BIKE VIRGINIA Accident Waiver & Release of Liability

Updated 06/30/2025

By voluntarily participating in a BIKE VIRGINIA event, ride, or tour (hereafter referenced as Event) as a rider or volunteer, I agree and acknowledge the following:

1. Inherent Dangers - I am aware that bicycling involves certain inherent dangers, including but not limited to the hazards of roads and off-road terrain; weather; accidents; actions of participants, motorists, and other persons. I acknowledge that I am aware of the rules of the road applicable to bicycles.
2. I pledge to obey Virginia and West Virginia traffic laws for cyclists. I understand that in Virginia and West Virginia bicyclists are held to the same responsibilities as a vehicle and I may be ticketed. Single file riding when vehicle traffic present. Double file maximum when no traffic is impeded. Completely at stop signs, wait for red lights, obey yield signs. Do not cross yellow lines or center of lane unless turning. Ride to the right with traffic. Signal for turns. Pace line riding and drafting prohibited. No using aero-bars in the presence of other riders. Do not drink alcohol and ride. Do not wear earphones in both ears while riding.
3. Physical Fitness - I certify that I am physically fit, have sufficiently trained for participation in the event and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person.
4. Bicycle Helmets - I understand that bicycle helmets are required to participate in the Event and I agree to wear a helmet while riding in the Event and to follow the rules of the road and all applicable laws and safe bicycling practices.
5. Photo and Video Rights - I hereby grant BIKE VIRGINIA the unconditional rights to use any images or video taken of me during the Event for nonprofit, educational, or other non-commercial use without requiring BIKE VIRGINIA to notify me, seek my permission, or own any form of compensation. I understand these images will be used in an appropriate and respectful manner.
6. Assumption of Risk - I freely and voluntarily accept all risks of injury, death, or property damage. I understand and agree that none of the parties described below may be held liable in any way for any occurrence or accident in connection with the Event. I hereby RELEASE from any and all liability BIKE VIRGINIA, its officers, volunteers and agents, their respective successors and assigns, ride sponsors and supporters, against all claims, including, but not limited to, claims of negligence, unintentional acts, and acts of omission, and any personal injury, loss or expense, which may arise from my participation in the Event. I understand I am responsible for my own conduct and decisions while participating in the event and further agree that this Waiver & Release shall apply to any claim arising out of my participation in non-bicycling activities while a participant in the Event.
7. Medical Emergency - In the event of an illness, injury or medical emergency arising during the event I hereby authorize and give my consent to the Event Director to secure from any accredited hospital, clinic and/ or physician any treatment deemed necessary for my immediate care. I agree that I will be fully responsible for payment of any and all medical services and treatment rendered to me including but not limited to medical transport, medications, treatment and hospitalization.
8. Binding and Contractual - This Waiver & Release is intended to be binding upon me, my family, my heirs, my estate, my legal representatives, and assigns. I understand that the terms of this document are contractual and not a mere recital.
9. Commonwealth of Virginia - I acknowledge and understand that this Waiver & Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the Commonwealth of Virginia and State of West Virginia and that this Waiver & Release is governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard for any conflict of laws provisions. If any provision of this Waiver & Release is held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity or un-enforceability of such provision will not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release, which will continue in full force and effect.
10. Voluntary Participation - I am participating in the Event only after having carefully read its contents. I am aware that I am giving up legal rights by signing this Waiver & Release and that I have no obligation to participate in the Event. I hereby represent, warrant, and certify that I am at least 18 years of age.
11. Participating Minors - For each participant who is a minor, the adult participant registering on their behalf represents and warrants to BIKE VIRGINIA that they are the legal guardian of that minor and possess full legal authority to release and waive claims and to covenant not to sue on that minor’s behalf. By signing this form, I am acknowledging that I am at least 18 years of age. By registering for a minor, I am agreeing that I am their parent or legal guardian and am releasing BIKE VIRGINIA from any claims, lawsuits, or responsibilities for that minor.
12. Event Pledge - I pledge to stay alert, have the right attitude, and cooperate with ride officials, volunteer staff, police and government representatives. I pledge to help where I can. I will act respectfully to the host community and act in a manner that is respectful to other participants.

BY INDICATING YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT AND WAIVER DURING YOUR VOLUNTEER OR RIDER REGISTRATION PROCESS, YOU ARE AFFIRMING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS AGREEMENT AND WAIVER AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU ARE SIGNING THE AGREEMENT AND WAIVER FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY AND INTEND BY YOUR ACCEPTANCE TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.