(Adapted from the New South Wales Guidelines for Road Cycle Races)

Introduction

A permit issued by a senior police officer is required for the conduct of any cycle race on Tasmanian roads in accordance with the Police Offences Act 1935. The measures set down in this document are the permit application requirements and guidelines for managing traffic and conducting a road cycle race in Tasmania. These guidelines address road cycle racing and the road cycle component of multi-sport races only. The guidelines have been developed in consultation with cycling organisation stakeholders and should be read in addition to all other instructions pertaining to each particular event. These guidelines do not address the many non-competitive cycle rides organised each year and do not apply to races where full road closure applies. In the circumstances where full road closure is required these guidelines should be used as a guide to conduct such races.

Road Cycle Race Permit and Application Process

• The road cycle race permit application is to be in a written form and must include:
  • full description of the race and its purpose
  • maps detailing the course and area of the race
  • use of Traffic Marshals
  • safety related strategies
  • number and age of participants
  • insurance coverage and details, and
  • applicable news release/newspaper advertising details.
• A completed application form must be submitted to the Commander in charge of the District where the race will be held. If the race crosses District boundaries an application is to be submitted to the Commander of the District where the race begins. The Commander of that District will liaise with the other District(s) and make the necessary police arrangements for the race.
• Required time for application processing:
  • Class 1 Race = Minimum of 6 Months
  • Class 2 Race = Minimum of 3 Months
  • Class 3 Race = Minimum of 2 Months
• Where a permit application has been submitted, in accordance with the above time frames, the District Commander receiving the application must, within 14 days for a Class 3 race or within 28 days for a Class 1 or 2 race, reply to the requesting organisation. This reply should include:
  • the Race Permit, or
  • a request for further information and reasons outlining the request (written or verbal).
• Commanders receiving any permit application will endeavour to complete the approval process as soon as practicable to allow race organisers time to confirm details to be distributed to riders, officials, sponsors and those road users affected by the staging of the race.
• A race permit is issued by a senior police officer in accordance with powers granted by section 49AB of the Police Offences Act 1935. Issues taken into account by senior police prior to granting the permit include:
  • the safety and convenience of the public
  • the arrangements made for the safety and convenience of participants in the proposed race, and
  • any such other considerations as appear relevant having regard to the time and nature of the proposed race, its location or, if applicable, its route.
• Organisers, competitors and officials must comply with all guidelines appropriate to their race. This will be a condition of the permit.
• A fresh application must be submitted should an amendment, renewal or transferral be required. A permit may be surrendered.

Guidelines for Road Cycle Races

• Requirements for Approval
  This section provides the mandatory (which contain the word must) and general requirements to be followed in conducting a road cycle race event. Additional specific requirements may be set out in the particular conditions applied by Tasmania Police.
• Processes, Approvals and Notifications
  Applications for road cycle race permits must be submitted to Tasmania Police in accordance with the application process. Any use of private land must have the owner’s approval. The stipulated application processing times allow Tasmania Police to assess the route, review the application, work with the organiser on starting times and locations and any other aspect considered necessary. This time frame may be shortened in instances where the route or course for the race has been the subject of previous approvals or where the application is for the variation of a race program on a permanent circuit. Conflicts with other activities, such as construction work, other races or festivals in the area can be avoided with advance planning. This also allows the organiser to have an approved permit from which to distribute the correct promotional information. Tasmania Police has the right to cancel a permit if a race route is to be used by general traffic as a detour because of weather, emergencies or any other reason. Tasmania Police will notify the race organiser as soon as possible.
• All Races (irrespective of Class/Criterium) must be publicised (by the Organisation) in a News/Media Release to local media outlets, at least seven days prior to the event.
  >  News/Media Release must include all Race particulars, including:
  > date/s
  > time/s
  > potential interruption/s to communities and/or residents
  > anticipated traffic delay/s and the anticipated length of each delay/interruption.
  >  A draft copy of the News/Media Release must accompany the Application when submitted.
• Class 1 Races must also be publicised (by the Organisation) as a Public Notice in the local newspaper, at least seven days prior to the event.
• At the time of lodging a road cycle race permit application, organisers are encouraged to liaise with relevant Local Government Authorities and/or Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources whose roads it is intended for the race to travel. Early liaison with these bodies will facilitate a well organised and co-ordinated event. The organising body must supply a copy of the ‘Road Cycle Race Permit’ and Traffic Control Plan to the Local Government Council in the area(s) where the race is to be held at least 14 days prior to the race. This will allow Council time to evaluate any problems with the proposed route, such as road works, mains works or other public functions being held in the area of the proposed route.

