The I.C.R.S. makes the sport of cycling available to everyone. More categories and levels means more interaction and more fun. Appropriately grouped levels make cycling activities predictable, comfortable and safer for participants, and opens up a wide variety of event formats. Organizers planning events can use the I.C.R.S. to manage a large numbers of cyclists at different levels. The essential fun factor stays even though the number of cyclists increases.

Organizers can be creative, mixing and combining categories traditionally separated by gender or age. Groupings can be combined and handicaps set up. New types of recreational and competitive formats are available, providing variety to the cycling calendar. The I.C.R.S. includes the whole family.

 

When cyclists share roadways with cars and other motorized traffic, the cyclist’s actions must be predictable and follow the same sets of rules. Appropriately-grouped riders can maintain the same speed and pack formation, reducing the number of overlaps, passes and lane changes. Fewer riders get dropped off the back or feel frustrated because the pace of the group is too fast, or too slow.Recreational rides and competitive events can be designed to make group riding andtouring safer, and more fun. Ride distances, terrain, start and finish lines can all be modified to accommodate different ability levels.

 

The International Cycling Rating System provides standards for rating the cycling environment. Cyclists can make appropriate choices when selecting distances and routes. Bike handling skills are taken into account, reducing exposure to unnecessary accidents and injuries. Cyclists can have an experience that is challenging without exceeding their ability levels and compromising safety. Likewise, parties responsible for managing popular cycling areas reduce their exposure to liability claims by posting signage indicating I.C.R.S. ratings. This provides cyclists advance notification of the required ability levels, placing the responsibility of route selection and personal safety on the cyclist.

 

The I.C.R.S. allows for matching the coach to the class. Safe bicycling techniques, drills for skills and basic educational programs can be tailored to ability levels. The graduated rating system provides a logical progression for both students and instructors. Benchmark proficiencies and performance standards can be established for educational, developmental and competitive cycling programs. The training and development of instructors and coaches is a logical extension of a uniform rating system.