Every effort should be, and is, made to make each cycle race is as safe as possible for the riders and other road users. An essential part of this is the corner marshals and drivers. They make sure other road users know about the race and keep all the riders on the race circuit.
Instructions for Corner Marshals During a Road Race.
During a cycle race every point on the course where the riders turn from one road onto another should be marshalled by at least one corner marshal. Usually two are assigned to each corner and sometimes more if the race organisers feel the corner requires it.
The job of a corner marshal is twofold:
to alert other road users to the fact that there is a cycle race in progress which allows them to proceed with appropriate caution; and, to inform the riders of the turn.
By law marshals cannot stop a motorist to allow a bunch to negotiate a corner or other hazard. However, this can be the safest solution and so marshals may, at their discretion, encourage a motorist to stop, and the vast majority kindly do.
Remember that, when you are marshalling, you are a representative of your club and sport so always be courteous to other road users, even if they take exception or are abusive to you. Most drivers are courteous in return.
Marshalling may require you to stand out in adverse weather conditions so remember to bring appropriate clothing and (on much fewer occasions) sun block.
If you have volunteered to marshal a corner then you should:
1. Turn up to the start/finish area (or sign-on area in the case of an open race) with reasonable time to allow you to gather your equipment and get to your corner before the race starts. Usually 30 minutes before the race starts is plenty of time.
2. Sign the marshals sign-on sheet, required by Cycling Ireland for insurance purposes.
3. Enquire as to which corner you will be marshalling and who will be there with you.
4. Liaise with your marshalling partner(s) for the event and collect enough bibs and flags for one each, at least one radio, enough ‘Caution Cycle Race’ signs and string to tie the signs onto something or weights to ensure they don’t blow over in the wind.
5. Finally enquire about the number of bunches in the race, the time gaps between each at the start and the number of laps in the race. This will help you predict when the bunches will arrive at your corner.
6. Make your way to your corner with all your equipment.
7. Once at your corner inspect it for loose gravel or objects on the road which may be a hazard to the riders and do your best to remove them.
8. Put out signs as appropriate (see the diagrams below and if you are unsure, as ever, just ask). Place each around 50 meters (50 yards) from the corner so that it can be easily seen by approaching traffic without causing an obstruction. Take into consideration the speed of approaching traffic (if it will be moving faster place the signs further away from the corner), curves in the road and particularly the brow of a hill which may obstruct the view of approaching traffic. Place a weight on standing signs to ensure they don’t blow over or securely tie the sign to something strong.
9. Decide between you who will stand where (see diagrams below), put on your bib, grab your flag, tune in your radio (station 1 unless told otherwise) and get ready.
10. As the first bunch approaches your corner the driver of the lead car should radio you to tell you that the race is approaching. Sometimes radio reception is poor so also keep an eye out for the flashing orange light of the lead car. There should always be a car at the front of the race but other bunches may have a motorbike in front of them and the motorbike riders may not have radios so always look out for them too. When the bunch approaches in good time marshal A (see diagrams below) should
a. let the other marshals know the bunch is coming,
b. indicate with their flag the direction the bunch should take,
c. check for other road users approaching the junction and encourage them to stop.
d. check for other road users who have not stopped for marshals B or C and may cause a danger to the riders.
When marshals B and C get the signal from marshal A they should warn, and possibly suggest stopping, to any approaching traffic. If a motorist is kind enough to stop use your flag to ensure any other motorists behind them are aware of you as they may try to overtake the stopped vehicle, this is particularly important if the first vehicle is a van, lorry or 4x4 etc.
It is very important that marshals do not put themselves in danger in order to stop oncoming traffic.
As the riders make their last approach to the corner shout a warning if there are any hazards at the corner that couldn’t be removed (eg. potholes) or if there is any traffic which may cause a hazard. Keep your shouts short, clear and loud and repeat them as the bunch passes so all the riders hear the warning not just the front few. An appropriate shout could be ‘Car, keep tight!’.
Before releasing stopped vehicles take care to ensure that there is not a split in the bunch meaning another group of riders are entering the corner.
11. As you release any stopped vehicles remember to give them a wave and thank them for their co-operation.
12. Repeat this process for each bunch on each lap.
13. Once the last riders have passed you on the last lap collect the signs and return them and the other equipment.
It is essential that all riders, and marshals, understand that marshals cannot stop every vehicle and the onus is always on the riders to stay on their own side of the road. Marshals will never be held responsible if a rider breaks the rules of the road, even if the marshal mistakenly indicates that the road is clear of hazards.