The Hickory Velo Clubs (HVC) terms of Membership is set forth in the following three documents.

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

 

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, INDEMNITY AND CONSENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) for HICKORY VELO CLUB, INC.

IN CONSIDERATION of being permitted to participate in any way in any Hickory Velo Club, Inc. sponsored Bicycling Activity (“Activity” or “Activities”), I, for myself, my personal representative, assigns, heirs and next of kin:

  1. ACKNOWLEDGE, agree and represent that I understand the nature of Bicycling Activities and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such Activity. I further acknowledge that the Activity will be conducted over public roads and facilities open to the public during the Activity and upon which the hazards of traveling are to be expected. I further agree and warrant that if, at any time, I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the Activity.
  2. FULLY UNDERSTAND that: (a) BICYCLING ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND

DANGER OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING VIRAL INFECTIONS AND

OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND ILLNESSES, PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS AND DEATH (“RISKS”); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Activity, the conditions in which the Activity takes place, or THE NEGLIGENCE OF

THE “RELEASEES” NAMED BELOW; (c) there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at his time; and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS AND ALL

RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I may incur as a result of my participation in the Activity. 

  1. HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE, Hickory Velo Club, and its members, board and officers; the League of American Bicyclists, its respective administrators, directors, agents, officers, members, volunteers and employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises on which the Activity takes place (each considered one of the “RELEASEES” herein), FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, OR

DAMAGES ON MY ACCOUNT CAUSED OR ALLEGED TO BE CAUSED IN WHOLE

OR IN PART BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES’ OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATIONS; AND I FURTHER AGREE, that if, despite this RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPION OF RISK, AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT I, or anyone on my behalf makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I WILL INDEMNIFY, SAVE, AND HOLD HARLMESS EACH OF THE RELEASEES from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as a result of such claim. UPDATED: February 7, 2025

 

 

I AM 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSAND THE TERMS

OF THIS AGREEMENT, UNDERSTAND THAT I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY

SIGNING IT, HAVE SIGNED IT VOLUNTARILY AND WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT OR

ASSURANCE OF ANY NATURE AND INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND

UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXENT ALLOWED BY LAW. I AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION  OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID, THE BALANCE, NOTWITHSTANDING, SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

 

PARTICIPANT’S NAME (PRINTED): ____________________________________________

PARTICIPANT’S SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________

Street Address: _____________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: ___________

Phone: ______________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

UPDATED: February 7, 2025

Hickory Velo Club (HVC) Code of Conduct

Club Purpose

The HVC is dedicated to bringing people together who have a common interest in, and passion for, cycling – in a safe and welcoming environment.

 

General Principles

1. Respect for Others

– Always treat fellow club members and the general public with respect, dignity and courtesy. – Avoid any form of harassment, discrimination or bullying.

 

2. Integrity and Honesty

  • Members are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in all dealings related to the HVC.
  • Whether on a group ride or actively participating in a competitive event, members should always exhibit and uphold the principles of fair play and sportsmanship.

 

3. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

  • While riding, follow all applicable laws, regulations and rules set forth by governing bodies, particularly traffic laws.
  • Adhere to the rules and regulations of the cycling activities and/or competitions in which you may participate.

 

4. Safety

  • Prioritize safety at all times, both on and off the bike.
  • Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, during all rides and events.
  • Report any unsafe conditions or behaviors to a member of the HVC Board of Directors.

 

Specific Expectations

1. On the Bike

  • Follow all road rules and traffic laws, including stop signs, red lights and double yellow lines in the road.
  • Ride predictably and maintain control of your bicycle.
  • Signal your intentions – vocally and with hand gestures – to other riders and road users.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and considerate of other cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

 

2. Off the Bike

  • Represent the HVC positively at all times.
  • Support and encourage fellow members, especially newcomers. – Respect the property and facilities used during HVC activities.

 

Hickory Velo Club Code of Conduct – Adopted April 7, 2025

3. Events and Competitions

  • Participate fairly and respect the rules of any competition you may enter.
  • Refrain from the use of performance-enhancing drugs or substances. – Respect the decisions of race officials or organizers.

 

 

Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy

The Hickory Velo Club is committed to providing an environment free of harassment and discrimination. Any harassment or discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability or other protected status will not be tolerated. Any member found to be engaging in such behavior will be subject to termination of membership.

 

Commitment to Improvement

The Hickory Velo Club is dedicated to continually improving its policies and practices. Feedback from members is welcomed and will be considered in the ongoing effort to create a positive and inclusive environment for all.

 

Acknowledgment

By joining the Hickory Velo Club, members agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and uphold the values and principles it represents. Failure to adhere to this code may result in disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the club’s leadership.

This Code of Conduct ensures that all members of the Hickory Velo Club understand the expectations and responsibilities associated with their membership, and in promoting a positive and respectful cycling community.

Hickory Velo Club Code of Conduct – Adopted April 7, 2025


 

 

Hickory Velo Club (HVC) Rider Responsibilities

 

As a participant in an HVC ride you MUST sign the club’s release and waiver of liability. As a club member you will be prompted to sign the waiver when you join or renew your membership. Guests are permitted to participate once as non-members, but must sign the club’s waiver. If one hasn’t signed the waiver, one cannot participate in the HVC ride.  

YOU MUST WEAR A HELMET.  Additionally, headlights, taillights and bright cycling attire are each strongly recommended!  

Obey ALL traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights. Communicate with hand signals when turning, stopping or pointing out road hazards. Ride single file or no more than two abreast when traffic is behind you. Verbally communicate to others in the group (i.e., “car back,” “on your left,” “right turn,” “slowing,” “stopping,” “gravel,” etc.). Try to minimize the number of riders clustered together to allow vehicles the opportunity to more safely pass.  

NEVER confront motorists. Instead, get the tag number and vehicle description and report the incident to the police.

Make sure you know the route. Have a cue sheet downloaded to your device or carry a printed copy. If you get separated from the group, you must be able to find your way. Re-grouping is at the discretion of the ride leader.

When stopping on the ride – whether to regroup, make an adjustment or for any other reason – get completely off the road.

Make sure you have the ride leader’s contact info and a fully charged cell phone with which to call if there is a problem. You should remember, however, that some rides are in isolated areas with poor cell reception. That’s one more reason to be self-sufficient when you ride.

Bring adequate water and snacks for the length of the ride. The ride leader may include in their pre-ride email where rest stops may occur, but participants should be prepared for an unanticipated closure of that store or restaurant.  

Always have a form of identification with you, as well as a credit card and some cash.

Make sure your bicycle is in safe working order before the ride. Have tools with you for basic maintenance – especially those required to fix a flat. (And ALL riders should know how to fix a flat, particularly on his/her own bike.)  Always ride within your ability.

Lastly, bring a large dose of good humor (and we don’t mean the ice cream)! You’ll have good rides, bad rides, cold rides, hot rides, wet rides, all kinds of ride! But if you bring your sense of humor, you will enjoy spending time in the saddle with other bike-loving friends, regardless of the conditions!

HVC Rider Responsibilities – Adopted April 7, 2025