The Arcane Cycling Team Safeguarding Risk Assessment identifies potential risks to children, young people and vulnerable adults within our cycling activities and outlines the practical control measures the Club has put in place. This assessment supports our commitment to safety, inclusion and Cycling Ireland compliance, and demonstrates how we actively manage risks across rides, training, workshops and community events.
1. Organisation Details
- Organisation: Arcane Cycling Team
- Activity Type: Cycling (road, track, training, racing, workshops, meetings)
- Location(s): Ireland (various locations including public roads, tracks, indoor venues and online spaces)
- Safeguarding Officer:
- Date of Assessment:
2. Purpose of Risk Assessment
This Safeguarding Risk Assessment identifies potential risks to children, young people and vulnerable adults participating in Arcane Cycling Team activities and outlines measures in place to manage and reduce those risks.
The assessment is informed by:
- Cycling Ireland Safeguarding Policy
- Arcane Cycling Team Constitution
- Arcane Cycling Team Code of Conduct
- Arcane Cycling Team Safeguarding Statement
3. Identified Risks and Control Measures
Risk 1: Inadequate supervision during cycling activities
Risk Description:
Participants may be placed at risk if activities are not appropriately supervised.
Control Measures:
- Clear designation of ride leaders or coaches for activities
- Appropriate group sizes for training sessions
- Adherence to Cycling Ireland guidance on supervision
- Clear communication of routes, expectations and safety rules
Risk 2: Unsafe cycling environments
Risk Description:
Public roads, tracks or venues may present hazards.
Control Measures:
- Pre-activity risk assessment of routes and venues
- Emphasis on road safety, equipment checks and rider responsibility
- Use of appropriate facilities for track and indoor activities
- Adjustment or cancellation of activities in unsafe conditions
Risk 3: Inappropriate behaviour or abuse
Risk Description:
Risk of harassment, bullying, discrimination or abuse.
Control Measures:
- Clear Code of Conduct communicated to all members
- Zero tolerance approach to harassment and discrimination
- Safeguarding Officer appointed and contact details shared
- Clear reporting and response procedures
Risk 4: Power imbalance between adults and young or vulnerable participants
Risk Description:
Potential for misuse of authority or influence.
Control Measures:
- Awareness of appropriate boundaries
- No one-to-one situations without transparency where possible
- Open, observable activities
- Compliance with Cycling Ireland safeguarding guidance
Risk 5: Online communication risks
Risk Description:
Inappropriate contact or behaviour via messaging or social media.
Control Measures:
- Code of Conduct applies to online spaces
- Use of group messaging rather than private messaging where possible
- Clear expectations around respectful online communication
- Reporting mechanisms for online concerns
Risk 6: Lack of awareness of safeguarding procedures
Risk Description:
Members may not know how to recognise or report concerns.
Control Measures:
- Safeguarding information made available to all members
- Clear communication of Safeguarding Officer role
- Promotion of a culture where concerns can be raised safely
Risk 7: Failure to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns
Risk Description:
Concerns may be mishandled or delayed.
Control Measures:
- Safeguarding Officer trained and supported
- Adherence to Cycling Ireland reporting procedures
- Liaison with Cycling Ireland and statutory authorities when required
- Clear documentation and follow-up
4. Additional Considerations
Arcane Cycling Team recognises that safeguarding intersects with inclusion, equality and wellbeing. The Club commits to:
- Respecting the identities and needs of trans, non-binary and intersex participants
- Ensuring safeguarding practices do not reinforce discrimination
- Taking a trauma-informed and person-centred approach
5. Review
This risk assessment will be:
- Reviewed annually
- Updated following any safeguarding incident
- Revised in line with Cycling Ireland policy updates
6. Declaration
This Safeguarding Risk Assessment has been approved by the Committee of Arcane Cycling Team.