EVENT EMERGENCY PLAN

EVENT EMERGENCY PLAN

Our number one priority is the safety of all racers, volunteers, spectators, and the general public during the event. The following serves as a guide for everyone involved, directly or indirectly.

Event Participants (Riders, Volunteers, Spectators & General Public) – Responsibility for Self
Barry-Roubaix takes place on open, public roads and city streets throughout Barry County. While our team works year-round with local police, fire, and emergency medical services to create a safe event environment, safety is everyone’s responsibility.
By participating as a rider, volunteer, or spectator, you acknowledge that the event involves inherent risks, such as traffic and weather, that cannot be fully controlled. Please stay alert, follow all rules of the road, and take full responsibility for your own safety and navigation while enjoying the race.

Event Authority and Changes to Published Plans
The Race Director(s), along with designated race officials, reserve the exclusive right to delay, re-route, pause, neutralize, or cancel the event at any time due to severe weather, unforeseen natural events, or other factors that create safety concerns in any aspect of the event..
These decisions are made in the best interest of all involved and to protect the welfare of everyone, including the broader community. If the event continues, the decision to participate in any capacity remains with each individual based on their personal sense of safety.

Pre-Race Emergency & Safety Communication
In the event of an emergency, weather situation, delay, or cancellation, critical information will be communicated through:

  • Cell phone calls and text messages to racers, volunteers, and key stakeholders

  • Announcements via PA system and verbal updates from on-course personnel (corner marshals, SAG vehicles, motos, sheriffs, aid station volunteers, and emergency personnel)

Pre-Race Severe Weather
If severe weather occurs prior to the race start, racers will be notified by text regarding any delay, postponement, or cancellation.
If severe weather occurs at the start, please seek shelter in the nearest building basement, such as Green Street Church, Barry County Enrichment Center, High Point Bank, Ace Hardware, etc.

Pre-Race Medical Attention
If you need medical attention before the race, Corewell Health will have a triage tent located at the end of the start/finish chute. Hastings Police and Fire will also be present for emergencies.

Additional Pre-Race Safety Measures (Start/Finish Area)

  • Interaction between racers and spectators will be minimized with 2,000 feet of barricaded race chute

  • Major intersections will be secured with city plow trucks, construction equipment, or concrete barricades. These will also be positioned by the start/finish chute to protect racers within the chute and after-party areas.

  • AEDs will be stationed at the start/finish area with emergency personnel, the triage tent, and Central Race Command

During the Race – Rider Responsibility for Self
We have an extensive number of emergency personnel and volunteers stationed throughout the course to assist with directions, medical concerns, and communication. Riders must obey all rules of the road and traffic laws.
All courses remain open to traffic and may include vehicles, horseback riders, quads, and motorcycles. Follow all instructions from sheriff marshals and volunteer corner marshals. Only proceed when directed to do so —it may be necessary to stop for your own safety.

The course is NOT closed to traffic. Standard cycling rules apply:

  • Stop at all stop signs

  • Yield to vehicles

  • Ride no more than two abreast

  • Do not cross the yellow center line

Each rider is responsible for navigating the course safely.

During Race Emergency & Safety Communication
In the event of an emergency, weather situation, race delay or cancellation, the primary means of communicating critical information will be through:

  • Cell phone calls and text messages to racers, volunteers and key event stakeholders

  • Verbal updates from on-course personnel (corner marshals, SAG, motos, sheriffs, aid stations, emergency staff)

During Race Severe Weather
If severe weather occurs, racers and volunteers will be notified by text with instructions. Seek shelter wherever possible (homes, churches, low areas).
Race organizers may neutralize or stop the race competition for the safety and wellbeing of the participants and volunteers. If emergency sirens go off, seek shelter immediately.

During Race Medical Support

Life-threatening or severe injury:

  • Call or text 911 and provide your location

  • If cell service is limited, use text-to-911 where available

  • In the event a rider is transported to a hospital, Race Command event personnel will communicate with the rider’s emergency contact and provide information on the rider’s location and personal belongings.

Non-life-threatening injury:

  • Riders may choose ambulance transport or SAG support (616-287-0574)

  • Riders, bikes, and belongings will be transported to Hastings

  • Based on injury, riders may be taken to Corewell Health Pennock Hospital, the finish-area triage tent, or their vehicle

On-Course Support
In addition to emergency and SAG support, EMTs will be stationed at all four aid stations. They will be equipped with limited medical supplies to treat minor injuries as well as AED’s

On Course Law Enforcement and Corner Marshals

  • The busiest corners, intersections and road crossings are staffed by sheriffs with cruisers with lights flashing to bring attention to autos and riders

  • Many of the less busy intersections may have volunteer marshals with high-visibility vests and cautions signs. They are not there to direct traffic, but rather to bring awareness to autos and riders of each other’s presence.

Not all intersections are staffed. Riders must proceed with caution at all times. It is a rider’s responsibility to navigate and proceed safely.
Riders on the course past cutoff times should expect reduced support and increased interaction with traffic. Follow the rules of the road.

On-Course Evacuation
In the event of a major emergency, Hastings Public School buses may be used for mass evacuation of participants and volunteers.

DNF Reporting
All participants must be accounted for. If you leave the course at any time, please text race officials at 616-287-0574 with “DNF” and your bib number.