Welsh Cycling Cycle Race Marshals
NEG Marshal Expenses Claim Form: more>>>
CSAS Marshal Expenses Claim Form: more>>>
CSAS Infomation download: more>>>
The situation with cycle race Marshals has now changed considerably within Wales. Welsh Cycling can no longer ask its members, or anyone else for that matter, to stand on a public road and act as a marshal who stops or directs traffic or pedestrians. Members can still act as marshals on events but your powers are limited, relying heavily on the good nature of the public. We have all experienced an irrate driver who is not willing to stop and wished we had the powers to do so.
The law is very clear that in order to carry out such a task the persons must be empowered to do so by legislation e.g. Police Officer, Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's). If anyone stops or directs traffic or pedestrians without lawful authority will be committing an offence.
As a responsible National Governing Body, Welsh Cycling has taken steps to ensure that members are not put at such risk and at the same time help to secure the future of cycle racing on the roads of Wales.
Community Safety Accreditation Scheme
The Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) is a scheme established by the Police Reform Act 2002. This allows Chief Constables to empower accredited employees of accredited company's within their Police Force area with powers that have previously only be available to members of the Police Service e.g. stop and direct traffic and pedestrians.
W.C. is now an accredited company under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme with a growing number of accredited employees. These accredited persons are known by legislation as CSAS Wardens. The Welsh Cycling employed CSAS Wardens have been given the power to stop and direct traffic in the whole of Wales when engaged in the employ of Welsh Cycling. The legislation requires that ONLY employees of accredited companies can be accredited persons. Welsh Cycling CSAS Wardens are therefore employed by Welsh Cycling under a contract of employment in order to comply with the legislation.
Before an individual can be accredited there are a number of steps that must be followed:
1. They must complete Police Forms that will be used to carry out checks on that person to ensure that they are suitable for accreditation e.g. no serious criminal convictions.
2. The checks mentioned above must be completed satisfactorily.
3. Individuals satisfactorily complete training which is currently delivered by Gwent Police.
Wardens will be required to attend annual refresher training to remain accredited.
Welsh Cycling will:
1. Provide the training free of charge.
2. Supply the necessary high visibility clothing for CSAS Wardens to carry out their role.
3. With sufficient notice provide accommodation at the Welsh Institute of Sport at no cost to the individual for those that have long distances to travel e.g. North Wales members.
Because of the substantial financial investment by W.C. to accredit CSAS Wardens, W.C. will expect you to work on at least 6 events a year.
National Escort Group Wales (NEG Wales)
The National Escort Group is recognised by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) as the group that provides motorcycle escort for cycle races on the public roads, often working alongside Police motorcyclists.
The National Escort Group Wales is, as the name suggests, the Welsh region of the NEG. However, NEG Wales also includes those CSAS Wardens that are not NEG Wales motorcyclists.
In order to become a member of NEG Wales applicants must be able to comply with the following:
1. Hold a full motorcycle licence.
2. Own or have access to a suitable motorcycle e.g. touring or sports/touring motorcycle.
3. Undergo an assessment with one of our assessors.
4. Successfully complete an Institute of Advance Motoring motorcycle test.
5. Complete training and assessment on cycle races.
6. Be prepared to have an amber light pole fitted to the rear offside of your machine.
7. Supply and fit to your machine a radio communication system. We will give you as much assistance as we can with this.
After this process applicants will be a fully qualified members of the National Escort Group and eligible to assist with the escort of cycle races including the major U.K. races e.g. Grand Prix of Wales, The Tour of Britain etc.
Welsh Cycling will pay for the IAM test but all travelling costs in relation to the initial assessment, cycle race training and I.A.M. observed rides and test(s) will be at your own expense. When qualified, members will be entitled to claim payment of travelling expenses from their home, for the duration of the event and the return journey to their home at a fixed rate per mile - TBC.
CSAS and NEG Wales
Members can be both a CSAS Warden and a NEG Wales motorcyclist. This means that marshals can provide motorcycle escort for cycle races in Wales and when and where necessary stop their machine and stop and direct traffic and pedestrians. Currently members have to stop and get off their machines to stop and direct traffic or pedestrians.
NEG Wales manage their commitments and communications through a dedicated website at:
This website also includes booking information and contact details.
If you require further information or would like to speak to members of NEG Wales please visit www.negwales.com and request access to the site.
We are particularly interested in recruiting static/pedestrian CSAS Wardens in the South Wales area and both NEG motorcycle and pedestrian CSAS Wardens in North Wales.
Both The CSAS Warden scheme and NEG are the way forward to help secure the future of road racing in Wales. We need your help to make this happen !
