CRW Board approves new policy on non-members
by Larry Kernan
At the May 9th meeting of the CRW Board, a new policy regarding nonmembers was approved. Formal new policies are rarities in the club. The only other policy that I’m aware of is that “All riders on CRW rides must wear helmets. The new club policy is:
As required by our insurance carrier, non-members may participate in only one CRW ride per calendar year.
Century events are not affected by this policy nor does participating in a paid century event count as the one-time guest ride.
I admit to feeling partially conflicted by this new policy. On one hand, I want CRW to be welcoming to all riders. On the other hand, we have an obligation to protect the interests of our club, our members, our officers and our ride leaders.
Why does CRW feel the need to institute this policy? Our liability insurance policy only covers CRW members and first-time guests. A non-member who shows up on a club ride for a second time will result in our insurance carrier not providing liability insurance for accidents related to that rider. Unfortunately, no waiver or release can solve the problem. This issue is not about the guest getting hurt. This issue is about a guest who gets into an accident doing property damage or worse, injuring or killing another rider or pedestrian. The injured party may very likely sue the guest, the club and the ride leader. In the case of a non-member on his second ride with CRW, our insurance carrier will not cover these damages nor defend the club and ride leader.
This new policy goes into effect on June 1st. Mary Kernan, our Rides VP, has created a comprehensive implementation plan which has been shared with all Ride Leaders. This document includes new non-member releases which make clear that it allows a rider to ride with the club only once during the year. We also have a form which allows a guest to become a member on the spot. If you are not a Ride Leader and want a copy of this plan, please contact Mary.
As members, you should not see much impact from this new policy. Ride Leaders will see a small change. Before the safety talk and route rap, the Ride Leader will ask as they do today, “Are there any non-members here?” They will then ask, “Have any of you already done your first-time guest ride?” First-time guests will be asked to sign a waiver if they have not already signed one online. Second time guests will be asked to join the club or not participate in the ride.
I’m sure there will be a learning curve as we implement this new policy but overall it means that we will be able to better serve our members and protect our Ride Leaders and volunteers. Please feel free to address any questions to Mary (ridesvp@crw.org) or myself (president@crw.org).
