Here is another excellent post from the CVC Safety Committee! Thank you
Carla and Stephen!
Group Ride Safety: Injury Assessment & First Aid
After a crash, once the scene is safe and controlled, the next priority is
calm, thoughtful injury assessment.
One of the biggest challenges is that injured cyclists will often say “I’m
fine” and will want to keep riding. This is usually adrenaline,
embarrassment, or not wanting to slow the group down.
Take Your Time Assessing the Extent of the Injury (At Least 10 Minutes)
Adrenaline can mask pain and injuries. Even if things seem minor:
• Stay on scene as a group
• Let things settle
• Reassess after a few minutes
When in doubt: err on the side of caution.
Simple Assessment Guidelines- You don’t need medical training to do a basic
check:
• Where does it hurt?
• Pain level (1–10)? Is it getting worse or better?
• Head/mental clarity: Are they thinking clearly? Any confusion?
• Hands/arms: Can they grip, shift, and brake normally?
• Legs/knees: Can they walk normally? If they can’t walk normally,
they should not be riding.
• Road readiness: Even if the bike is in good working order and the
rider thinks they can ride, is it SMART to continue?
Also consider:
• Distance back to the car
• Terrain (climbing, technical descents, traffic)
When to Call 911- If there is any doubt about the severity of injuries,
call 911.
Clear examples requiring a 911 call include:
• Head impact or loss of consciousness
• Severe pain or inability to move normally
• Significant bleeding
• Rider not acting like themselves
When in doubt, let professionals evaluate.
Basic First Aid Priorities
If someone in the group has medical experience, they should take the lead.
If not, remember: simple care goes a long way.
Focus on:
• Stop bleeding
• Minimize movement
• Keep the rider calm, comfortable, and reassured
Do not move a downed rider unless staying put creates immediate danger.
Consider Getting Trained- While these are practical guidelines, nothing
replaces proper training. We strongly encourage riders to take a basic
First Aid & CPR course, such as those offered by the American Red Cross (
redcross.org) or similar local programs. Even a short course can build
confidence and help you respond more effectively in any emergency situation.
A Note on Continuing the Ride
If a rider is injured:
• Encourage them to end the ride
• Help arrange pickup or support
• Consider calling a friend or family member to pick up the rider
If they are abandoning the ride and cannot safely leave on their own you
should call 911
Key Takeaways
• Don’t trust the first “I’m fine”
• Take time to assess—adrenaline hides injuries
• When in doubt, call 911
• Keeping someone who’s injured calm and still is meaningful care
Next: how to communicate effectively with 911 and manage the scene once
help is on the way.
Ride smart. Ride safe.- CVC Safety Committee
[Conejo Valley Cyclists]
CVC Biweekly Social MTB, @ 5:30pm
Location: Wendy and Potrero Road Backup light recommended but not mandatory
Ride
Leader
Route
Miles
Climb (ft.)
Map
MTB
Kent
1 818 802-0826
Sycamore/Sinombre/
2Foxes/Wood/Ranch Center/Sage
15.6
1561
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41102484
Saturday Rides, April 4th @ 8:30am
Please do not park in the row next to the houses.
Ride
Leader
Route
Miles
Climb
(ft.)
Map
Red
Taylor
1 805 390-2200
RockStore, Encinal, PCH, Decker
38.7
4444
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54451909
Orange
Terry
1 805 490-4616
Potrero, PCH, Encinal
51.3
3587
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51084733
Orange
Light
Peter
1805 340-9551
Three Canyons – Tapo, Lost and Long
49.5
3543
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17356913
Gold
Laurie
1 530 520-0310
7 Minute Hill, Calabasas, Agoura Road
34.7
2849
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54473030
Mellow
Yellow
No Drop
Ride
Tex
1 805 456-5713
Wildwood via Westlake CCW
23.4
1172
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6716080
Sunday rides April 5th @ 9:00 am
Location: ALL rides will start at the Starbucks @ Agoura Rd & Westlake Blvd by Vons.
Please Park towards the rear of parking lot to not disrupt local businesses
Ride
Leader
Route
Miles
Map
Social
No Drop
Ride
Bart
1 805 807-8566
Starbucks, King Gillette and back
23.5
1897
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54473108
Gold
Orange
Not Scheduled
Hi everyone! 👋
Get ready to clip in and have some FUN! 🚴♂️💨
I’m excited to invite you to an indoor Zwift
When: Thursday, April 2 at 6:00 PM
Leader: Kim
✨ Expect:
- A great workout (at your own watts/pace 💪)
- Good vibes and motivation 🎶
- A chance to ride together—even while apart 🌍
👉 Join the ride here:
https://www.zwift.com/events/view/553444
[cid:image002.jpg@01DCC1BE.C0A10F80]
30-20-10-GO! - The at Home Cycling & Running Virtual Training App<https://www.zwift.com/events/view/5534445>
zwift.com<https://www.zwift.com/events/view/5534445>
Whether you're looking to sweat, spin, or just stay connected, this ride is for YOU! 😊
Let’s fill the group and make it a blast—hope to see you there! 🚴♀️🔥
Cheers,
Kim
When riding with us, you will:
· Use helmets and bike lanes! Call out hazards and ride predictably.
