Our Ride Leaders require those participating in their rides to complete a Ride Waiver prior to any ride and the Club requires the same before all of our four major events (Icicle, Doublecross, Shorefire and Savage).  

Do you know why?

The Ride Waiver establishes an understanding between the Club and a cyclist participating in a Club-sponsored ride.  The Ride Waiver covers a multitude of items affecting the Club and the cyclist during a ride, including:

• outlining safety requirements and rules;
• stating that the cyclist is riding of his or her own free will;
• waiving Club liability for any loss, damage, accident, injury or inconvenience that may occur to the cyclist during the ride; and
• reminding the cyclist that they can discontinue riding at any time if he or she believes conditions to be unsafe.  

By signing the Ride Waiver, a cyclist understands the inherent dangers of participating in a Club-led ride, accepts those dangers, agrees to ride at their own risk, and agrees abide by the directions of the Club via the Ride Leader.  

But, why is all of this important?

It’s important because the Ride Waiver protects the Club from litigation.  It is something that was formulated under the advice of legal counsel when the Club decided to offer major events and later when the Club began to offer organized rides led by members of the Club.  It is also something that is required by our insurance carrier to limit the Club’s exposure to litigation.

As most of you may know, White Clay Bicycle Club in a not-for-profit entity.  What money we collect during a year by means of membership and major events is then distributed to other not-for-profit entities to help to defray operating costs that they may incur during a year.  As a not-for-profit entity, the Club reserves only enough money to cover its operating expenses for the current year and a year or so into the future.  The Club does not hold money to protect itself from lawsuits, so having insurance and having the cyclists read and sign the Ride Waiver is a way of protecting the Club and its future.

For this reason, it is very important for all who are participating in any Club-led activity – be it a weeknight ride or a major event – to review and sign a Ride Waiver.  It may seem like a nuisance task, but it is a necessary part of being a ride participant.  

Please arrive early enough to sign the Ride Waiver before each and every ride – it is one more step YOU can take to protect our Club’s future.

Should you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to reach out to me at president@whiteclaybicycleclub.org.

Respectfully,
JW Haupt
WCBC President

The verbiage from the current Ride Waiver for both daily rides and major events:

By signing this waiver, I do hereby release and hold harmless and covenant not to sue White Clay Bicycle Club, its officers, ride leaders, administrators, insurance carriers, directors, members or volunteers, owners and lessors of premises on which any activity takes place from all liability, claims, demands, losses or damages that may result from an accident, injury, or inconvenience on this ride. I further understand if I am not a member, Insurance coverage is not extended to me by the Club and agree to the terms of this agreement. I acknowledge that this activity will be conducted over public roads or trails and facilities open to the public and hazards are to be expected. I further agree that I will ride in a safe, prudent and courteous manner, stop for all traffic signals, ride as far to the right edge of the roadway as is safe, and obey all traffic laws. I also agree to wear a protective helmet while participating on this ride and to refrain from wearing one earplug, a pair of earplugs, or headsets for entertainment. I fully understand that bicycling activities involve risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis and death, and voluntarily participate in this activity. I agree that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation. It is further understood and agreed that this waiver, release, and assumption of risk is to be binding on my heirs and assigns. I further attest that I am age 18 or older. (Note; If under age 18, parental permission must be given before beginning this ride)