Designing a safe and engaging course is crucial for a successful cycling event. USA Cycling provides guidelines to help you create a course that meets safety standards and provides an enjoyable experience for participants. Here are course design resources from USA Cycling:
COURSE INSPECTION CHECKLIST
DOWNLOAD THE COURSE INSPECTION CHECKLIST
USA Cycling offers a Course Inspection Checklist to ensure that the course meets safety standards and is free from potential hazards. This checklist covers aspects like road conditions, signage, turns, intersections, and more.
COURSE MARKING STANDARDS
Familiarize yourself with ways to effectively mark the course for participants. This includes using standardized signage, flags, cones, and markings to indicate routes and hazards.
DESIGN YOUR COURSE
USA Cycling recommends using Ride with GPS to record your race route so that participants can ride the course before race day.
SAFETY CONSIDERATION
Ensure that the course design prioritizes participant safety. Avoid hazardous areas, intersections with heavy traffic, and other potential risks. USA Cycling’s guidelines provide advice on minimizing safety concerns.
SPECTATOR AND PARTICIPANT FLOW
Plan the course to accommodate spectator areas and participant flow. Design areas where spectators can safely watch and cheer without interfering with the race.
FEEDBACK AND APPROVAL
Collaborate with local USA Cycling officials and race directors for feedback on your course design. They can provide insights based on their experience and ensure the course meets the required standards.
COURSE ADJUSTMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Be prepared to make adjustments to the course based on changing conditions, weather, or safety concerns. Communicate any modifications to participants, officials, and volunteers.
Remember that course design varies based on the type of cycling event you’re organizing, whether it’s a road race, mountain bike race, cyclocross event, or another discipline. By following USA Cycling’s course design guidelines, you can create a challenging and safe course that enhances the overall experience for participants and spectators.