Traffic and Road Safety

If the projected speed of the racers exceeds the posted speed limit or prevailing speed of traffic on the road, the road must be closed to other traffic when racers are present. Tasmania Police and the organiser must consider total road closures or neutralisation of the race for portions of the race course when heavy traffic, difficult turns, high racing speeds, narrow roads, or other conditions are present. As a general rule a permit will not be granted for races being conducted on any road where the speed limit is 110 km/h. A permit may be granted in extenuating circumstances depending on the size and type of race and consideration to any possible disruption to traffic flow that might reasonably be expected to be on the roadway at that particular time. Permit applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Races must not be run on some roads at certain times because of high traffic volumes. If the race is to pass through an intersection controlled by Traffic Control Signals then the Traffic Control Plan for the race must require that the signals be turned off by Tasmania Police and the police must be engaged to control traffic at the intersection for the period that the race passes. Alternatively, police may manually control the signals to provide right-of way for the cyclists in the race. If the race is to pass through an intersection controlled by a STOP or a GIVE WAY sign facing the competitors, then the Traffic Control Plan must specify the traffic arrangement to be put into place for the duration of the race. A police officer will be required to stop traffic if the road cycle race requires full right of way. In planning the traffic arrangements for races, organisers need to take account of the impact of potential delays that may be caused to other road users and minimise those to the greatest extent possible.

Spectator and Public Safety

The organiser must ensure that adequate spectator facilities are available, including parking, rest rooms, and observation space. Spectators are not permitted to spill onto the road. Spectator parking and associated facilities must not be located on the side of main roads in use for the road cycle race, except where off-road locations have been established for vehicle parking, such as rest areas. Proof of appropriate public liability insurance must be provided.

Special Conditions by Race Type

• Criterium
  Complete closure of the race course is required. If multi-lane streets are used, it may be acceptable to allow a partial closure. In this case, adequate protection from traffic must be provided with approved cones, fencing, and barricades. Opposing traffic must not be allowed immediately adjacent to a closed circuit. Parked vehicles must not be allowed on the race course. A detour around the race course must be defined before the race course can be approved. The organiser must sign a detour route in accordance with the race Traffic Control Plan. Affected businesses and residents should be notified, in writing, by the organiser at least one month prior to the application lodgement. Traffic Marshals must be placed at all street intersections to control pedestrian flow and to monitor motorists’ use of the detour. A police presence is advised in urban areas with significant traffic volumes. If the race course is closed to motor vehicle traffic, signs must be installed to warn affected motorists that the road is closed, in accordance with the race’s Traffic Control Plan.
• Duathlon/Triathlon/Multi-Sport Race
  The cycle segment of a duathlon, triathlon, or multi-sport race normally functions like a time trial and in these circumstances it must follow the rules for time trials. However, if the cycle segment of a duathlon, triathlon, or multi-sport race is planned as a “drafting legal” race it must follow the rules for a road cycle race
• Point-to-Point Road Race
  Road race traffic control should not require competitors or the general public to break road transport legislation. If the route for a race passes through traffic control signals, STOP or GIVE WAY signs or turn signs, the Traffic Control Plan for the race must identify alternate traffic arrangements to be put into place for the duration of the race. In circumstances where it is necessary for competitors or other road users to do something contrary to road transport legislation then this must only be done at the specific direction of Tasmania Police. The sanctioning organisation should work with police to limit the field size to the maximum number that is safe for the particular race. This number will depend on the race course and conditions. A complete road closure or well-organised protected/rolling enclosure should be established for Class 1 road cycle races. A rolling enclosure by police escort should be used when the field size and road conditions warrant this level of protection. This may be when the race course is located in a heavy traffic area, under special circumstances, or when the field size approaches 100. Intersections of roads with low traffic volume such as rural roads may not need Traffic Marshals unless there are special circumstances that require additional traffic control. Major road intersections, where the side road has high traffic volume and is controlled by STOP signs, may need police to stop and hold traffic. Turning left or right at an intersection must have appropriate traffic control. Crossing of major roads will generally require police presence. Intersections should be marked with signs to warn affected motorists in accordance with the Traffic Control Plan.
• Road Races on multiple lap/circuit courses
  Complete closure of the race course may not be required by Tasmania Police unless traffic levels, and or competitor numbers, become sufficiently large to warrant the closure of part of, or the entire course. Part closures are not recommended as this can lead to confusion among competitors or motorists as to whether they have free access to the road at any given point of the race. If a partial closure is used, adequate protection from traffic must be provided with approved cones, fencing, and barricades. All road crossings and turn-arounds must have appropriate traffic control and details of the control must be set out in the Traffic Control Plan. Traffic Marshals must be placed at locations where pedestrians may wish to cross the course, to control pedestrian flow and to monitor motorist’s use of the road. Any points where competitors are required to make a ‘U’ turn on the road, a Traffic Marshal must display a red flag warning drivers of other traffic approaching such point. Traffic Marshals may be placed at particular points on the course where required by the organiser to warn riders and motorists. Traffic Marshals are not permitted to perform point duty and must be wearing a bright safety vest and be carrying a red warning flag. Details of where Traffic Marshals are situated must be set out in the Traffic Control Plan. Each section of the roadway must clearly display a warning sign advising road users of “Cycle Race in Progress.”
• Time Trial
  No field limits are necessary where cyclists are riding single file at timed intervals. A road closure is generally not necessary, although this depends on the location and circumstance of the race. In some instances, such as busy roads, closures may be required as for other races. Riders must follow the rules of the road unless special traffic control is provided.

