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RE: Long time away, long shot query Dr Bikes
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adrianrw-@hotmail.com
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Jan 21, 2009 14:53 PST
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keith wrote:
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I'm in a bit of a dither over Doctor Bike sessions.
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Then I'm told it can only be done by 'qualified' people - but not why
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I can't afford the £300 or whatever to get a bit of paper saying I can
give a rear-mech a tiny tweak or even just straighten a saddle.
I'ver asked LCC and they are shite, I've asked locally and can't get any
reply that is any use --
What is the law on this?
Is there even any legislation?
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If I can't find out what my position is legally, I might as well fuck
off and play with myself if I keep getting told to keep my hands off of
bikes.
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Keith
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As advised you could be sued if you personally do anything to someone
else's bike which puts them at risk. It is unlikely you would do
anything obviously wrong like disconnect brakes and send them off
downhill or into traffic so you could argue about the validity of your
actions increasing the risk in any dispute.
I'm surprised about what you wrote about LCC (London Cycling Campaign)
because I have done Dr Bike on and off for a few years without ever
having a bit of paper behind me. My understanding is that LCC has some
corporate insurance which covers volunteers acting in their name if it
is an advertised LCC event and that includes for any local group. I
think you need to ask to speak to a legal specialist for LCC, not the
first person who answers the phone. Every two months London Cyclist mag
carries a full page listing all London Dr Bike workshops including the
one I do 10 months per year. I've never been asked to be "qualified"
and I don't suppose all the other volunteers are. My qualification: 50
years of doing my own maintenance and still alive.
These days volunteers are more likely to be asked if they have a had a
check by Criminal Records Bureau. Some organisers are trying to protect
young cyclists from a volunteer mechanic who might want to apply a
screwdriver to the cyclist rather than the bike. I have had summer
workshops seemingly organised by others and then cancelled because the
checks were not done or someone else was paranoid about security and it
was ruled out by lack of insurance cover.
It is possible that you/we are only supposed to give advice at Dr Bike
sessions such as fill in a checklist of defects and advise the cyclist
to take that with the bike to a shop for maintenance. I find that too
frustrating and I do minor adjustments. Nobody tells me not to adjust
things at present and I regard it as useful to show people how easy
small adjustments are. I think you need to sort out with whoever is
telling you to stop and with LCC legal staff what your position is.
Adrian Williams
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