Ride Waiver &
Release of Liability
Empire Bikes Back hosts fast, self-marshaled group rides in Central Park every Monday and Friday evening, rolling out at 6:00 PM from Engineers' Gate (90th & 5th) and regrouping at 6:45 PM at Tavern on the Green to collect Group 2. Every rider must read and sign this waiver before participating.
Template — not legal advice
This document is a starting template. Have a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction review and finalize it before use. Complete every item shown in [brackets] and confirm enforceability under New York law.
The Ride
- Where
- Central Park — Engineers' Gate, 90th & 5th
- When
- Mondays & Fridays — 6:00 PM rollout
- Regroup
- 6:45 PM — Tavern on the Green (Group 2)
- Format
- Fast, occasionally rotating double paceline
- Leadership
- Self-marshaled — no designated leaders
- Groups
- May split into Breakaway, Peloton, Gruppetto
- Announcements
- strava.app.link/bbNBb8TpRVb
The Four Golden Rules
Mandatory and non-negotiable. S.A.F.E. issues yellow and red cards to offenders; red-card recipients lose access to the ride for a duration determined by S.A.F.E. directors.
This is NOT a race
There are no cash prizes, medals, or trophies. Safety is always more important than any athletic achievement. When in doubt, back off — the next ride is only days away.
Protect the train
We ride an occasionally rotating double paceline. The two front riders are responsible for the safety of the entire group behind them. Approaching congestion, the front pair communicates and signals the group to SLOW DOWN. We do not chase a speed or lap average. Ride through congested areas slowly until the last rider is through, then gradually ramp back up.
Pass on the right
Central Park protocol requires faster traffic to pass on the right. Not everyone knows this. The front pair must decide early, communicate, and signal the group and oncoming traffic which way they intend to pass (preferably right, left only if necessary). We prefer to be loud than on the ground.
Attack responsibly
Attacks are allowed only (a) when the road is clear, (b) from the right line — never from the left line, and (c) after loudly announcing it to the group.
Risks I Understand
- Riding at high speed in close proximity (drafting) within a rotating double paceline, where contact, sudden braking, overlapping wheels, and crashes can and do occur.
- The absence of any designated, paid, or professional ride leader, marshal, or sweep — the ride is self-organized and self-marshaled by its participants.
- Sharing a public park loop with motor vehicles, pedicabs, runners, pedestrians, other cyclists, children, and animals.
- Road and surface hazards: potholes, debris, painted lines, wet or slick pavement, drains, and changing grades.
- Riding in low light, dusk, or darkness, and in variable weather.
- Mechanical failure of any bicycle, component, helmet, light, or equipment.
- Strenuous physical exertion that may cause injury, heat illness, cardiac events, or death, regardless of fitness level.
- The actions, errors, or negligence of other riders, third parties, and myself.
Rider Responsibilities
- Wear a properly fitted, undamaged helmet at all times while riding.
- Ride a bicycle that is mechanically sound, with working brakes and securely fastened components.
- Use a white front light and red rear light in low light or darkness.
- Obey all applicable traffic laws, Central Park rules, signals, and posted speed limits.
- Follow the four Golden Rules above and the directions of S.A.F.E. and other riders at all times.
- Ride no headphones; remain alert and able to hear the group and surroundings.
- Call out and point to hazards, communicate clearly, and never make sudden unannounced movements.
- Be at least 18 years of age and able to control my bicycle in a fast group.
Terms
1. Assumption of Risk
I understand that road cycling and fast group riding are inherently dangerous activities. I have read the risks described above, understand they are not exhaustive, and knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks of participation — known and unknown — including the risk of serious bodily injury, permanent disability, and death, and including risks arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties.
2. Release & Waiver of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the [State of New York], I, on behalf of myself and my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, hereby RELEASE, WAIVE, and DISCHARGE [Empire Bikes Back], its organizers, S.A.F.E. directors, ride leaders, members, volunteers, sponsors, and affiliates (the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, or death sustained by me in connection with the ride, INCLUDING any such liability caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties. This release does not apply to gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct, or to any liability that may not be waived under applicable law.
3. Indemnification
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from any loss, liability, damage, or cost (including attorneys’ fees) they may incur arising out of my participation, my own negligence, or my violation of any rule, law, or this agreement.
4. Medical Treatment & Emergency Authorization
I authorize the Released Parties to arrange emergency medical treatment on my behalf if I am injured and unable to consent, and I accept financial responsibility for any such treatment and transport. I confirm the emergency contact below may be notified.
5. Representation of Fitness
I represent that I am physically fit and have no medical condition that would prevent safe participation. I understand I should consult a physician before participating, and that I am solely responsible for assessing my own fitness on any given day.
6. Insurance
I understand the Released Parties do not provide health, medical, accident, or property insurance for participants. I am responsible for my own insurance coverage for myself and my equipment.
7. Media Release
I grant the Released Parties permission to use my likeness in photographs and video taken during rides for non-commercial promotional purposes (including social media and Strava ride reports), without compensation. I understand I may withdraw this permission in writing.
8. Governing Law & Severability
This agreement is governed by the laws of the [State of New York] without regard to conflict-of-law principles. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force, and the invalid provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.
9. Acknowledgment
I have read this entire document, understand it is a release of liability and an assumption of risk, and sign it freely and voluntarily. I understand it is binding on me, my heirs, and my assigns.
One last thing: by joining this ride you agree to accept a nickname of our choice (unless you really don't like it). Over 50 riders have earned theirs. Tattoos are optional.
Signature
I am 18 years or older. I have read and understood this waiver and agree to its terms.
Printed Name
Date of Birth
Signature
Date
Phone
Emergency Contact — Name
Emergency Contact — Phone