1. Yes, I fully agree with David that it is annoying and somewhat dangerous for slower riders to hang out on the blue line. So what can be done to fix this problem?

Well, I have always found that the simplest solution is to communicate with that person in a respectful manner. To promote this communication, you could lay a foundation by introducing yourself to the others in your group at the beginning of each riding session. This will break the ice and promotes camaraderie. In fact I have pretty much gotten to know the majority of the riders in the sessions that I frequent the most. Then, during a session break in the infield, you could simply start with something like:

“……………“Hey John, I wonder if you could help me out by riding higher up the banking when you are in your slow and easy recovering pace. I am still a little nervous with passing above you at slow speed at the rail and possibly causing a slide that would take both of us out…………….”

……….or some other means of making your point in a non-offensive manner.

I tested this “theory” yesterday and the rider in question had no problem with my suggestion and responded that he is all for doing everything possible for the purpose of safety. After my suggestion he stayed high on the banking as promised.

2. Yes, I again agree with David. To me it is very critical that we all say “stick”, “stay” or “rail” at ALL times. So again what can we do to fix this problem?

When I get passed by a rider who does not do this, I will simply say “stick or stay please”. In general the response I get is “sorry”.

When in the infield, I will also make a comment like:

“Some of you guys should stop scarring the $]-[!+ out of me by passing me without me knowing that your are coming; stick or stay would sure help me out”.

In the mean time we of course always need to be aware of where the other riders are on the track. I practice this by trying to be fully relaxed in my upper body so that I can look around without loosing my line.

The bottom line is this:

If you make your suggestions with a smile on your face and in a manner that shows respect, you in general will get positive results.

Unfortunately, I also noticed that in fact a majority of the “offenders” are actually the more experienced riders. Some of them seem to feel that they are “above us mortals.” They also seem to be the folks who I have the toughest time communicating these issues with, no matter how hard I try to come across in a respectful manner. So in that case, I go talk to Paul. He has been very good with talking with the rider(s) in question.

In the mean time, if we all keep working together by communicating among each other, we can sure minimize the occurrence of unsafe conditions and add a great camaraderie atmosphere to our track riding as well. Just remember, the new track is only in its infancy. This gives us the opportunity to set safety precedence for others to follow.

See you at the track.

Harry.

It is advertised and the only Velodrome for "Recreation" Riders...

Actually it is BIC job to ensure a safe environment.
Lets say there is a major wreck in Open Riding I(Beginner) caused by a Pro or Elite sprinting at 40MPH. It is on their site that Open Riding I is open to 3-4-5, aka Beginner, riders. They could be held liable and the place could be shut down... Or people start avoiding riding it and they loose money.

Big thing is for riders to communicate what they are planning on doing in a session. It is open riding so you need to adjust your riding to those around you. If everybody is a beginner, don't open up doing full on sprints at 30+ mph. You are just being stupid and putting yourself and all around at risk. Probably would be good to have an "easy/beginner" open riding session at least once a week. 1-2 and fast 3s need to really be limited to the II sessions. Maybe should be renamed to Open Riding Beginner, Intermediate and Elite...