3. Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

1. Introduction and Aims

Bitton and Oldland Cycling Club (BOCC) recognises and values people’s differences and will assist them to use their talents to reach their full potential. We believe that every individual—regardless of their background, skill level, or equipment—deserves to feel welcome, respected, and valued. Our "North Star" is community wellbeing, transforming the solitary act of riding into a collective, joyous experience centered on friendship, kindness, and inclusivity.

The club will do all it can to ensure it recruits, trains, and promotes individuals to volunteer and leadership roles based on experience, affinity with our core values, and abilities. This policy ensures that BOCC complies with its obligations under UK equality legislation, aligns with South Gloucestershire Council requirements, and demonstrates our unreserved opposition to any form of discrimination on the grounds of Protected Characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010; these are:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage or civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Using fair, objective, and supportive community practices, BOCC aims to ensure that:

• All members, volunteers, and potential members are treated fairly and with respect at all stages of their involvement.
• All members and volunteers have the right to be free from harassment, intimidation, bullying of any description, or any other form of unwanted behaviour (whether from within the club or from third parties).
• All individuals have an equal chance to contribute, participate, and achieve their potential, irrespective of any defining feature or equipment that may give rise to unfair discrimination.
• All participants have the right to be free from discrimination because they associate with another person who possesses a Protected Characteristic, or because others perceive that they have a particular Protected Characteristic.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all BOCC club officers, committee members, ride leaders, volunteers, members, and guest participants. It governs all club activities, including the recruitment of volunteers, ride organisation, campaign actions, social events, and digital communications.

3. Core Pillars and Ethos

• Equality and Accessibility First: We treat all members with fairness and equality. We ensure cycling remains a low-barrier, low-cost activity, welcoming riders whether they have the latest gear or a modest, well-loved bicycle.
• The "Bimble" Priority: We actively favour a slow pace, social connection, and community confidence over speed, endurance, or competition. The "Sacred Cafe Stop" is a central focus for fostering friendships, ensuring that coffee and cake remain as important as the ride itself.
• The Strict "No-Drop" Standard: Our commitment to inclusion is physically manifested in our strict "no-drop" rule. All operational practices ensure that no rider is ever left behind.
• Wellbeing and Community Confidence: We intentionally use our group rides as tools for mental health, reducing loneliness, and building local community confidence.
• Campaigning for Safe Infrastructure: We use our collective "strength of numbers" to ensure safety. We actively campaign for safer, accessible cycling infrastructure secure enough for everyone from ages 8 to 80.

4. Responsibilities

• The Club Chairperson serves as the "Guardian of the Ethos" and is responsible for leading the implementation of this policy, ensuring all activities prioritize enjoyment and inclusivity over competition.
• Responsibility for approving the policy and monitoring that it is being followed rests with the BOCC Management Committee.
• All members and volunteers have a duty to act within this policy, ensure it is followed, and promptly draw attention to any suspected discriminatory or non-inclusive practices.

5. Implementation and Communications

• All members and volunteers will be actively involved in creating an environment that values diversity and promotes the "flow state" of social cycling.
• This policy will be communicated clearly on the BOCC website, via Cycling UK affiliate channels, and shared with all prospective volunteers and members upon joining.
• Working with Partners: In selecting community partners, event venues (such as the historic Bitton Station), and sponsors, BOCC will explicitly consider their commitment to Equality and Diversity.
• Accessible Services: We will make our rides, "Bimbles," and campaign meetings highly accessible by selecting step-free social locations, avoiding expensive equipment requirements, using neutral, welcoming language, and planning routes that match the pace of the slowest rider.

6. Reporting Discrimination or Ethos Breaches

• Any member, volunteer, or participant who feels they have suffered discrimination, harassment, or a breach of the club's inclusive ethos should raise the issue directly with the Club Chairperson or another designated committee member.
• BOCC will not tolerate harassment from third parties (including road users or external visitors) towards our members and volunteers and will take appropriate action to safeguard our community.
• If a member or volunteer witnesses behaviour that they find offensive in relation to any protected characteristic or the safety of others—even if it is not directed at them—they are required to report it via this procedure. All concerns will be addressed promptly, fairly, and supportively to maintain a secure sanctuary for social cycling.

7. Monitoring and Review

• This policy will be monitored continuously by the committee to judge how effectively it is maintaining our inclusive, friendly culture and to identify areas for improvement.
• This policy will be formally reviewed every two years by the BOCC Management Committee to ensure it remains up to date, complies with evolving legislation, and continues to protect the foundational social spirit of the club.

Date of adoption of policy: 2 June 2026 

Date of next review: June 2028