Traffic Control Plans and Signage

Organisers of a road cycle race and sanctioning bodies have a responsibility for the safety of all people who are involved in the race and the general public who may have their normal travel or business affected by the race. Of paramount importance in ensuring the safety of people at a race location is the need to provide a high standard of traffic control around and in advance of the race course. This can only be done through the systematic consideration of the conditions to be encountered at each race venue and designing and implementing a specific plan for the control of both competitors and other traffic in the area of the race.

Design of Traffic Control Plans

Appropriate warning signs are a vital component of any Traffic Control Plan. Compliance with Traffic Control Plans will take precedence over any operational or competitive expedience encountered in the conduct of a race.

Responsibilities for Traffic Control

The race organiser of each road cycle race is responsible for ensuring that all Traffic Control Plans are put in place in a timely manner prior to the race and removed at the conclusion of the race.

Signage

Where road races are conducted on multiple lap/circuit or point to point courses signs are to be erected bearing the words “CYCLE RACE IN PROGRESS”. All signs should be clearly marked on the Traffic Control Plan. All signs should be at least one metre by 0.6 metre with black letters 125 mm high by 100 mm wide, constructed of sturdy material with yellow background. For a multiple lap/circuit course, signs must be clearly displayed at locations as shown in the approved Traffic Control Plan. For point-to-point races, signs should be clearly displayed at locations as shown in the approved Traffic Control Plan. If a start/finish banner is to be used over a roadway, its lowest edge must be 4.5 metres above the roadway and the banner must be removed promptly at the completion of the road cycle race.

Escort Vehicles

All escort vehicles must have an amber flashing light affixed to the roof, clearly visible from all directions and operating whilst escorting cyclists in a race. Authority to use a rotating amber flashing light is granted pursuant to Regulation 108 of the Vehicle and Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 2001. Signs fitted to escort vehicles are to be clearly visible to other motorists. Escort vehicles must be equipped with two-way reliable and instant communication adequate to provide voice communication between drivers at all times during the race. The communication should be capable of being sustained over a distance of at least five km under conditions normally encountered during the race. The drivers of the escort vehicles should continuously monitor the communications during the race. Escort vehicles must be of such design as to afford observers clear and unobstructed vision both front and rear. Escort vehicles must be in a safe operational condition and properly registered. For multiple lap races and point-to-point races an escort vehicle must precede the competitors usually at a distance of 200 metres, bearing a sign clearly visible to drivers of approaching vehicles, displaying the words “RACING CYCLISTS FOLLOWING”. For multiple lap races and point-to-point races an escort vehicle must follow the rear most competitor, or the rear of the main group, and display to the rear a sign clearly visible to drivers of any overtaking vehicles with the words “RACING CYCLISTS AHEAD”. An intermediate escort vehicle must be used if the competitors are likely to be spread out over more than 2 kilometres. Riders who drop behind the follow escort vehicle must obey all of the rules of the road. As a guide, when twenty or more vehicles are lined up behind a road cycle race and delayed for more than ten minutes, the road cycle race must be neutralised at a place of safety to allow vehicles to pass. As a general rule the rear vehicle should follow the rear of the main bunch of cyclists at all times. Once a rider(s) has dropped further than two minutes behind the main peloton the rear vehicle should overtake those rider(s) and advise them that they no longer have the protection of a rear vehicle. In some instances a race organiser or Commissaire may direct the dropped rider to withdraw from the race by removing the race number affixed to the riders’ person. THIS POINT SHOULD BE CLEARLY EXPLAINED AT RACE BRIEFING PRIOR TO THE START.

