This Code of Conduct (“Code”) must be read in conjunction with, and is at all times subject to, the Constitution of the East Coast Cycling Club (“ECCC” or “the Club”). In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between this Code and the Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail. Defined terms used herein bear the meanings ascribed to them in the Constitution, unless otherwise stated.
1. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
1.1. The East Coast Cycling Club is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members, guests, and participants. This Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of every ECCC member and applies to all Club activities, whether conducted on or off the bicycle, at Club events, on Club-affiliated rides, on social media, or in any other context in which a member represents or is associated with the Club.
1.2. By completing the online registration process and ticking the “I accept” acknowledgement on the Club website, every member agrees to be bound by this Code. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action in accordance with Section 6 below.
2. APPLICATION AND BINDING NATURE
2.1. This Code is binding on:
2.1.1. all current members of the ECCC;
2.1.2. guest riders participating in ECCC-organised or ECCC-affiliated rides; and
2.1.3. any person acting in an official capacity on behalf of the Club.
2.2. The Code applies continuously throughout a member’s period of membership and extends to conduct that, although occurring outside a formal Club activity, may bring the Club into disrepute or adversely affect the safety or well-being of any member or third party.
3. SERIOUS OFFENCES
The following conduct constitutes a serious breach of this Code. Members must at all times refrain from:
3.1. Sexual Harassment:
3.1.1. No member shall engage in any form of sexual harassment, including but not limited to unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or any verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed at another member or third party.
3.1.2. Such conduct is prohibited under the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (as amended) and applicable provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act, and will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
3.2. Racist or Racially Discriminatory Behaviour:
3.2.1. No member shall engage in any conduct that discriminates against, demeans, or offends any person on the basis of race, ethnic origin, skin colour, or national origin.
3.2.2. Such conduct contravenes the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000, and is wholly incompatible with the values of this Club.
3.3. Religious Intolerance:
3.3.1. No member shall engage in conduct, speech, or expression that demeans, ridicules, or seeks to impose views upon any person on account of their religion or sincerely held spiritual beliefs.
3.3.2. Whilst members enjoy the right to freedom of expression, this right must be exercised with due regard for the dignity and religious freedom of others.
3.4. Political Advocacy or Coercion:
3.4.1. No member shall use Club activities, platforms, or communications to promote political parties, ideologies, or candidates, or to coerce other members into adopting any political opinion.
3.4.2. Members retain their personal rights to political belief and expression; however, the Club is a politically neutral body and its platforms may not be used for political purposes.
3.5. Extremism or Fundamentalism:
3.5.1. No member shall promote, espouse, or advocate any form of extremism, radicalism, or fundamentalism, whether religious, political, ideological, or otherwise, that is inimical to the rights, safety, or dignity of others or that is contrary to the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
3.5.2. The Club reserves the right, acting through its Disciplinary Committee, to make a finding as to whether particular conduct falls within the scope of this provision.
3.6. Offensive, Abusive, or Foul Language:
3.6.1. No member shall use language that is offensive, abusive, threatening, intimidating, or grossly indecent in any Club context, whether in person, in writing, or via any electronic or social-media platform.
3.6.2. This includes conduct directed at fellow members, ride captains, officials, event organisers, or members of the public encountered during Club activities.
4. RIDING SAFETY RULES
The following rules are mandatory and non-negotiable. They exist to protect the safety of all members and the general public. No exception will be made:
4.1. Helmet:
4.1.1. No member may participate in any ECCC ride without wearing a properly fitted and fastened, standards-compliant cycling helmet.
4.1.2. A member who arrives at a Club ride without a helmet will not be permitted to join the ride.
4.1.3. This rule is absolute and no exception will be entertained.
4.2. Lights (Winter Rides):
4.2.1. During Club winter hours, members must use lights when required and as published on the Club website or notified by the Ride Captain from time to time.
4.2.2. No member may participate in a Club ride without functioning front and rear lights affixed to their bicycle. A member who arrives without adequate lighting will not be permitted to join the ride.
4.3. Compliance with Road Traffic Legislation:
4.3.1. All members must at all times obey the provisions of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, the National Road Traffic Regulations, and all applicable road traffic rules and by-laws. In particular, members are strictly prohibited from jumping or proceeding through red traffic lights or stop signs.
4.3.2. A contravention of traffic law exposes the member to criminal and civil liability and may expose the Club to reputational harm.
4.3.3. Such conduct will be treated as a serious breach of this Code.
4.4. Obedience to Ride Captains:
4.4.1. Members must comply with all lawful instructions issued by the designated Ride Captain during a Club ride.
4.4.2. The Ride Captain has authority over the conduct, pace, routing, and safety of the group and their instructions must be followed promptly and without argument.
4.4.3. A member who persistently disregards the Ride Captain’s instructions may be required to leave the group and may face disciplinary proceedings.
4.5. Mountain Bike Rides :
4.5.1. No member may participate in any Club mountain bike ride without the relevant EMBA board or such other documentation as may be prescribed by the Club from time to time in respect of mountain bike activities.
4.5.2. Members must adhere to Bike Park or MTB Race rules at all times.
4.5.3. Further requirements applicable to mountain bike rides may be communicated by the Club and once notified, shall form part of this Code.
