Page 28 - Bike Torque January 2022

GUIDELINES FOR CORNER MARKING ON BRANCH RIDES

Official Branch rides will have a Ride Leader (RL), a “Tail End Charlie” (TEC), and a Corner Marker (CM)
at each point the route turns a corner/reaches an intersection.

Ride leaders must be prepared to adhere to the following guidelines; any individual who does not
feel that they are able to do so should not accept the role of ride leader.

Ride Leader (RL):
• Collects emergency contact phone numbers at start of ride; hands contact book to TEC.
• Determines riding experience of individuals (including corner marking) prior to ride briefing.
• Conducts appropriate ride briefing (including corner marking guidelines, and planned stops) prior to
departure, taking into account experience of riders.
• Rides at front of group; wears HI-VIS vest; no rider passes RL.
• When approaching corner or intersection indicates to rider immediately behind, by pointing with left
hand, for that rider to pull to left and become CM.
• Corner marking is compulsory for large rides; RL is responsible for identifying corners/intersections
to be marked and should not devolve this responsibility to following riders.
• Checks that all riders are ready and in view prior to departure; regroups early in each section of ride;
checks phone periodically for calls from TEC.
• Does not exceed the legal speed limit.

Corner Marker (CM):
• Stops in safe position as far to left as possible (mounts curb or median strip if possible).
• Ensures he/she is clearly visible to all oncoming riders; indicates direction following riders should
take by pointing; must not beckon or wave riders on.
• Does not leave corner until TEC approaches and signals that CM can resume riding in front of TEC.
• If RL does not signal to following riders at corners/intersections then riders may voluntarily move to
the left and corner mark.
• Informs TEC if problem (including lack of direction by RL) or delay occurs.

Tail End Charlie (TEC):
• Holds contact book with rider and emergency phone numbers.
• Rides at the rear of the group; wears HI-VIS vest; no rider falls behind TEC.
• On approaching corner/intersection signals to CM to resume riding; slows down to allow CM to move
in front of TEC.
• Phones RL if problem or delay occurs.
• Speaks to RL if guidelines are not adhered to and Ride Coordinator is not present.
• Calls emergency services if first on the scene at an incident and renders assistance as possible and
appropriate.

Instructions for riders:
• Arrive at starting point (United Petrol Station, corner Drummond St North and Macarthur St) with full
tank or with enough time to fill up/inflate tyres prior to scheduled departure time.
• Give name, personal mobile and emergency contact phone numbers to RL; obtain RL’s mobile
number prior to departure from starting point.
• Pay attention to ride briefing especially if inexperienced or new rider with Branch.
• Be ready to leave each departure point on time; suit up and remount promptly when requested to do
so.
• If no CM at corner/intersection proceed straight ahead.
• Call emergency services if first on the scene at an incident and render assistance as possible and
appropriate.
• Advise RL and TEC if departing from the ride at any point.

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