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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the world of marshalling, and thank you for your interest in this important Think Bike activity. Think Bike has supplied marshals for various events for a number of years, and over time we have not only built up a wealth of marshalling experience, but have also seen our marshals become highly sought after. We are regularly approached by the organisers of high-profile events to supply marshals. These events include major cycle races, like the Pick n Pay 94.7 Cycle Challenge and the Pick n Pay/The Star Fast One, which annually draw more than 7 000 entrants per race. As marshals, we have been entrusted with the safety of vast numbers of participants on predominantly public roads a huge responsibility by any measure. When you volunteer for marshalling duty, the head marshal will assign you to a specific position. The main purpose of this guide is to explain what the various positions are and what responsibilities and duties each position entails. This guide is intended mainly for first-time marshals and those who have marshalled only once or twice before; however, even experienced marshals may learn something new, so please take the time to read through the guide before reporting for your next marshalling duty. What is a TB Marshal? A Think Bike Marshal is a safety officer who helps to ensure road safety at certain events. These events may include cycle races, pedestrian events, motorcycle runs or escort duty. You neednt be a motorbike rider to be a Think Bike marshal we also recognise pillion marshals

who actively contribute to event safety. What do they do? The marshals' role is to ensure safety through traffic control where necessary, controlling and directing participants, enforcing the event rules when required, assisting other road users to safely go around the participants, etc. Why become a marshal? Marshalling is "riding with a purpose". It is a way to use your love of riding to further Think Bike's traffic safety and awareness aims. It can be fun and exciting sometimes, and tedious and boring at others but it's a great way of making friends who share your passion. What are the criteria to become a marshal? There are no criteria as such, but there are certain characteristics we look for in marshals. A good marshal is: mature responsible assertive a quick thinker a reasonably skilled rider (to be a mounted marshal).
Think Bike, 2010. This guide may not be distributed without express written permission from Think Bike Head Marshals. Modifications, including (but not limited to) changing the title, producing derivative works, removing Think Bikes name and branding from the guide, or reproducing abstracts hereof, are not allowed.

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ACCREDITATION
In order to become and remain an Accredited Marshal, you will need to be a paid up Think Bike Member. Think Bike Marshalling has a formal hierarchy of ranks. The structure (from most junior to most senior) is as follows: Trainee Marshal Accredited Marshal Senior Marshal Deputy Head Marshal Head Marshal Once an Accredited Marshal, you will be required to marshal at : Six sanctioned events (made up of three paid and three unpaid events) Attend one Marshal Training Course (refresher training) - which consists of a theoretical session only

When you start marshalling, you will start as a Trainee Marshal and you will be required to marshal at : Five major events (excluding Saturday cycle clubs) including at least one dismount to regulate traffic at an intersection. Examples of major events include 702 Walk the Talk, Bikers Against Crime, 94.7 Cycle Challenge, Toy Run, etc. Five cycle club training runs (at least two of each club) these rides take place on a Saturday morning and are a contractual agreement between Think Bike and certain cycle clubs. Attend one Marshal Training Course - which consists of both a theoretical and a practical session.

IMPORTANT: The above requirements need to be met each year and points can not be carried over. Think Bike Membership must also be renewed annually to avoid accreditation being revoked. The Marshal Regalia you receive during training and when being knighted, remains the property of the Think Bike Marshals and must be returned when leaving the Marshal fraternity.

Accreditation is not automatic upon meeting these criteria. On completion of all of the above requirements, you will be subjected to a Skills Assessment. If satisfied, the Head Marshals will accredit you and if not, they will suggest further in-the-field training.

