1) 🤝 Community Conduct & Respect

TPCC is a respectful and inclusive community. All riders must:

Treat others with respect and patience
Support beginner riders and encourage safe riding habits
Avoid aggressive or reckless riding
Avoid harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior
Follow ride leader instructions at all times

Zero tolerance: dangerous behavior or disrespectful conduct may result in removal from rides at the discretion of ride leaders.

2) 🚦 Obey Traffic Laws (Mandatory)

TPCC rides follow Ontario traffic laws. All riders must:

Stop at red lights and stop signs
Yield to pedestrians
Ride on the right side of the road
Signal turns and stops
Ride predictably and avoid sudden movements
Respect bike lanes and road markings

⚠️ Running red lights or stop signs is not allowed.

3) 🪖 Required Equipment

Mandatory:

Helmet (required for all rides)
Roadworthy bike in good working condition
Working brakes
Water bottle(s)

Strongly Recommended:

Front white light and rear red light (especially evening rides)
Spare tube, tire levers, mini pump / CO₂
Cycling gloves
ID and emergency contact info
Basic first aid kit (optional but recommended)

TPCC ride leaders may refuse participation if a rider’s equipment is unsafe.

4) 🚴 Ride Etiquette (Group Riding Rules)

Group riding is different than riding solo. For everyone’s safety:

Stay predictable:

Ride in a straight line
No sudden braking or swerving
Keep both hands on the bars unless signaling

Maintain safe spacing:

Do not overlap wheels
Keep a safe distance behind the rider ahead

Communicate clearly: use verbal calls and hand signals such as:

“Stopping!”
“Slowing!”
“Car back!”
“Car up!”
“Hole / Gravel!”
“Passing!”

No earbuds/headphones: for safety, headphones are discouraged. On busy rides they may be prohibited.

5) 📏 Ride Pace, Group Levels & Dropping Riders

TPCC rides may include different pace groups.

Ride Types:

Social / Beginner Ride (no drop)
Intermediate Ride
Advanced / Training Ride

No-drop rides:

The group stays together
Ride leaders will stop at key points to regroup

Drop rides:

Faster pace, riders may be dropped
Riders must be self-sufficient with navigation and repair tools

Each ride will be clearly labeled in advance.

6) 🧭 Ride Leader Authority

Each ride will have a ride leader (or co-leaders). Ride leaders may:

Set the route, pace, and regroup points
Ask riders to leave if they are unsafe
Cancel or modify rides due to weather or safety conditions

Ride leader decisions are final.

7) 🌦 Weather Policy

Rides may be canceled or shortened due to:

Heavy rain
Thunderstorms
Icy roads / snow
Unsafe wind conditions
Poor visibility

TPCC will prioritize safety over completing a ride.

8) 🚑 Accidents, Emergencies & Mechanical Issues

If a rider crashes or is injured:

The group will stop (if safe)
911 will be called if needed
Ride leaders will assist in contacting emergency contacts

For mechanical issues:

TPCC riders may assist when possible
Each rider is responsible for carrying basic repair tools

TPCC is not responsible for transportation, towing, or repairs.

9) 📸 Photos & Social Media

TPCC rides may include photos/videos for sharing in the community.

TPCC may take photos/videos during rides
TPCC may post them on social media (Instagram, WhatsApp, Strava, etc.)

If you prefer not to appear in photos, notify the ride leader at the start of the ride.

10) 💬 Communication Channels

TPCC uses platforms such as WhatsApp, Strava, Instagram, and other community channels. Members must:

Keep discussions respectful
Avoid spam, political conflict, or inappropriate content
Keep ride discussions relevant and helpful

11) ⚠️ Disclaimer of Responsibility

TPCC is a volunteer-based cycling community, not a commercial business.

TPCC ride leaders are volunteers and provide guidance only. They are not professional instructors or medical responders.

Cycling is inherently dangerous and includes risks such as:

Collisions with vehicles
Road hazards (potholes, debris, gravel)
Mechanical failures
Weather conditions
Personal injury or death

All participants ride at their own risk.

12) 📝 TPCC Liability Waiver & Release (Important)

Assumption of Risk

I understand that cycling is a potentially dangerous activity. I voluntarily assume all risks, including injury, accident, property damage, or death.

Personal Responsibility

I confirm that:

I am physically capable of participating
My bicycle is in safe working condition
I will wear a helmet and follow traffic laws
I am responsible for my own safety and decisions

Release of Liability

I release and waive all claims against Toronto Persian Cycling Community (TPCC) and all ride leaders, organizers, volunteers, and members for any injury, loss, damage, or expense that may occur during or as a result of participating in TPCC rides or activities, even if caused by negligence.

Medical Authorization

If I am injured, I authorize TPCC organizers to seek emergency medical assistance on my behalf. I accept full responsibility for any medical costs.

Agreement

By attending and participating in TPCC rides, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agreed to these rules and this waiver.

13) ✅ Participation Confirmation

Participation in a TPCC ride means you agree to:

Follow TPCC rules and ride leader instructions
Ride safely and respectfully
Accept all personal risks and responsibilities