Code of Conduct

Purpose. ZüRides exists to bring people together for the shared joy of cycling. We organize rides voluntarily and without commercial intent.
This Code of Conduct defines the principles, expectations, and responsibilities that enable safe, respectful, and enjoyable group rides. It clarifies:

• How we treat each other
• How rides are organized and conducted
• The roles and responsibilities of all members, who are separated into participants and organizers
• The boundaries of responsibility within the community

The goal is simple: create a reliable framework that protects the spirit of the community while setting clear standards. This document is not a contract.

Scope. The Code of Conduct applies to everybody in the community: organizers and participants. It covers:

• Group rides
• Ride planning and coordination
• Community chats and website interactions
• In-person and online community behavior

Voluntary participation. All engagement in ZüRides is voluntary. Therefore, there is no entitlement to time, performance, availability, or any form of service relationship.

Community mindset. This community is grounded on respect, openness, and fairness. All members are expected to act with mutual consideration at all times. We value an inclusive environment where people feel welcome regardless of background, ability, or experience. Harassment, discrimination, exclusion, or any form of demeaning behavior is not tolerated.

Safety first. Safety takes precedence over speed or group pressure. All riders are expected to ride defensively, predictably, and in compliance with traffic laws.

Digital conduct. The WhatsApp Community and the zurides.cc website are used for communication and coordination. Messages must remain relevant, constructive, and aligned with the intended use of the respective chat as stated in its description. Off-topic content, spam, provocation, or disruptive behavior, including trolling and excessive use of sarcasm, is not tolerated.

Personal responsibility. Participation is at one's own risk. Every rider is asked to arrive with roadworthy equipment, bring their required nutrition, own spare parts, and be able to use them themselves if necessary. Everyone is responsible for their riding behavior.

Group riding. Riders must act predictably and prioritize group safety at all times by maintaining lane discipline with no center-lining (crossing the center-line of the road), riding no more than two abreast where traffic permits, and respecting the announced pace and group structure. Hazard signalling is mandatory, including clearly indicating obstacles and signaling before standing up to avoid kickback. Abrupt or reckless maneuvers such as sudden braking, swerving, half-wheeling, or any behavior that destabilizes the group are not tolerated.

Route navigation. The first row riders always indicate the route and road hazard to the group. Everyone is asked to download the route on a navigation device. If a rider cannot download the route, they don’t ride at the front of the group. While riding within the group (2nd row and further back), riders follow the lead of the riders in front.

Equipment requirements. Participation requires a properly worn helmet and a bike in safe working condition that is appropriate for the specific ride type. Road rides require road bikes with drop handlebars. Off-road rides permit gravel, cyclocross, and mountain bikes, provided they are suitable for the announced terrain. Tri-bars or clip-on aero extensions are not allowed on any ride, and the use of earbuds or headphones of any kind is prohibited.

Mechanical issues and breakdowns. In case of defects or breakdowns, everybody is expected to offer help where possible, without any guarantee of a solution, equipment, or transport.

Accidents and emergencies. In the event of accidents, or emergencies, immediate safety takes priority and support will be provided within available means. ZüRides and the organizers assume no liability for personal injury, property damage, or other losses arising from participation.

Role of organizers. Organizers enable rides. We coordinate and communicate the rides without guarantee for execution, safety, or participation. For each ride a route is communicated by the organizer. Organizers are neither guides, coaches, trainers nor supervisors.

Authority during rides. Organizers may ask participants to leave a ride if safety standards are not met. Such decisions are final.

Communication and responsibilities. We communicate the format of rides honestly and transparently. We share changes or cancellations as early as possible.

Final authority. Moderation and exclusion decisions by the organizers are final. Organizers have the right to exclude individuals from the community platforms.

Fitness and preparation. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their physical fitness matches the announced ride profile in terms of distance, elevation, and pace. Joining a ride implies that you are physically capable of completing it without compromising group safety or dynamics.

Skill and Experience. Participants must possess the technical skills required for safe and predictable group riding. Prior group riding experience is mandatory. Riders who lack sufficient control, awareness, or pack-riding competence may be asked to leave for safety reasons.

Conduct during rides. Participants must adhere to established safety standards and comply with decisions made by organizers during the ride. Organizer decisions, particularly those related to safety or group management, are binding. Riders are expected to contribute constructively to post-ride debriefings.

Community behavior. Every participant is responsible for fostering a positive, cooperative atmosphere within the group. Respectful behavior, reliability, and consideration toward others are expected at all times.

Feedback culture. Open, and respectful feedback is welcome, since it helps us improve. Individual feedback is given during the ride. General feedback towards the whole group is provided after each ride or during breaks.

Violations. Disrespectful, dangerous, or disruptive behavior is not tolerated and will result in consequences. Measures follow a progressive approach, ranging from a warning to exclusion from a specific ride and, if necessary, removal from the community.

Non-commercial framework. ZüRides is a non-commercial, volunteer-driven community.

No service relationship. Participation does not create any service relationship.

Transparency. Personal interests and collaborations are disclosed transparently.