TYPES OF EVENTS
Events can be divided into three categories in terms of road closure: full closure (road is completely closed to vehicular traffic), partial closure (some, but not all, lanes are closed to vehicular traffic) and open (no restrictions on vehicular traffic). An open event represents the highest safety risk, and therefore requires strict enforcing of the event rules by marshals. Because the event participants share the road with other traffic, the marshal needs to ensure that the participants are not at risk from traffic. In the discussion of the various positions, we will explain this in detail. In a partially closed race, one of the marshals responsibilities is to ensure that the participants remain in the designated lanes. Owing to the danger to all involved, traffic authorities are becoming stricter about separating the participants from the rest of the traffic, and it is the marshals task to help achieve this. Events have been cancelled in the past because of participants failure to adhere to the rules of the road.

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POSITIONS

Pre-event sweep As a pre-event sweep, you will be sent along the route before the start of the event. You must do a final check of the road surface and report any potential dangers and hazards to the Head Marshal, who will in turn communicate this information to the organisers. You must also ascertain that the foot marshals are in position (if applicable), and that the refreshment points have been set up and are functional. Lead Your role is to ride in front of your assigned group. During a motorcycle event, this will entail setting the pace for the participants. Ensure that you know what the speeds on the various parts of the route will be the Event Captain will normally relay this information during his/her briefing. Make yourself and the participants visible to incoming traffic to warn the traffic of the event in progress. Depending on the situation, you can either stay with the leader or rove (alternate between the front and the rear of the pack, effectively fulfilling both lead and sweep duties). Your main duty is to ensure separation between the group and other road users. This includes, during open or partially closed events, to ensure that the participants remain within the dedicated lane(s).

Should you pass any unguarded junctions (junctions where foot marshals or traffic police are not present) that you deem dangerous; stop, dismount from your bike and regulate the traffic to ensure the participants safety. Sweep In this position, your role is to ride behind the group and look for any problems. Consider that the lead bike may be unaware of accidents happening behind him/her should this happen, stop, assess any injuries and request the JOC to send emergency services if necessary. Additional tasks of the sweep are to guide vehicles past the group if and when the situation allows it, and to assist the lead bike with traffic control when required. Post-event sweep Your duty will simply be to ride along the route to ensure that all participants have completed the event and that no participants have been left stranded without support. Reaction During full-closure events, you may be assigned as reaction. In this case, you will react to incidents and accidents. If medical intervention is required, report the incident and request medical services if necessary.

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EVENT CAPTAIN

Every marshal event has an Event Captain the person in charge of that event. He or she has a number responsibilities, which are detailed in this section. Captaining an event is not limited to the senior ranks only. In fact, the Event Captain is often not even the most senior marshal present. We encourage marshals to captain events, because youll need the experience in order to qualify for promotion to Senior Marshal. The first responsibility of the Event Captain is to ascertain who the participating marshals will be. A call for marshals for a particular event will normally be posted on the marshalling board on the Think Bike forum, to which attending marshals will add their names. This list will help you in planning the allocations of the marshals. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient marshals to fulfil the task at hand; if not, you can either try to get more marshals, or change your planning to accommodate the number of marshals you have. You will also have to ensure that you are familiar with the route of the event. Scout the route beforehand or, if it isnt possible, study the route map so that you can determine what challenges you may face. Once done, you can decide which marshalling technique to use (see Traffic Control elsewhere in this guide). Based on this, you can now plan the allocation of your marshals (for example, Marshal X must control the intersection of A and B streets, or Marshals Y and Z will be lead and sweep respectively of Group C).

With some events, it may be necessary for the Event Captain to liaise with the relevant traffic authorities. This may include arranging permission to block intersections, display marshal plates, decrease the speed limit in the interest of the safety of participants, etc. You will need to find out from the Head Marshals whether this has already been done (during major events the organisers normally liaise with the authorities) or if you should do so. If so, the Head Marshals should be able to give you the name of a contact person at the relevant authority. Make sure that you convey the meeting points and times to the marshals. Depending on the event, the marshals may meet at the start venue, or at individual venues that may be convenient for them and proceed to the start venue in a group. Also stipulate the time the marshal briefing (see below) will take place. On the day of the event, you need to make a list of the attending marshals, so that you can confirm attendance with the Head Marshals to ensure that points are allocated to your marshals. This is very important, since the points system is not only used for accreditation but also as a record of marshalling experience. Before the event, you will be required to brief the marshals, as well as the participants. We have developed a template (see annexure) that you can print and complete to ensure that your briefing covers everything.

