Changes are being introduced to the way road races are marshalled and relating to how courses for events are selected in Northern Ireland.
A new race marshal accreditation course is being rolled out. Those marshals who undergo the course will then have the legal power to stop traffic when they are marshalling at events.
A slightly stricter process will also be in place when the courses for road races are being selected, though many events are likely to already meet those criteria.
Cycling Ulster has said it was working with Cycling Ireland on the reforms, which follow engagement with the PSNI and the Department for Infrastructure as new legislation is being readied which will officially usher in new safety requirements.
While the legislative changes are still under review, following a racing incident back in 2019, Cycling Ulster and Cycling Ireland and working with the PSNI to introduce the 'Accredited Marshal Scheme' immediately; thus ensuring the continued support of the police service for bike races.
Advertisement
"As we move forward all road races will need to be reviewed in order to take cognisance of the identified risks and will need to be agreed with Cycling Ireland and delivered in conjunction with the PSNI requirements for an effective event safety plan, traffic management plan and risk assessments," Cycling Ulster said.
The new marshal accreditation course is being supported by the PSNI and Department of Infrastructure for Northern Ireland and will be accredited through LANTRA; a training and compliance group which is accredited by the British Standards Institute.
While those road race marshals who secure accreditation will have the legal right to stop traffic at an event, they will also be better trained to manage events to make them safer.
Related News
Cycling Ulster added courses for road races would "be selected in a manner to provide reassurance to the PSNI that all safety measures have been considered". A detailed event plan will be required and "must include the location of qualified marshals, signage, and traffic management plans".
Cycling Ulster added it was important to recognise that roads being used for races would remain open to other traffic. Therefore, road race courses "should be primarily on quiet rural roads on an anti-clockwise loop".
It added: "Competitors must abide by the highway code including always remaining on the correct side of the road. Race commissaires can disqualify any rider for breaking the highway code."
Cycling Ulster has also released the details of the Accredited Marshal Scheme training and stickybottle has reproduced their description verbatim, below, so members of the cycling community understand precisely what is involved. We have also included, below, the dates for the training courses and a link to follow for those interested in registering; again all details are exactly how they were presented by Cycling Ulster in a statement.
Cycling Ulster's Accredited Marshal Scheme
The course is accredited through LANTRA and everyone who successfully completes the course will receive a certificate to identify them as an authorised person.
The course itself is broken into 3 easy parts
- Stage 1: Introductory presentation – this is a presentation sent to anyone who is interested in completing the course and will be emailed out a few weeks prior to stage 2 so that they can assess whether or not they would like to complete the full course. This section is designed to introduce participants to the role of an Accredited Marshal and the legislation that supports the role. It will provide participants with a clear understanding of what is covered in the programme and the requirements of the role. If the person wishes to continue onto stage 2 they should inform their club or Cycling Ireland to be booked onto the next available course.
- Stage 2: Classroom style training – this section will include further detail on road traffic legislation, risk assessment and health & safety will be provided. Classroom learning will include assessment before being considered as competent for the role. Include theoretical and practical information on the use of radios, deploying to stop traffic safely and how to respond to various scenarios, including conflict from drivers or an accident /incident. All participants will be required to take a written knowledge check and a practical
- Stage 3: This part of the process is designed to ensure continuous development and retention of the skills as an Accredited Road Marshal. Participants will be required to complete two reflective logs annually showing evidence of practical deployments, continuous learning, and competence in the role.
Initial Accredited Marshal Scheme Training Days are available as follows:
- Saturday Feb 5th | 9.30AM-2PM
- Saturday Feb 19th | 9.30AM-2PM
- Saturday March 5th | 9.30AM-2PM
- Saturday March 19th | 9.30AM-2PM
Locations for the courses to be confirmed. Book your place by clicking on this link.