Police and Traffic Marshals

The organiser is responsible for developing the Traffic Control Plan. The race organiser is responsible for ensuring that the traffic control measures set out in the Traffic Control Plan are properly and fully implemented at an appropriate time before a race passes any given point. The race organiser is also responsible for ensuring that all temporary traffic control measures put in place for the race are removed immediately following the race. Police and Traffic Marshals are needed to organise and stage a safe road cycle race. The duties of police and Traffic Marshals are distinct and different. Police are responsible for stopping, holding or directing motor vehicle traffic during a road cycle race. Traffic Marshals are responsible for crowd control, providing direction to competitors, providing direction to pedestrians and minor traffic control in car parks and other non-road areas. Traffic Marshals or any other person associated with the race, have no legal power to not stop, hold or direct traffic on any public road, this includes Motor Cycle Marshals.

Police and Traffic Marshals need certain information in order to do their jobs effectively. They must know:

• the time and direction to expect racers moving through their intersection
• their dress and equipment requirements. Traffic Marshals need to wear fluorescent yellow/orange high visibility vests
• the entire race course, starting times, and estimated ending times, in order to be prepared and to answer motorists’ questions
• the specific provisions of the Traffic Control Plan under which they are working, including all the warning or regulatory signs that need to be erected at their specific location
• that only a police officer can direct traffic at a set of traffic signals that have been taken out of operation
• police control is to be used at intersections where the Traffic Control Plan requires police control, and
• it is the responsibility of the race organiser to ensure that Traffic Marshals are properly briefed for their task and particular location prior to the commencement of the race.

Race Caravans and Enclosures

The race caravan is a traffic control and race management method designed to provide for the safety of cycle racers and the general public during point-to-point road races. Different races have different needs. Variables include road condition and width, traffic volumes and speeds, number and complexity of intersections with other roads, side traffic access requirements, and the number of racers. This method of traffic control is generally only used for Class 1 races. The caravan concept allows the road to be closed for short periods, sparing the organiser, local authorities, and the local public the cost and inconvenience of total road closures. The caravan allows a race to move along a lengthy race course with minimal disruption to the travelling public. Race caravan concepts can be employed to find the best race management strategy for a given location and level of race promotion. It should be the goal of the organiser, sanctioning organisation and Tasmania Police to find the best combination of safety, security, and efficiency to suit a particular road cycle race. All caravan and enclosure plans have the same common elements: an “enclosure” of lead and follow vehicles within which the competition takes place, including the riders, officials, technical and medical support, and any accompanying Traffic Marshals. In larger cycle race events, police officers may operate in front of and behind the enclosure, assisting in the temporary closure and reopening of the road as the cycle race event passes.

Centreline Rule

Critical to the successful operation of a race enclosure is the application of rules regarding the road centreline. Where road races work with a rolling enclosure, riders are under strict rules to never cross the centreline of the road. Sanctions for crossing a centreline range from warning for accidental crossing, relegation or disqualification in the cycle race event, to suspension of a rider’s licence. In larger races, the caravan requires significantly more police and Traffic Marshal support, which allows the use of a protected enclosure, in which the entire roadway is closed to traffic while the race passes. Riders are allowed the use of the full road, but must move to the left if race vehicles need to pass. Such enclosures require police support at the front and rear to open and close the road, with Traffic Marshal support on motorcycles, to maintain the closure within the “envelope” of the race.

Escort Vehicles

The lead and follow vehicles in road cycle races serve a vital function in providing safety to riders and advance warning to other road users.

