LapDogs Cycling Club : Code of Conduct

The LapDogs Cycling Club is all about riding together, having fun, and connecting with others who share our passion for cycling. We expect all LapDogs to help create a welcoming experience and to be ambassadors for our club and our sport.

We prioritize "fit" over "fitness." We welcome club members of varying ability levels and we expect club members of all ability levels to abide by this code.

This code of conduct applies to social events, rides and races led by the club or including club participation, club social media spaces, interactions between club members, and any other situation in which you're wearing club kit or representing the club, including any online spaces where it can be deemed you are appearing, intentionally or otherwise, to represent the Club. 

As a Club,  we strive to ensure that our Club and its events create an atmosphere that is welcoming and respectful for members and guests at all times regardless of factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, disability, and the like. Everyone who attends events hosted by the Club should always experience a safe and positive environment . The Club is committed to upholding an organization that is free from bias, prejudice and harassment – whether verbal, physical or visual.  

To uphold this commitment, each member or guest of the Club is responsible for creating and maintaining an atmosphere free of discrimination and harassment, sexual or otherwise . 

Furthermore, all members or guests are equally responsible for recognizing and respecting the rights of other members and guests to be free from discrimination and harassment . When attending Club events and while on Club premises, members and their guests are expected to:

• Conduct themselves in a manner that will promote a comfortable and welcoming Club environment for everyone regardless of factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, or disability. This includes other members, guests, and any other person present during a Club event or in a Club-related virtual environment.

• Conduct themselves in a manner that avoids behavior that could reasonably be construed as discrimination or harassment, sexual or otherwise.
  Sexual harassment includes sexual attention, sexually oriented comments or statements, to or in the presence of a person who does not welcome such conduct, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Sexual harassment also includes harassment that is based on gender; that is, conduct that would not occur except for the gender of the person harassed.

• Treat all other persons with respect regardless of factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, or disability. In plain terms, if a Club Member feels that another Member’s behaviour is making them uncomfortable, for any reason, then the onus falls on the offending member to stop immediately, even if that Member feels their comments are intended to be humorous or inoffensive.

• Understand that discrimination or harassment, or unwanted and continued sexual advances, comments toward other persons, or stated in general, will not be tolerated.

• All LapDogs Cycling Club members (and their guests, at social events) share the responsibility of ensuring that this Code of Conduct is followed. Members are required to report any inappropriate actions or behavior to a Member of the Board of Directors. Board of Directors members are responsible for following up on a reported violation of this Code of Conduct. Violations of this Code of Conduct may be grounds for measures up to and including permanent termination of membership and/or a lifetime ban on attending future Club events, based on a determination and by a committee of Club members designated by the Club Executive. 

• As an OCA affiliated club we are also subject to the policies of the umbrella organization linked​ ​here. The LapDogs Cycling Club’s additional code of conduct is intended to ensure safe and positive interactions through brevity and plain language.

In plain language, Club members are expected to:

• Be a positive example to other riders and a good ambassador of cycling. Display good sportsmanship. Consider the safety and comfort of other riders, as well as other users of the trail or road.

• Communicate well, both on the bike and off. Share good intentions. Treat others respectfully and kindly. Be your best self and take the moral high ground.

• Make sure your interactions are consensual. If someone indicates your attention or presence is unwelcome, respect their boundaries.

• If someone is making you uncomfortable, you have the right to let them know, if you feel safe doing so. You also have the right to notify club leadership, who may choose to take action to end any inappropriate behaviour.

• If you witness someone behaving in a way that violates the code of conduct, you bear responsibility for reporting it, even if you are not the target of that inappropriate behaviour.

• Have fun and help others have fun. Cycling is a great sport and we're lucky to be able to participate!

This Code of Conduct Statements was last updated : May 2021