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

• The Club Route Planner will assess the weather forecast and road conditions before each Friday and 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 will 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.

4. Communication

Decisions will be shared by 10am the day before the ride via the club website and 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.