· Avoid bunching up; don’t overlap wheels.
· Keep a prudent distance and ride single file on narrow roads.
· Ensure your bike is in good working order.
· Descend carefully!
· Pass slower riders on the left and signal when changing lines.
· Respect traffic laws and the rights of motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
· If the weather is inclement, we will cancel ALL rides.
Follow us on” Facebook and Instagram
(@conejo_valley_cyclists_) • Instagram photos and videos<https://www.instagram.com/conejo_valley_cyclists_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D…>
instagram.com<https://www.instagram.com/conejo_valley_cyclists_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D…>
[cid:image003.jpg@01DCC1BE.C0A10F80]<https://www.instagram.com/conejo_valley_cyclists_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D…>
Conejo Valley Cyclists<https://www.facebook.com/groups/131653973515124/>
Private group
·
1.0K members<https://www.facebook.com/groups/131653973515124/members/>
Hi everyone! 👋
Get ready to clip in and have some FUN! 🚴♂️💨
I’m excited to invite you to an indoor Zwift
When:Thursday, April 2 at 6:00 PM
Leader:Kim
✨ Expect:
- A great workout (at your own watts/pace 💪)
- Good vibes and motivation 🎶
- A chance to ride together—even while apart 🌍
👉 Join the ride here:
https://www.zwift.com/events/view/553444https://www.zwift.com/events/view/5534445
Whether you're looking to sweat, spin, or just stay connected, this ride is for YOU! 😊
Let’s fill the group and make it a blast—hope to see you there! 🚴♀️🔥
Cheers,
Kim
Sent from my iPhone
Group Ride Safety: Injury Assessment & First Aid
After a crash, once the scene is safe and controlled, the next priority is calm, thoughtful injury assessment.
One of the biggest challenges is that injured cyclists will often say “I’m fine” and will want to keep riding. This is usually adrenaline, embarrassment, or not wanting to slow the group down.
Take Your Time Assessing the Extent of the Injury (At Least 10 Minutes)
Adrenaline can mask pain and injuries. Even if things seem minor:
• Stay on scene as a group
• Let things settle
• Reassess after a few minutes
When in doubt: err on the side of caution.
Simple Assessment Guidelines- You don’t need medical training to do a basic check:
• Where does it hurt?
• Pain level (1–10)? Is it getting worse or better?
• Head/mental clarity: Are they thinking clearly? Any confusion?
• Hands/arms: Can they grip, shift, and brake normally?
• Legs/knees: Can they walk normally? If they can’t walk normally, they should not be riding.
• Road readiness: Even if the bike is in good working order and the rider thinks they can ride, is it SMART to continue?
Also consider:
• Distance back to the car
• Terrain (climbing, technical descents, traffic)
When to Call 911- If there is any doubt about the severity of injuries, call 911.
Clear examples requiring a 911 call include:
• Head impact or loss of consciousness
• Severe pain or inability to move normally
• Significant bleeding
• Rider not acting like themselves
When in doubt, let professionals evaluate.
Basic First Aid Priorities
If someone in the group has medical experience, they should take the lead. If not, remember: simple care goes a long way.
Focus on:
• Stop bleeding
• Minimize movement
• Keep the rider calm, comfortable, and reassured
Do not move a downed rider unless staying put creates immediate danger.
Consider Getting Trained- While these are practical guidelines, nothing replaces proper training. We strongly encourage riders to take a basic First Aid & CPR course, such as those offered by the American Red Cross (redcross.org) or similar local programs. Even a short course can build confidence and help you respond more effectively in any emergency situation.
A Note on Continuing the Ride
If a rider is injured:
• Encourage them to end the ride
• Help arrange pickup or support
• Consider calling a friend or family member to pick up the rider
If they are abandoning the ride and cannot safely leave on their own you should call 911
Key Takeaways
• Don’t trust the first “I’m fine”
• Take time to assess—adrenaline hides injuries
• When in doubt, call 911
• Keeping someone who’s injured calm and still is meaningful care
Next: how to communicate effectively with 911 and manage the scene once help is on the way.
Ride smart. Ride safe.- CVC Safety Committee
Let's meet at Starbucks ready to roll at 9!
We will go through Hidden Valley and back via La Granada.
Should be a good intermediate ride.
See you then!
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53728294
--
Sheri
Let's meet at Starbucks, go to King Gillette and back, and as we return, a
lap around Malibu Lake to the Old Place and back. (about 29 miles)
See you 9:00 at Starbucks.
--
Sheri
