Open Track Reminders

It’s almost Fall, many of you will be moving your training back indoors soon (some have already made the switch). And while it’s great to see new and familiar faces again, it’s always an awkward time of year when the track goes from available to busy, seemingly overnight.

With the added activity of Provincials this coming week, it’s a great time to remind everyone of the ground rules regarding track time and etiquette. Please take a minute to refresh your memory. We’d like to make sure that everyone gets the most out of their workouts while staying safe at the same time.

• Open Track time is reserved for experienced track cyclists or those people that have graduated our Learn to Ride sessions only. If you’re new to the track check out our Learn to Ride page.
• During Open Track, it is each individual rider’s responsibility to check in with other riders and coordinate workouts. While we would like for you to have the opportunity to do your individual workout, it must be safe to do so given the constraints of the shared time. Uncertain about how to work it in, ask a supervisor. Barring that, ask a more experienced rider. Assume nothing!
• “Stick” or “Stay” are the commands we use to communicate our intent to pass on the track. Predictability and communication are critical to maintenance of a safe training environment. If you hear one of these commands, please hold your line!
• Shoulder checks are mandatory! Before deviating from your line please be sure it is safe to move. If it isn’t, wait until it is.
• “Priority basis” means that the scheduled session has priority on the track. If the session’s coach/supervisor asks you to clear the track, please clear the track. The busiest sessions are typically the Junior Coached Workouts, the Learn to Rides, and the Intermediate Coached Sessions (meaning those are typically the worst times to come and ride outside of those workouts).
• Not that it’s been an issue, but aggression towards other riders will not be tolerated (on or off the bike). We have this wonderful thing called speech that allows us to talk, calmly and collectedly, to others to convey thoughts. Use your words…just make sure you’re not yelling them across the infield!

If you’re ever uncertain you can always refer to our Track Rules page for clarification or simply ask one of the coaches or supervisors. It’s important to know that ALL riders are responsible for knowing and adhering to the BVC’s rules. Just like a traffic violation, ignorance is not an excuse and riders that fail to follow our etiquette will be asked to leave. Please help us make the track a fun and exciting place to be this Fall and Winter. If you would like to get involved email the Program Coordinator at [email protected]