Is SAFETY being compromised by event organizers?

[ER24 Road Rangers]

Being involved in Cycling events for the past 24 months now, the Road Rangers Safety Marshals Organisation has been approached by many a cycling event organizer for motorcycle marshalling services for their event.

 

The Road Rangers Safety Marshals Organization is an NPO which is run by volunteers giving up their own time and using their own equipment to render this service to these organisations and the participants. Each Road Ranger is carefully selected through an pre-determined selection process, and once accepted as a rookie, go through a thorough training process. This process can take up to 6 months before such rookie is accredited as a full Road Ranger Safety Marshal.

 

A lot of time is invested in individuals to ensure they are cycling safety patriots and not only just another biker trying to make an extra buck and feel important at the end of the day.

 

Road Rangers is trained specific marshal techniques, pointsman, medical, riding techniques, cycling rules etc. etc.

 

What really burns my noodle, is that event organizers is skimping on participants safety by trying to get the cheapest medical service, and the cheapest marshal service they can get hold off. Gathering a couple of bikers and slapping a reflective bib on their back for the day and expect these guys to now marshal cyclists around a route which they do not even know themselves.

 

Not even talking about the foot marshals with the red flags in the intersections that is supposed to direct traffic and let cyclist through without any formal training or authority. Normally you will find a Traffic Police officer close by sitting in his/her vehicle munching away at a KFC drumstick just as some form of authority needs to be present.

 

When are the participants at these events going to make enquiries about the Safety and Medical aspects of an race before actually spending their hard earned cash by entering? The entry fees are high, 99% of cycling races in South Africa does not ensure full road closure and relying on un-trained foot / bike marshals to look after the safety of YOU!!

 

Rant off....

 

Jasper.

[Tjokkits]

interesting one and a valid concern. lately i avoid most road races unless there is full road closure, especially the flat and fast ones where bunches are big and all over the road, trucks, cars and motorbikes all competing for a narrow strip of potholed tar. So apart from scimping on marshalls i also think depending on speed, roads and conditions participant numbers should be kept at more manageable levels.

[Gandalf]

I have been a marshal, an untrained one to help out. What i have noticed is that cars have no care in the world who you are unless you are metro, or somesort - sometimes thats not enough even. Cars have come passed me when trying to stop them and I have seen the same thing happening to other marshals whilst i was participating in an event.

[ER24 Road Rangers]

I hear you Gandalf, this is where proper marshal technique training comes in to prevent things like this from happening. What we are trying to say is that: SAFETY should be No 1 on the list before everything else is organized for the event not the last.

[Gandalf]

I hear you Gandalf, this is where proper marshal technique training comes in to prevent things like this from happening. What we are trying to say is that: SAFETY should be No 1 on the list before everything else is organized for the event not the last.

 

100%

[Skubarra]

When are the participants at these events going to make enquiries about the Safety and Medical aspects of an race before actually spending their hard earned cash by entering? The entry fees are high, .....

 

I don't think only organisers only are to blame, the things you mention cost money, and cyclists are quick to balk at even slightly higher entry fees! So in a way organisers are caught between a rock & hard place

 

For example just look at past bitching & moanings on thehub about the the cost of the 99er race, where organisers charge more but provide more marshalls & medical facilities.

[slowashell]

I might get my head bitten off, but here goes. Yes, the entry fees are expensive, and by paying those fees I expect my safety not to be compromised by organisers trying to make a profit, (for whatever reason).

 

My thoughts go around the organisers that make donations to charities. Do not get me wrong, I believe it is a good thing, but not at my expense, safety wise. Surely there is a way of obtaining a happy medium, good safety first, then give to the charities?

[FlashJordan]

100%

+1

And from the events I have done where the Road Rangers have been involved I think you guys do a great job!

[pbp2007]

Jasper,

 

I salute you.

 

I have a dream... that one day, all who ride in cycling events will devote just one morning of their time to marshal/assist at such events... that the scales may fall from their eyes...

[Wyatt Earp]

The road rangers are as much the heart and soul of cycling as what the cyclists are

[Cheese]

Well, I must say I will not be doing the Double century again due to safety concerns and the Jacaranda Cycle classic also was terrible last year, not sure about this year after they moved the venue.

 

But I must say sometimes the cyclist are also very irresponsible , I have seen in our race wher we do not have road closure where a guy tries to break away but will go into the right hand lane with oncoming traffic in the hope the others are to scared to follow.

[Cheese]

From The times I have done race with the road rangers it was absolute pleasuer because the give rolling road closure to the bunch at intersections etc.

 

Felt very safe in those races.

[Cheese]

Jasper,

 

I salute you.

 

I have a dream... that one day, all who ride in cycling events will devote just one morning of their time to marshal/assist at such events... that the scales may fall from their eyes...

Still remember years ago , Our club members were not allowed to race the club events. In those days most big clubs in Gautens organised an event in the Superseries.So on that day you were a marshall. Made you appreciate the marshalls in the other races.

[ER24 Road Rangers]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

 

It is important that we start asking the questions to get the attention of the organizers. I must admit, that there is events where safety enjoys high priority, like the 94.7, Dischem Ride for Sight, Macsteel etc. etc. But the smaller events where clubs are involved is normally the culprits. the funds are normally used to boost the club, nothing wrong with that, but get the safety right first and then keep the profit. do not skimp on the Safety to try and make a bigger profit..