CCOA Safety Rules & Recommendations for Riding at National & Local Meets
Our goal has always been to develop minimal guidelines that will help improve safety, enjoyment, and confidence on all scheduled Cushman Club of America rides.
We all love scooters and riding, but large group, scheduled rides present unique safety issues. Group safety becomes the priority when it is now common to have 50 or more scooters participating in scheduled rides. It may be helpful to keep in mind that when one chooses to go on scheduled, group rides, they are giving up a little personal freedom for this kind of fun. Our goal is to have all scooter drivers operating and following the same basic information and procedures. The primary purpose of which is to promote safety, pleasure, pride, and increased confidence when driving in and with large groups. Additionally, it is the CCOA’s hope that these Guidelines will create an increased awareness of safety with the result being improved riding habits for all members.
NOTE:
It is the policy of the CCOA that each individual driver is responsible for controlling his/her scooter in a safe manner. The CCOA, its officers, and sponsors do not assume any liability for individuals on scheduled or non-scheduled rides. Any “mishap” to scooters and/or drivers/passengers that may occur on ANY ride is/are the sole responsibility(s) of the scooters’ driver/passenger.
Group Scheduled Rides
1. All scooter drivers must be registered at the meet to participate in scheduled Rides
2. It is the responsibility of all scooter drivers to attend and participate in the General Safety Meeting, which should be scheduled at the start of each Meet, and to attend each of the Pre-ride Instruction Meetings.
3. It is the responsibility of all scooter drivers participating in scheduled rides to have their scooter in good safe condition.
4. It is the scooter drivers responsibility to adhere to all State regulations/laws concerning the use of a scooter on public roads including valid drivers license and liability insurance.
5. All scooter riders and passengers must wear a DOT approved helmet.
6. Scheduled group rides should generally be ridden staggered formation with a minimum 2 second interval between scooters (no side by side riding).
7. No “racing” during group rides.
8. No passing during group rides except for emergencies.
9. It is the scooter driver’s responsibility to learn “hand signals” that will be used during group rides
10. All scheduled rides will have a RIDE CAPTAIN(s) whose appointment is the responsibility of the meet’s host.
11. Scooter drivers should not participate in group scheduled rides when the stated maximum speed or skill level exceeds the limits of themselves or their scooter.
12. It is the responsibility of a scooter driver who has mechanical or other problems that prevent the scooter from maintaining the pace of a ride to, immediately load the scooter on the chase vehicle.
13. All scooter drivers must have met their State’s licensing requirement to operate their scooter.
Scooter Meet Host(s)
1. The host has the responsibility to appoint a Ride Captain for each scheduled ride.
2. The host has the responsibility to list the General Safety Meeting in the Meet’s Program of Events.
3. The host has the responsibility to have Ride Maps available at the General Safety Meeting and additional maps available at the host table after the close of the General Safety Meeting. The maps should include the date, time and location of the pre-ride meeting. Maps should also include the date, time, length, starting and ending locations, and maximum speed of the ride.
4. The host has the responsibility to communicate and provide written information about the meet to all Law Enforcement Agencies’ Traffic Enforcement Divisions, who have jurisdiction in the areas where the Meet will be held and to co-ordinate activities with each Agency based on the Agencies recommendations.
Ride Captain(s), Ride Escorts
1. The Ride Captain should work with the meet host(s) to make a map of each scheduled ride.
2. The Ride Captain will conduct the pre-ride meeting. The meeting should include an overview of the ride’s route, starting location, starting and ending times and anything else relevant to the ride. Coordinate with Safety Officer to review riding and safety procedures applicable to the ride.
3. The Ride Captain is responsible for appointing a sufficient number of escorts for the each ride.
4. There should be a sufficient number of escorts (guides) at the front of the group to stop and provide directional help at all turns and remain there until the arrival of the chase vehicle and then fall back in line. There should also be two escorts in front of the chase vehicle to assist with loading breakdowns.
5. The Ride Captain(s) and escorts should wear identifiable outer wear so they will be identifiable to all riders.
6. There should be a minimum of 1 pickup vehicle per 20 scooters to follow behind the scooter group. Each vehicle should carry a basic first aid kit, gas can & basic tools.
7. Consideration should be given to equipping the Ride Captain(s), rear escorts and pickup vehicles with a hands free communication system to have immediate communication at any time.
8. The Ride Capitan(s), escorts, and pickup vehicles should also carry cell phones programmed with each other’s number and numbers of the meet host, law enforcement, and ambulance.
Drivers & Passengers
1. In addition to the requirement that all Drivers and Passengers must wear DOT approved helmets on all scheduled rides it is also recommended that All Drivers and Passengers wear Eye Protection, Riding Gloves, Long Pants, and Shoes.
2. The requirement to have scooters in good and safe condition would be defined at a minimum as the original condition of the scooter when manufactured, and in addition it is recommended that the scooter, if not already so equipped, with functional Brake and Tail Light, Driver and Passenger foot rests, rear view mirrors, and functional Kick Stand.