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TRAFFIC CONTROL

During some events, you may be expected to close off intersections and regulate traffic. Intersection closure can either be mounted (remaining on your bike and positioning it so that you can prevent vehicles from entering the route) or dismounted (getting off your bike to regulate traffic). Should you dismount, remember that your first priority is your own safety and that of your bike. In either case, once the main group has gone through, leave the junction and proceed to the next one. Intersection closure techniques Think Bike uses mainly two techniques to close intersections: a static road block or a rolling road block. Which technique is used depends on the situation, as explained below. Static road block If there are sufficient marshals, or only a few intersections to close, then the static road block is the

simpler option. In this case, marshals are assigned to a specific intersection where they wait for the group of participants. As the group approaches, the marshals close the intersection and allow the group to pass through. Once the entire group is through, the marshals release the traffic, fall in behind the group and follow it to the end venue. Rolling road block For longer events, or events where there are not sufficient marshals to cover all the intersections, the rolling road block technique is used. In effect a rolling road block means that the marshals move with the participant group and close off intersections as needed. Depending on factors such as ease of overtaking and distance between intersections, one of two variations of this technique (or a combination of both) may be used.

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Leap-frogging used where there is sufficient space and distance for the marshals to overtake the group. The designated marshals block off an intersection, allow the group to go through, release the traffic and overtake the group to cover the next open intersection.

Spot-and-replace used when intersections are too close together, or the route does not allow the marshals to overtake the group. The marshals are divided into two groups, the stopper group and the replacement group. The stopper group gathers up in front of the procession, with the replacement group behind them. The stopper group leaves, followed after a few minutes by the replacement group. The main procession leaves a few minutes after the replacement group. As the stopper group reaches an intersection, the designated number of marshals peel off and block the intersection.

Figure 1 The front pair of marshals move into the intersection and stop the traffic.

The marshals at the first intersection hold their position until the replacement group arrives. Marshals from the replacement group then peel off, release the stopper marshals and hold the intersection until the main procession has gone through. They then fall in behind the procession and follow it to the end venue. The released stopper marshals proceed ahead of the main procession to the next intersection to repeat the procedure.

Figure 2 When the participants have gone through the intersection, the marshals rejoin at the rear.

Figure 3 As soon as traffic allows it, they overtake the participants and form up at the back of the marshal group, just in front of the lead marshal(s). As the marshals ahead of them block intersections, this pair will work their way to the front, where they will repeat the procedure.

Should the scenario require it, the replacement marshals may leave just as the participants arrive in the intersection to allow them to stay in front of the participants. However, this leaves the intersection unguarded, and it is rarely used in practice.

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Blocking intersections If you should need to close an onramp on a freeway, it is safer to close it at the top of the onramp. In such a case, its advisable to dismount, go to the driver of the first car and advise him/her of the reason for the closure and the expected duration. You should also inform him/her that you will let him/her through as soon as it is safe to do so. Remembering that your number one priority is safety, you must first observe the location where you will be directing traffic. Take into consideration the volume of traffic, the location, and the time of day, and plan your strategy accordingly. Decide on a pattern and follow it so drivers can anticipate what you plan to do. Once you step into the intersection, act deliberately and confidently. If you look uncertain or undecided, you will soon lose control of the situation. On the other hand, if

directions of travel by just moving your head. Once traffic has slowed, make sure that all vehicles have completely stopped before allowing the next direction to proceed. Whenever directing, use your entire hand. Your motions should be deliberate, concise and clear. Remember, in some situations, traffic speeds can be quite high clarity is the key to your success. If you have to handle an intersection alone, it is best to control one direction at a time. Evaluate each situation and decide which method is the safest. Position yourself in a place of advantage, in an area in which you will not block oncoming traffic. You can usually find a safe spot by locating gravel and debris in the centre of an intersection. Debris that is not disturbed indicates an area traffic rarely use.

