Adverse Weather Policy

Purpose

At Sussex Nomads Cycling Club, rider safety is our top priority. We love riding in all seasons, but we also recognise that weather conditions can sometimes make cycling unsafe. This policy outlines how we manage adverse weather and how we communicate decisions to our members.

1. Our Approach

We aim to make informed, timely decisions that prioritise safety while respecting individual choice. We encourage all members to assess their own comfort and confidence in different weather conditions.

2. What We Consider Adverse Weather

  • Ice or snow

  • A temperature below 4°C

  • High winds (typically over 40mph)

  • Heavy rain or flooding

  • Thunderstorms or lightning

  • Extreme heat (30°C+)

3. How We Decide

  • A Club designated Committee member/Route Planner/Ride Leader will assess the weather forecast and road conditions before each Sunday ride.

  • If a Met Office Red Warning is in place for the ride area, the ride will be cancelled.

  • If the overnight temperature is 0°C or below, and the temperature is forecast to be below 4°C at 10am (Friday) or 9am (Sunday), the ride may be cancelled.

  • In the case of Amber or Yellow Warnings (e.g. for ice, snow, wind, or heat), the Route Planner will decide whether to cancel or modify the route.

  • If conditions are likely to improve over Sunday morning (ie the temperature rising or rain abating) the start of the ride may be delayed. If this is a possibility, the decision broadcast on Saturday will be that the ride may be cancelled or the start of the ride may be delayed – a decision being broadcast by 8am on Sunday morning. This may prevent cancellation of the Sunday ride, albeit with a start time later than 9am and may also enable us to avoid rain at 9am (hopefully with some sun later in the morning).

4. Communication

Decisions will be shared by 6pm the day before the ride via the club WhatsApp group. If a route is changed, we’ll let you know as soon as possible through the same channels.

5. Riding Independently

If a club ride is cancelled and members choose to ride anyway, that ride is not considered an official Sussex Nomads CC event. Riders do so at their own risk.

6. A Shared Responsibility

  • Check the forecast and dress appropriately.

  • Use good judgement—if it feels unsafe, it probably is.

  • Respect the decisions made by the club and fellow riders.

Let’s look out for each other and enjoy safe, inclusive riding.