Preamble: Bicycling is a sport carrying significant risk of personal injury. There are natural and man-made obstacles or hazards, surface and environmental conditions and risks which, in combination with the cyclist's actions, can cause severe or fatal injury. Participants must take an active role in understanding and accepting these risks, conditions and hazards.Due to these risks, We Bike Rochester very strongly encourages the use of bicycle helmets for all participants during riding events, but understands that exceptions must be granted to accommodate individuals based on faith or cultural hair styles and headwear that do not allow for use of a standard bike helmet.
Parents are required to accompany their minor children at all times during our riding events.
1. By signing this Waiver and Release of Liability (Agreement), I waive and release Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester, its agents, servants, employees, insurers, successors and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages or suits at law and equity of any kind, including but not limited to claims for personal injury, property damage, medical expenses, loss of services, on account of or in any way related to or growing out of my presence or involvement at the facility.This waiver and release is intended to and does release Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and We Bike Rochester from any and all liability for damages or injuries on account of or in any way related to or growing out of my negligence, the negligence of third parties and Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester's negligence. This is not intended to release Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester from any liability resulting from their intentional conduct.
I further covenant and agree not to institute any claims or legal action against Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester for any claim released by this Agreement. I further agree that should any claim be made against Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester in contravention of this Agreement, including but not limited to derivative claims, I will protect, defend and completely indemnify (reimburse) Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester for any such claim and expenses including attorney's fees and costs incurred by Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester in defending themselves or security indemnity hereunder.
2. I understand that Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester is/are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged valuables or property.
3. I acknowledge that I have received and read a copy of the current rules and regulations governing the use of the facility. I agree that I will fully comply with all rules and regulations and with any amendments.
I have read the Agreement and understand that by signing the Agreement I have consented to be bound by its terms, including the waiver/release of any legal right I may have to sue Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester for any costs they incur because a claim or legal action is brought in violation of this Agreement. I agree any violation of the Agreement and its terms and conditions, as determined by Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and/or We Bike Rochester, will void and terminate this Agreement and may result in loss of the ability to use the facility.
Inclement Conditions Policy:
If the ride has an experienced ride leader with good access to the WBR communications team and enough lead time, the procedure for handling and announcing a ride cancellation due to inclement weather is described in the We Bike Rochester Social Ride Leader Responsibilities document.
With volunteer ride leaders and for “self organized” rides where no leader has volunteered, here is the procedure riders should follow:
1) Since all riders are either adults or minors accountable to a responsible adult, the adults will ultimately make their own decision on whether or not the weather conditions are safe within their own risk or comfort zone, for example, an Air Quality Index of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” and the rider is in a sensitive group.
2) If there is an active Tornado Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Air Quality Index of Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, or Hazardous (index 151 or higher) or other severe condition or public emergency, the ride is automatically canceled. An announcement may or may not be made depending on the lead time and availability of the WBR communications team. If this develops after a ride has begun, the riders should seek immediate shelter.
3) If there is lightning in the immediate area, the ride will be canceled. If this develops after the ride has begun, riders should seek immediate shelter. A distant rumble of thunder (i.e. where it is unlikely to have nearby lightning ground strikes) will not necessarily cause the ride to be canceled, but riders should be vigilant on changing conditions.
4) If the weather radar indicates that heavy rain (or snow) will very likely occur locally during the timeframe of the planned ride, riders should assume that the ride will be canceled. If this develops after the ride has begun, riders should seek immediate shelter.
5) If there is a Tornado Watch or Severe Thunderstorm Watch, the ride may not be automatically canceled. Sometimes these watches span many hours and it may be possible to safely ride before the bad weather moves in. The leader and riders are to use their best judgment and be vigilant on changing conditions.
6) Some riders are comfortable riding in light or intermittent rain or snow, while others are not. A forecast of light or intermittent rain or snow will not necessarily cause a ride to be canceled. Use your best judgment based on your risk profile, riding ability, riding rain gear and/or equipment. Please note, it is possible to become hypothermic even in 65 degree weather if one gets soaked and it is windy.
In all cases, use your best judgment and stay home if you are not comfortable with the weather forecast.
References: Link for official weather forecast: https://www.noaa.gov/
Link for official Air Quality Index: https://www.airnow.gov/
I am signing this Agreement freely, voluntarily and competently and am at least eighteen (18) years of age.