you act with confidence, people will most likely accept that you have authority. This doesnt mean that you should become the dictator of that intersection it is a good idea (if the situation allows) to explain to at least the first few drivers why you have stopped them, and how long you anticipate to holding them there. You will often hear a variety of excuses why a given driver cannot afford to wait. Some of them may be valid, such as a medical emergency use your own judgement whether or not you to allow the person to proceed, considering the safety impact such a move may have on the event participants. Do not allow a vehicle to proceed unless it can be done safely. While directing traffic, stand sideways to oncoming traffic this allows you to watch both

When two people are controlling an intersection you MUST communicate with the each other never assume the other person will know what you intend. Failure to communicate properly will at best cause confusion and loss of control of the intersection, and at worst cause an accident. Determine beforehand who the lead marshal will be. The lead marshal will decide which direction of traffic is to continue; the supporting marshal(s) must take his cue and coordinate their instructions accordingly. Never use yourself as a roadblock. You may be tempted to step towards a vehicle that is not slowing down. Train yourself to do the opposite, step back and get out of the way, since your body cannot stop a moving vehicle.

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ACCIDENT SCENES
Your first responsibility on at an accident scene is to ensure your own safety. When you arrive on the scene, make sure that you park in a safe place, and keep a lookout for oncoming traffic you wont be of much help to anybody if you are injured yourself. If warning cones or other warning devices are available, put them out to warn other road users of the dangers ahead. Support fractured limbs to minimise movement that could cause more damage any hard, straight object could be used as a splint. Alternatively, just hold the fractured limb steady to minimise movement. Dont try to align a fracture you could cause further damage and bleeding if you do. Try to support the neck so the rider can maintain an airway by holding the neck and head aligned. Place the palms of your hands on either side of the riders jaw with fingers towards the back of the neck. If the rider is vomiting, turn him/her on his/her side to ensure that he/she doesnt choke, and open the helmets visor. Use the technique discussed above to move the rider if it is necessary. Dont remove his/her helmet helmets should only be removed by trained medical personnel. Also, dont remove any clothing unless it is causing strangulation. Stop any excessive bleeding by putting direct pressure on the wound, or by applying a pressure bandage. Blood loss can be dangerous; as you probably know, a person who loses a lot of blood can die from it, so treat it seriously. Always insist that the injured rider be seen by a paramedic. An accident victim may be able to stand up or walk around, but that doesnt mean he/she hasnt suffered internal injuries that may escape the untrained eye. Calm the rider down, and get him/her to sit or lie down to prevent aggravation of the injuries. Call emergency services immediately, or if youre busy, ask somebody else to do it mere minutes can sometimes make the difference between life and death. When reporting the accident, make sure you know where you are. Identify your location from landmarks, road signs and intersections, and give the operator this information to ensure that paramedics get to you quickly. You can call 112 free of charge, irrespective of your cellular network, and they will transfer your call to the appropriate emergency service. Also keep the following additional emergency numbers handy you never know when you may need them: ER24: 084 124 National Emergency Number: 10177 Netcare 911: 082 911 You may not want to be in the situation, but if you are and you know what to do, you can make a big difference.

Remember to put them far enough away from the scene to give road users enough advance warning. If the injured rider is lying in the roadway, its a good idea to ask somebody else to park a car between the rider and the rest of the traffic, and to turn the cars hazard lights on. Dont take your marshal jacket or Think Bike bib off it will help make you more visible to other road users Dont try to move the injured biker, unless he is in immediate danger of getting injured further by other road users. He/she might have suffered injuries not visible to you, and moving him/her could aggravate those injuries. If it is absolutely necessary, move the rider as a unit and prevent his/her neck from moving independently from his/her body. This should be done by four people one person holding the neck and head, one person grabbing his/her shoulders, one person grabbing the pelvis and one the legs. Move the rider on the count of the person holding the neck.