Police Escorts

In moderate to major road cycle races, the role of the police escort is fundamental to the success of the race. Police escorts can be used with Rolling Enclosures and serve to reinforce the legitimacy of the road cycle race. Police direction is required for the establishment of a Protected Enclosure. Police escorts can respond to emergencies or illegal behaviour by other motorists or any other person near the road cycle race and provide a radio linkage to other emergency services. Most police escorts maintain position at the front and/or back of the enclosure, and do not “leapfrog” to cover adjacent streets. Such a practice is difficult due to the delays involved in passing the peloton, and the limited amount of time available to close and reopen the road and return to position. Such a practice can be successfully accomplished, but requires a significant number of police officers and motorcycles. Usually, a combination of stationary Traffic Controllers, Traffic Marshals and police officers work in concert with race officials to effect the most efficient closures.

Race Officials

Race officials work within the race enclosure to monitor the competitive conduct of the race and control the movement of vehicles within the caravan. Other officials are responsible for centreline rule enforcement and communication from officials to the riders. They provide intermediate lead and follow support should a peloton begin to break up during a race.

Support Vehicles

Support vehicles carry spare equipment for riders to use in case of mechanical breakdown. These vehicles operate under the direction of the Commissaire and must provide service from a stop at the left side of the road only. In larger races, all support vehicles have a race official on board as an observer. Generally, the more significant the road cycle race, the greater the effort required to run a successful race caravan. In small weekly road cycle races run by local clubs, a lead and follow escort vehicle may be all that is required to run a well-protected road cycle race. In larger road cycle races significantly more resources are required.

Race Planning

The planning of a competitive road cycle race is a process that involves the organiser, police and a sanctioning body. Planning for the road cycle race involves the logistics of handling the expected numbers of riders and spectators, the technical aspects of the race course and the review of the proposal to ensure the safety of the competitors and the general public. The following are areas that organisers will review and pertain directly to the race permit certification process.

Advising Riders of Traffic Arrangements

Prior to the race the Commissaire must fully brief all riders on the road conditions on the race course and the traffic control arrangements that are in place. In particular the Commissaire must inform all riders as to which parts of the course are closed to other traffic and which parts are not. All riders should also be reminded of their obligations under road traffic legislation and their obligations under the Centreline Rule.

Corners

When cornering, it is common for a race peloton to swing wide on the entrance and exit to a corner, in an effort to maximize the effective radius of the turn. This requires appropriate measures to stop traffic well in advance of any “turning zone.” This practice must not take place during a race unless the particular corner is rendered safe by the use of police to completely stop traffic around that intersection. Where police are not available all riders must obey normal road rules and keep as far left as practical. This point must be made clear at the race briefing. In the case of a protected enclosure, the police would stop on-coming traffic. Under normal circumstances Traffic Marshals will assist traffic to move through the conflict area before the arrival of the race, leaving the road as clear as possible in the lanes used for the road cycle race. Races conducted in areas of low traffic volume (rural areas etc) may not require Traffic Marshals for left hand right of way turns if visibility is clear and unobstructed. Riders must remain on the left side of the road and obey all road rules or risk punishment by the sanctioning body.

Feed Zones

During long road cycle races, riders often need to replenish the supplies of food and water they carry during the race. This is done in an area called the “feed zone,” where team managers or assistants, hand food in bags or water bottles to the riders. Most feed zones should have the following characteristics:

• gentle to moderate uphill grade to slow riders without forcing an “out of the saddle” effort
• wide shoulders
• parking for team vehicles off the race course, and
• feeding allowed from the left side of the road only, and only on designated laps and in designated locations.

Radios and Communications

The organiser should ensure that prior to the race all race officials who are to use radios for communications are familiar with the operation of the radios and the appropriate call signs and protocols. For races with police support the organiser should also liaise with the senior police officer to ensure that appropriate communication is in place between race officials and police.

Riders Area

Usually, the vehicles that accompany the race also stage in this area. When the race is ready to begin, the entire race enclosure moves onto the road at the start line, and the race begins with as little delay as possible.

Start / Finish

For most road cycle races, a desirable Start/Finish area has excellent visibility for monitoring the arrival of the racers and for advance control of traffic in the immediate area. The finish of a race often involves special preparation. In major races sufficient width needs to be provided to allow riders to sprint safely, usually starting from a visible marker, 200 metres prior to the finish line and ending 200 metres past the finish. Riders must obey traffic regulations at the finish of a race and keep on the left hand side of the road way unless other traffic changes have been made as per the approved Traffic Control Plan (ie closed road). Unless full road closure is permitted, under no circumstance should any rider cross onto the incorrect side of the road.

