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Road and Cycle Races
- Routes should be examined by organisers carefully relative to the amount of participants.
- Age and ability should form part of the initial risk assessment. For example, runners of compatible ability are likely to run in a tight group. This could increase the potential for pinch points.
- Where possible, total diversions are desirable; if this is impracticable, then a barrier should be placed between runners and traffic.
- Where minor roads join major roads, and those major roads form part of the route, they should be closed by means of barriers and stewarded. However, simply posting a steward is insufficient.
- Organisers should establish whether any other events, such as weddings, church services, and so on, are taking place at institutions along the route. If so, similar provision to allow access will have to be made during the planning stages.
- Road works are always a planning consideration. At an early stage of route selection, organisers should liaise with the relevant authority to ensure that planned road works do not coincide with race dates.
- The timing of the race is crucial to safety. For example, times which clash with peak traffic periods should be avoided. This is in the interests of participants and officials who have to lay out the course prior to the race.
- Safety measures should be taken to ensure that such officials, when placing cones and barriers out on the highway, are afforded maximum protection.
- Race organisers will provide first aid provision.
- Medical facilities should form part of risk assessment, and early consultation with both the ambulance service and voluntary organisations will help ensure the correct level of response.
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Additional advice