we would like to retain our beloved shop stop.

Insurance

• No helmet, no insurance. No exceptions.

The University of Limerick Mountain Bike Club is insured for all liability to members and third parties as an affiliated club of the University of Limerick Students Union.

Transgressions of this Code of this Conduct will result in disciplinary measures to be decided upon by the Disciplinary Tribunal as set down in the Constitution. In extreme cases this could lead to expulsion from the club, and loss of all privileges associated with membership of the club.