5. RIDING ETIQUETTE
5.1. Good riding etiquette is essential for the safety and enjoyment of all participants and for the reputation of the Club in the broader cycling community.
5.2. Members are expected to observe the following standards at all times during Club rides:
5.2.1. Riding Formation:
Members must ride in single file:
(a) on roads with heavy motor vehicle traffic;
(b) when instructed to do so by the Ride Captain; and
(c) in any situation where the safety of the group or other road users so requires.
5.2.2. Keep Left:
Members must keep as far to the left of the road as is safe and practicable at all times, in compliance with road traffic rules and general cycling best practice.
5.2.3. No Overtaking on the Left (Inside):
(a) Members are prohibited from overtaking other cyclists or vehicles on the left (inside lane) of the road, whether within the group or in relation to other road users.
(b) Such manoeuvres are dangerous and contravene road traffic regulations.
5.2.4. Communication Before Leaving the Group:
(a) A member who wishes to leave the group during a Club ride must first communicate their intention to the Ride Captain and, where possible, confirm that the Ride Captain has acknowledged their departure.
(b) No member may leave the group without notifying the Ride Captain, as this creates unnecessary safety concerns and administrative difficulties.
5.2.5. Riding Etiquette for MTB. Members must:
(a) Must stay on designated trails and follow markers where applicable
(b) Keep left on all contours and Gravel roads
(c) On Narrow trails, members must look ahead and remember that cyclists going up-hill have right of way
(d) When overtaking members must shout ahead “Passing Right or left”, whichever is applicable.
6. ASSUMPTION OF RISK, WAIVER, AND INDEMNITY
6.1. Inherent Risks:
Cycling and participation in Club activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to serious injury, permanent disability, death, property damage, or loss, arising from accidents, road and trail conditions, other road users, weather conditions, equipment failure, or the actions of other participants.
6.2. Voluntary Participation:
Participation in all Club activities is entirely voluntary. By accepting this Code, members and guests acknowledge the risks referred to in clause 8.1, and assume full personal responsibility for their safety, wellbeing, and actions during Club activities.
6.3. Limitation of Liability:
6.3.1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Club, its committee members, officials, ride captains, volunteers, and agents shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, disability, or death arising from participation in Club activities, rides, or events, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.
6.3.2. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this clause excludes or limits liability for gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
6.4. Indemnity:
Each member and guest indemnifies the Club and its representatives against any and all claims, losses, damages, costs, and liabilities (including claims by third parties) arising from their conduct, any breach of this Code, or their participation in Club activities.
6.5. Fitness, Equipment, and Insurance:
Members must satisfy themselves that they are physically fit and properly equipped for Club activities. Members are strongly encouraged to hold adequate personal accident insurance and third-party liability insurance covering cycling activities.
7. DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
Any alleged breach of this Code will be dealt with in accordance with the following procedure:
7.1. Referral:
Any complaint or report of a breach may be referred to the Disciplinary Committee of the Club by any member, Ride Captain, or Club official.
7.2. Hearing:
7.2.1. The accused member will be notified of the complaint in writing and afforded a reasonable opportunity to respond and to present their case before the Disciplinary Committee.
7.2.2. All proceedings will be conducted fairly and in good faith.
7.3. Findings and Sanctions
Following the hearing, the Disciplinary Committee may, depending on the nature and severity of the breach, impose one or more of the following sanctions:
7.3.1. a formal written warning;
7.3.2. a suspension from Club activities for a specified period;
7.3.3. expulsion from the Club.
7.4. Expulsion and Subscription Fees:
Where a member is expelled from the Club, they shall not be entitled to any refund of membership subscriptions or other amounts paid to the Club, whether in whole or pro rata, in respect of the unexpired portion of the membership year (January to December).
7.5. Decision of the Disciplinary Committee is Final:
7.5.1. The decision of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding. Whilst the Club may offer an internal appeal process in its sole discretion, no member shall be entitled to appeal any decision of the Disciplinary Committee to any external body, tribunal, arbitrator, or court, save as may be provided for under applicable law.
7.5.2. The Club strongly encourages members to resolve all disputes through the internal disciplinary process.
7.6. Parallel Legal Proceedings:
7.6.1. Nothing in this Code limits the right of any person to report unlawful conduct (including sexual harassment or racially discriminatory behaviour) to the appropriate authorities under the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
7.6.2. Disciplinary action under this Code does not preclude or replace any remedies available at law.
8. ACCEPTANCE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
By ticking the “I accept” box on the Club website during the membership registration or renewal process, each member confirms and agrees that:
8.1. they have read and understood this Code in its entirety;
8.2. they agree to be bound by this Code for the duration of their membership;
8.3. they acknowledge that this Code must be read in conjunction with and is subject to the Club’s Constitution; and
8.4. they understand that any breach of this Code may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the Club without refund of membership fees.
9. REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS
10. This Code may be reviewed and amended by the Club Committee from time to time. Any material amendments will be communicated to members, and continued membership following notification of an amendment constitutes acceptance of the revised Code. The current version of the Code will at all times be available on the Club website.
Adopted by the East Coast Cycling Club Committee
June 2026