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GENERAL INFORMATION
Code of Conduct Marshals are expected to adhere to the Marshalling Code of Conduct, which can be found in the Marshalling Admin board of the Think Bike forum. Please familiarise yourself with this code. Joint Operations Centre As a marshal, part of your duty is to be the organisers eyes and ears on the ground. At most cycle events, a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) will be established, and Think Bike will be represented in the JOC. Make a note of the phone numbers of the Think Bike JOC staff, and communicate any problematic issues to them (this will include safety hazards, irresponsible behaviour by participants and support vehicles, medical emergencies and any other issue that you feel the organisers need to be made aware of). The JOC staff will communicate this information to the relevant officials. Medical emergencies Emergency medical services (EMS) are usually arranged for the events at which we marshal. In the event of an accident or other medical emergency, do not give first aid to injured participants if you are not trained to do so you may risk aggravating their injuries. Communicate the nature of the emergency and your location to the JOC staff, who will alert the EMS. Should EMS not be immediately available, refer to the Accident Scene Management section of this guide for suggestions on what to do until they arrive. Authority During some of the events, you may be given the authority to disqualify participants for repeatedly disobeying your instructions. Use this authority wisely and responsibly, and remember that you have been appointed as a safety officer, not as a policeman. Your responsibility is to keep the participants safe, not to intimidate them. Do not place unnecessary limitations on the participants in the case of a cycle race, for example, give them ample opportunity to race as long as you deem it safe to do so. After all, it is a competitive event; dont stifle their competitive spirit with petty restrictions. Warnings During events in which you have the authority to disqualify participants, you will be issued with red and yellow cards, similar to those used in other sports. Use the yellow card to warn any participant who has transgressed traffic or event rules, who endangers other participants, or who is excessively abusive towards you. You should warn participants twice during an event before disqualification. Identify the participant you are warning clearly, so that you dont confuse anybody, and make sure that he/she is aware of being warned and what his/her transgression was.

Disqualification With your final warning, inform the participant that he/she will be disqualified should he/she repeat the transgression. Should he/she persist and you decide to disqualify him/her, show him/her the red card, make a note of his/her number and communicate it to an event commissaire or the JOC. Do not attempt to remove a disqualified participant from the event if he/she doesnt withdraw voluntarily, unless he/she poses a clear danger to the rest of the participants. Transgressions for which participants may be disqualified will be communicated by the Head Marshal before the start of the event. Trip meter/Odometer If your bike is equipped with a trip meter, its a good idea to reset it before the start of the event. If you marshal in an unfamiliar area and you cant pinpoint your exact position, you can tell the JOC the distance down the route so that they can locate you quickly. If you dont have a trip meter, you should make a note of your odometer reading before the start of the event.

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EVENT CAPTAINS BRIEFING

R Route Information
Route and map Speed limit Rural Toll fees
where applicable

Remember the word R I D E S

Urban

Estimated time of trip

Any hazards on road

Fuel stops planned

Pit stops planned

I Group Riding Instructions

Formation that will be used Leaders (Who the leaders are and how to
identify them)

Staggered

Single

Marshal introduction (How to identify

them and what their role is)

Changing Lanes

Observation (What to look out for)

Regrouping (Where) Group travel speed

Speed will be indicated by slowest riders in the group.

Positions in group

Least experienced riders in the front/middle of the group. Riders with pillions at/in the front/middle/back of the group. Experienced riders at/in the front/middle/back of the group

Passing of other traffic Staggered: 2 seconds behind the person in front of you. 1 second behind the person on your left/right Single File: 3 seconds behind the person in front of you

Following distances

.Expected weather/visibility

D Destination
Destination

Entrance

Parking

Any other rules

E Emergency
In the event of a Puncture

Mechanical failure

Rider down

Collision

S Signals
See annexure A.

Marshals
List of marshals attending. : Remember to mail this to the Think Bike Head Marshal for points allocation.