Rules & Safety

MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride is held on public roads that may have high traffic demands or present difficult conditions such as steep descents. It is therefore important that participants exercise extreme caution at all times and ride in a protective manner, constantly scanning the environment to be aware of what is happening around them.

Your behaviour on the course has a major impact on the success and safety of the Gong Ride. For the safety of other cyclists, volunteers, local residents and the general community all participants must abide by the road rules and obey police directions at all times.

Ride Within The Law

The following road rules apply to the Gong Ride in particular. Police will be on the road and will fine those who:

• Disobey traffic lights at intersections and do not stop at pedestrian crossings;
• Exceed speed limits;
• Fail to keep to the left of the carriageway;
• Ride more than two abreast;
• Ride dangerously;
• Ride negligently; and
• Are not wearing a helmet.

Volunteer marshals will disqualify riders who are seen breaking the law. This will mean you are banned from future Gong Rides, so please follow these rules to ensure an enjoyable day for all.

Also remember:

• Adhere to speed limits and obey all traffic signals and signage.
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic on the left-hand side of the road.
• Listen to and obey directions of NSW Police and course marshals/volunteers.
• Riders must use hand signals if turning left or right, or stopping.
• Riders must only pass to the right of another rider and call out 'passing' when doing so.
• Riders should always look behind before pulling out to pass another rider.
• Entrants should only ride side-by-side where there is enough room left for vehicles and other cyclists to   pass, and then no more than two abreast.
• It is the rider's responsibility to follow the sign-posted route.
• Your bike must be mechanically sound with both front and rear brakes in working order. To find out more   check out the Ride Preparation page on this website.
• Wear bright clothing that increases your visibility to other road users.
• Do not ride in the gutter.
• Always wear your helmet correctly when cycling.

Major Descents

There are two major descents on the event:

• Waterfall where the course enters the Royal National Park.
• Lawrence Hargrave Dr from Bald Hill to Stanwell Park.

For the safety of all participants special management procedures will be put in place to ensure that all riders make it safely to the bottom.

1. Riders will be held at the top of the descent and formed into manageable groups.
2. NSW Police and MS Volunteers will advise when it is your turn to proceed.
3. Motorcycle marshals and NSW Police will escort the group down the descent.
        • Do not pass the motorcycles.
        • Stay on the left-hand side of the road at all times.
        • Do not exceed the speed limit.
        • Cycle in a steady line and do not make sharp deviations in direction.

Your patience will be greatly appreciated and all cyclists are reminded to keep to a safe speed. Remember that road conditions can change suddenly and you may have less experienced cyclists around you, so please slow down.

Bike Repair Service

Bike shops around NSW volunteer their staff and time to provide mechanical repair services along the route. These shops offer their labour free of charge, but you will have to pay for any parts used in the repair. If you do break down, turn your bike upside down and wait for either a repair van or a volunteer who will transport your bike to the nearest base.

Insurance

We recommend that you take obtain personal accident insurance before taking part. This type of cover is available through membership of Bicycle NSW. Join Bicycle NSW now at www.bicyclensw.org.au. The waiver that you sign as a condition of entry does not cover participants for accidents caused by yourself or another rider. If you require an ambulance, please note that you will be charged for the transportation.