Definitions
● JORBA Rides – rides formally organized by JORBA and listed on the JORBA website and/or forums and on the JORBA calendar.

Standards of Care 
● New Jersey statute Title 39 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation laws.
https://www.nj.gov/transportation/commuter/bike/regulations.shtm

Risk Identification
● Failure to negotiate obstacles resulting in a fall and injury
● Collisions between riders
● Riders getting separated from the group and lost
● Exposure to adverse weather conditions.
● Exposure to natural hazards (Poison Ivy, Insects, etc.)

Risk Management

General
1. All members of the JORBA are responsible for bringing forward to the JORBA Board any safety issues related to JORBA Rides or the JORBA Trails.

2. While on JORBA Rides and on public roadways, all participants shall adhere to New Jersey statute Title 39 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation laws.

3. Any JORBA member on a JORBA Ride should immediately advise the ride coordinator(s) and other members of the ride should the member feel the group or individuals in the group are riding in an unsafe manner. The member should withdraw from the ride if they feel unsafe.

4. All participants of the JORBA Ride should provide proof of membership in good standing prior to each ride. The ride coordinator shall advise all riders that only members in good standing are covered by JORBA insurance and that each rider is responsible for all of his/her actions.

5. Each JORBA Ride participant will conduct themselves in a responsible manner and retains liability for their own actions.
 

Safety
6. Helmets must be worn at all times on JORBA rides. All participants need to be informed that the ultimate responsibility for safety rests with the individuals.

Ride Coordinators
7. Ride coordinator(s) will be appointed by the JORBA Chapter Lead. The ride coordinator will identify himself/herself to the group so that everyone is aware of who is coordinating the ride. The ride coordinator may describe the general ride route, and may provide a brief safety tip at the commencement of the ride. Each individual group on a JORBA Ride may not have a coordinator.

8. The ride coordinator(s) has the final decision on all matters pertaining to the JORBA Ride and his/her decisions must be respected by all participants. The ride coordinator may appoint an alternate should the ride coordinator be unable to attend a JORBA Ride.

9. Ride coordinators will carry cell phones for emergency use on all JORBA Rides and, from time to time, will remind riders to carry their own cell phones on JORBA Rides. Riders should immediately call 911 in the event of an emergency.

Rides
10. JORBA Rides on public roadways will be planned to use lesser- traveled roads where possible and practical.

11. JORBA Rides will not start during a lightning storm. If a storm develops during a ride, then the ride shall be finished in the most expedient manner possible, or until proper shelter is available.

12. Participants must not be left behind during a JORBA Ride unless they first confirm with the ride coordinator(s) that they are detaching from the group; all members of the JORBA Riders are responsible for ensuring they property notify the ride coordinator(s) if they are detaching from the group.

13. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their bicycle is in good working order before attending each JORBA Ride.

14. Bicycle helmets must be worn at all times while participating in any JORBA ride and other protective equipment is strongly encouraged (e.g., gloves, eye wear).

15. Front and rear lights are required during any JORBA Ride which takes place one half hour before sunset and/ or which may extend into darkness.

16. While trail riding all participants must be courteous and considerate of other trail users and the trail system.

17. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are sufficiently fit for their desired activity.

18. Participants are responsible for bringing sufficient liquids and food, as required, for each JORBA Ride, as well as appropriate tools/ spare tubes, etc.

19. Participants are not to be under the influence of any drug or beverage product that could impair their judgment while on a JORBA Ride.

20. Any and every accident requiring medical attention on a JORBA Ride shall be reported to the JORBA Executive Committee within 96 Hours and an accident report submitted within 5 Business Days.

21. For non-members wishing to try out a JORBA Ride, extra waiver forms will be available at the beginning of each JORBA Ride, and the individual will be required to complete, sign, and return the waiver to the ride coordinator(s) prior to participating in the JORBA Ride.
Skills Development

22. The JORBA encourages all riders to be comfortable and proficient with group riding before joining a JORBA ride.

23. To support rider skills development, JORBA will periodically hold skills development programs for road riding and/ or mountain biking and encourages all JORBA members to attend these programs and / or other cycling skills courses.

24. Riders may be requested to complete a skills development program before attending or continuing to attend regular scheduled JORBA rides. This applies for both road and off-road JORBA rides.

25. New or novice member are encouraged to participate in the Learn to Ride programs offered by the JORBA before participating in more challenging or technically advanced rides.

Waivers
All JORBA members must complete a membership waiver. Minors (under 18 years of age) must have a guardian complete their waiver. [NEED VAIVER!]

Waivers are not be altered and should not be accepted if they have been modified in any way, specifically the language or spacing. Paper waivers must be submitted on the appropriate sized paper (8.5 X 11)

JORBA members under the age of 18 when joining the JORBA ride must have an adult (18 years or older) complete the waiver. It may be signed by someone other than the parent or legal guardian.

All waivers must be submitted to the JORBA secretary in a timely manner.

Waivers will be stored by the secretary for a minimum of 7 years, to ensure that they can be accessed if legal action is taken against the JORBA. Waivers are crucial in defending the JORBA during litigation.