Warm-Up

It is highly desirable to designate roads off the race course for riders to use for warming up and down prior to and after their road cycle race. It is undesirable to have riders warming up on the race course when other races are in progress.

Definitions

• Breakaway
  A breakaway is one or more riders that have ridden ahead (off the front) of the main group. This creates a gap or open roadway between the breakaway and the main group. A breakaway in a road race is considered potentially serious when the gap between the breakaway and the main group reaches one minute or greater. Race officials need to consider splitting the race caravan for serious breakaways.
• Class One Race
  A Class One Race is a major sporting event that impacts on major traffic and transport systems due to the size of the field or route taken. For example, the Tour of Tassie which is conducted on major arterial routes and through major cities and towns.
• Class Two Race
  A Class Two Race is a road cycle race that is sanctioned by the TCF as on OPEN race or event run by another organising body that has significant race numbers and impact on traffic systems.
• Class Three Race
  Any other road cycle race that has less impact on traffic systems. Club races run on frequently used routes fall into this category.
• Closed Circuit
  A race course that is completely closed to general motor vehicle traffic and on which pedestrians are under some form of control. Closed circuits are most often used in criteriums or road cycle races that use a relatively short lap (1 to 8 kilometres).
• Commissaire
  A Commissaire is a cycle race official who is responsible for the conduct of the race. Every road cycle race must have a Commissaire and the name of the Commissaire must be nominated in the application form. The Commissaire is responsible for the adherence of the race to the regulations of the sanctioning organisation and to the terms of any race permits issued for the road cycle race. The Commissaire manages the officiating staff and the race and has the authority to revoke the sanctioning body’s permit for road cycle race that fail to meet the sanctioning body’s standards.
• Cycling Australia (Australian Cycling Federation)
  Cycling Australia is the principal body for the competitive sport of road, track and mountain bike cycling in Australia. Cycling Australia is responsible for the Cycling Australia Technical Regulations, which set out the competitive rules that apply for road cycle racing in Tasmania.
• Draft Legal
  A term used in triathlon races to describe the cycle portion of the race where riders are allowed to ‘pack’ ride or draft behind other riders, as opposed to non-draft legal races that prevent riders from following another rider too closely.
• Dropped (“Off the Back”)
  A rider who cannot keep up with the pace of the main group. In most road cycle races, a rider who drops behind the race caravan (rolling enclosure) is obligated to follow all the rules of the road. The rider may also be removed from the race at the discretion of the race officials.
• Escort Vehicles
  Motor vehicles used to designate the front and back of a rolling enclosure of a specific race. These vehicles are noted by signs and flashing amber lights. In some road cycle races, the lead escort vehicle may be preceded by a police escort.
• International Triathlon Union
  International organisation for the sport of triathlons.
• Must
  Must is a mandatory condition. Requirements stipulated by “must” are to be met in order to stage the road cycle race.
• Neutralise (Neutralise the Race)
  A temporary suspension of the race, usually accomplished by slowing the racers and confining the race to a small portion of the road. This is often done to allow safe passing.
• Organiser
  The person or organisation responsible for organising the road cycle race. The organiser is frequently a cycle or triathlon club.
• Peloton / Pack
  The main group of cycle riders in a road cycle race.
• Protected Enclosure
  A form of traffic control used for point-to-point road cycle races in which the full width of the road is closed to other traffic as the race passes any given point. The road reopens after the race passes.
• Race Organiser
  The race organiser is a race official who reports to the Commissaire. The race organiser is responsible for ensuring that all Traffic Control Plans are implemented in a timely manner and are maintained throughout the race. The race organiser is also responsible for briefing Traffic Marshals and competitors prior to race.
• Rolling Enclosure
  A rolling enclosure is a form of traffic control used for point-to-point road races where escort vehicles form a “caravan” leading and following a group of racers. The closure sets aside a moving part of the roadway in the direction of the race for use of the race competitors. Racers inside the closure are controlled by rules set out in these guidelines, CA Technical Regulations and the police conditions of approval for the race. Racers are not allowed to cross the centre line unless the entire road is traffic controlled.
• SAG Wagon
  A car or truck that picks up or otherwise assists riders who have had to stop riding, either due to fatigue, injury, or mechanical failure.
• Support Vehicle
  A vehicle that is part of the regular race caravan and provides mechanical support (spare wheels, replacement cycles, etc.) to the racers. These vehicles operate within the established race enclosure under the direction of the Chief Referee. Other support vehicles may provide medical support to the race. Support vehicles need to be readily identifiable.
• TCF (Tasmanian Cycling Federation)
  TCF is the governing body for cycling competition in Tasmania, and is affiliated with the national body, Cycling Australia. The TCF is the sanctioning organisation for road cycle racing in Tasmania.
• Traffic Control Plan (TCP)
  A Traffic Control Plan is a plan showing the layout of signs, road markings, barriers, other devices and or Traffic Controllers/Marshals to be used to control traffic or people at a particular location.
• Traffic Controller
  A police officer or person with the legislative authority to give directions to drivers, pedestrians and other road users and who has been directed by a police officer to do the same.
• Traffic Marshal (includes Motor Cycle Marshal)
  Person responsible for providing direction to competitors, pedestrians and crowd control. Traffic Marshals DO NOT have the legal power to stop, hold or direct traffic on public streets.
• Triathlon Australia
  Triathlon Australia is the principal body for the competitive sport of triathlon in Australia.
• Triathlon Tasmania
  Triathlon Tasmania is the governing body of Triathlon in Tasmania and is responsible for the development of the sport of triathlon in Tasmania. Triathlon Tasmania is the sanctioning body for triathlon and duathlon races in Tasmania.
• Union Cycliste Internationale – UCI
  The UCI is the international controlling body for the sport of cycle racing.
• Veterans Cycling Council
  Tasmanian Veterans Cycling body affiliated with the Australian Veteran Cycling Council. The sanctioning body for veterans cycle races, ie riders aged over 35, females over 30.

