RIDE CULTURE & CODE OF CONDUCT
How we ride. What we expect. How we handle it when things go wrong.
WHY THIS PAGE EXISTS
Domestique Cycling Club is built on a clear culture. This page describes how we ride, what we expect of each other, and how we handle situations when things go wrong.
This page is the club's Code of Conduct. Membership signals agreement with what's described here. Ride leaders enforce it. The board upholds it. If you ride with us, you're part of it.
HOW WE RIDE
EFFORT OVER EGO
Show up early. Wait at the top. Ride for the group, not your numbers.
NO ONE IS DROPPED
DCC is a no-drop club. Ride leaders regroup. Faster riders pull back. The pace reflects the group, not the fastest person in it.
STANDARDS MATTER
Safety first. Mutual respect always. Cycling culture gets better when clubs hold each other to a high standard.
THE PINK JERSEY: DCC RIDE LEADERS
DCC rides are led by club members who have been nominated, trained, and approved as ride leaders. They wear the pink jersey. It's the only material recognition the club gives for the time and responsibility ride leaders take on, and it's the visible mark of someone you can trust to lead the group.
Pink jerseys commit to leading at least one club ride per month. They prepare routes, conduct ride briefings, manage regroups, set the pace, call out hazards, help with mechanicals, and look after the group from start to finish.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM RIDE LEADERS
A predictable pace. Clear communication. Regroup points. Help with mechanicals or fitness questions. Enforcement of safety and behavior standards on every ride.
WHAT RIDE LEADERS EXPECT FROM YOU
Arrive on time and prepared. Follow ride leader direction on safety. Ride at the pace that fits your fitness on the day. Communicate in the group. Respect the route plan. Speak up if you see something off.
BECOMING A PINK JERSEY
Ride leaders are nominated by current ride leaders or board members. Members can also volunteer their interest directly to the Ride Leader Chair.
Nominees go through a training process: co-leading rides in both front and sweep positions, providing a ride briefing, and final sign-off from the Ride Leader Chair and Board President. The full process is documented in the Ride Leader Handbook.
FEEDBACK FOR PINK JERSEYS
Ride leaders are members. They appreciate direct, respectful feedback. Share it after the ride, not during. If you have a concern about a specific ride leader's conduct, contact the board or our ride leader chairperson, Derek Hall.
GROUP ETIQUETTE BASICS
These are the standards we follow on every DCC ride.
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Treat drivers, pedestrians, and fellow cyclists with respect.
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Always hold your line and avoid sudden moves. Communicate if you need to slow or stop.
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Group riding can get tight. Brake gradually. Let riders behind you stay smooth. Stay alert and ready.
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Call out — loud enough for riders behind you to hear you — hazards like “car back,” “slowing,” or “rock.”
Call out “on your left” when passing.
Point out potholes or debris. Signals and voice work together to keep the group safe.
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Stay even with your riding partner, not ahead.
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We ride as a group. Stay aware, stay connected. Music is fine on climbs using bone-conduction earphones that allow you to hear calls and other riders.
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It’s important to know where you belong so everyone has a good ride. Choosing the right group helps us keep things safe, supportive, and fun.
A Ride: Longer effort with tempo pacing and climbing. Best for experienced riders who can hold a steady pace and want to push themselves.
B Ride: Same or similar route, but ridden at a steady, social pace. Ideal for riders who want to stay connected and enjoy the ride without getting dropped.
If you belong in B but join A, the group sweep ends up babysitting, and that’s not fair to them or the group. No shame in choosing the right pace for your day.
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We follow the rules of the road.
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They’re volunteering their time to prepare routes, keep the ride safe, smooth, and fun. Follow their lead, call-outs, and regroup points, even if you’d do things differently. If you have feedback, share it after the ride, not mid-peloton.
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We believe in showing up — for yourself and for each other. That means putting in the effort. You do the work, earn the miles, and we have your back. If you’re not trying or are repeatedly holding the group due to avoidable delays, it’s unfair to our volunteer ride leaders and becomes a safety concern. Ride with intention.
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If you need to peel off early, let a ride leader or someone in the group know before you go. It helps us avoid confusion, makes sure you’re accounted for, and keeps the group riding safely. No ghosting! We’re a team on the road.
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For safety reasons, TT bars and aero bars aren’t permitted on DCC group rides. These setups reduce handling and group awareness, which are two things we prioritize.
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Don’t weave to the front of the group or traffic at stops. This behavior is unsafe and disrupts the flow. Drivers may not see you and could turn into your path, and riders who already passed you will have to pass again, increasing the risk of crashes. If you’re a slower rider, stay in position and let the group roll out in order.
BIKE AND GEAR REQUIREMENTS
What you need to ride with DCC.
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Required on every ride. No exceptions.
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Tube, pump or CO2, tire levers, multi-tool. Mechanical issues happen. Be prepared to handle your own, but we will always help.
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All components in good working order before the ride. Brakes functioning, shifting clean, tires properly inflated, no loose parts. If you're not sure, ask a ride leader before the ride starts or visit Specialized Santa Monica for a tune-up.
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Front and rear lights for any ride that starts before sunrise or extends past sunset. Daytime running lights recommended for all rides.
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Time trial bikes and clip-on aero bars are not permitted on DCC group rides. They reduce handling control and group awareness.
CODE OF CONDUCT
DCC welcomes riders of all paces, backgrounds, and experience levels. In return, we ask that every member rides with care for the group and treats every other member with respect. This is the standard. It applies to all club rides, club events, and member-to-member interactions related to the club.
WHAT WE EXPECT
Treat every member, guest, and other road user with respect.
Follow ride leader direction on safety.
Communicate clearly in the group.
Hold yourself to the same standards you'd expect from others.
Speak up when you see something wrong.
WHAT WE DON’T TOLERATE
Harassment or discrimination of any kind, including based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, body type, or fitness level.
Aggressive or intimidating behavior toward members, guests, or other road users.
Repeated or willful violations of group etiquette or ride leader direction.
Unsafe riding that endangers other members, guests, or road users.
Hostile or retaliatory behavior toward members who report concerns.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Concerns can be raised with any board member or by emailing the board. The board reviews all reports, follows up with the people involved, and takes action when needed. Action ranges from a direct conversation to suspension or removal from the club, depending on the nature and pattern of the behavior. Reports are handled with discretion, and members who raise concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation.
The club also maintains a formal Incident Response Protocol for crashes, injuries, or significant near-misses on club rides, available to members on request.
GUESTS
Guests are welcome on most DCC rides. All guests must complete the DCC Guest Rider waiver before the ride starts. Ride leaders carry the waiver QR code and can help guests complete it on the spot. Guests are expected to follow the same etiquette and safety standards as members.
After two DCC rides, we ask guests to become members. Membership supports the club's insurance, ride infrastructure, and the volunteers who make every ride happen. If you've enjoyed riding with us twice, you've had the experience. The third ride is for members.