Types of Cycle Races

• Criterium
  Criteriums are massed start, high-speed cycle races in which riders race around multiple laps of a closed circuit race course to compete for order of finish. Criteriums are usually held on closed public streets. The race course is normally up to three kilometres in length.
• Duathlon, Triathlon, or Multi-Sport Race
  A multi-sport race in which cycle racing forms an essential component of the complete race. The cycle race segments of these races are usually conducted like time trials.
• Mountain Bike
  Mountain bike races are held on unpaved roads and tracks, although paved sections are sometimes incorporated. Almost all mountain bike races are held on circuits closed to other traffic. Most mountain bike races are massed start cycle race events, although a mountain bike race may break up and resemble a time trial.
• Road Race
  Road races are massed start cycle race events in which riders complete a race course for order of finish. The race course may be point-to-point, a large circuit, or repeated laps of a shorter circuit. Road races may be held on rural or suburban roads. At any one time a road race may consist of one or more peloton or peaks of riders, breakaways and or dropped riders.
• Stage Races
  Stage races combine several different types of cycle races into one multiple part cycle race event. Stage races commonly include road races, time trials, and criteriums. These races are usually scheduled over a period of two or more days. Order of finish is determined by lowest combined elapsed time or combined points depending on the scoring format. Such cycle race events require significant preparation and staffing.
• Time Trial
  Time trials are cycle race events in which individuals or small teams of riders, ride the same route and distance separately for elapsed time. Time trials are generally started at preset intervals and held on an out-and-back or circuit course.

Contact Information

• Police
  Organisers of proposed road cycle races should contact the office of the Police District Commander in the area where the race is to commence. The Tasmania Police general contact phone number is (03) 62 302111.
• Tasmanian Cycling Federation (TCF)
  The TCF is an organisation designed to serve the needs of racers and race organisers throughout Tasmania. Through membership in the organisation, organisers have access to race equipment, traffic signs, radio communications, and other assistance. Contact Robyn Bailey.
• Tasmanian Veteran Cycling Councils (TVCC)
  The TVCC is affiliated with the Australian Veterans Cycling Council and caters for male riders over 35 and female riders over 30. Contact Michael Donovan (03) 6394 8183.
• Triathlon Tasmania
  Triathlon Tasmania is the state controlling body for triathlon racing and is affiliated with Triathlon Australia. Contact (03) 6240 5421 or email admin@tas.triathlon.org.au .
• Local Government Association
  The contact for the Local Government Association of Tasmania is Grant Atkins (03) 6424 6650.

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