F
I've long been dismayed at the liability waivers for invitational
rides. I understand their purpose - but is it really necessary to
make a bike ride sound like such an extreme danger?
Anyway, I think the all-time champion waiver has arrived by mail.
It's from Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, for GOBA, the Great Ohio Bicycle
Adventure. I've pasted about a third of it below.
(Surprisingly, no mention of meteorite strikes!)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In signing this agreement for myself or for the named participant (if
the participant is under age 18), I know that those participating in
The 2008 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) will be exposed to the
risks of serious bodily injury, sickness, death, or loss of property
due to the circumstances inherent in this event including the
negligent acts or omissions of others. I also understand and am aware
that there are a variety of specific risks and dangers inherent in a
voluntary bicycling event such as GOBA including, without limitation,
falls, collisions with other bicyclists, motor vehicles or stationary
objects; adverse weather conditions; and those caused by conditions of
the road. I also understand that by participating in GOBA I will be
riding my bicycle on public roads with many other bicyclists, some of
whom may be inexperienced at riding in groups. I also understand that
the large number of bicyclists in GOBA many of whom are inexperienced,
adds a further element of danger.
I understand that during GOBA I may suffer serious bodily injury,
sickness, or death, while walking or travelling via bus or other motor
vehicle or boat, due to my own carelessness or because of the
negligence of others. I further understand that I may be exposed to
these same risks while engaged in other voluntary activities such as
dancing, swimming, and dining during GOBA.
I understand as well that I will be camping outdoors during GOBA and
that this necessarily involves being exposed to the elements including
the risk of unpredictable and possibly dangerous weather conditions
such as severe or violent thunderstorms, rain, hail, lightning, wind,
and tornadoes either during the day or at night. In exchange for being
permitted to participate in GOBA I voluntarily agree to assume all of
these and the other risks inherent in GOBA....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.... and then it gets into permitting medical treatment, required hat
styles, indemnifying & holding harmless, choice of courts of law, and
all the rest.
Dancing! Dining! Wind! Rain!
Has anybody seen a scarier waiver?
- Frank Krygowski
rides. I understand their purpose - but is it really necessary to
make a bike ride sound like such an extreme danger?
Anyway, I think the all-time champion waiver has arrived by mail.
It's from Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, for GOBA, the Great Ohio Bicycle
Adventure. I've pasted about a third of it below.
(Surprisingly, no mention of meteorite strikes!)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In signing this agreement for myself or for the named participant (if
the participant is under age 18), I know that those participating in
The 2008 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) will be exposed to the
risks of serious bodily injury, sickness, death, or loss of property
due to the circumstances inherent in this event including the
negligent acts or omissions of others. I also understand and am aware
that there are a variety of specific risks and dangers inherent in a
voluntary bicycling event such as GOBA including, without limitation,
falls, collisions with other bicyclists, motor vehicles or stationary
objects; adverse weather conditions; and those caused by conditions of
the road. I also understand that by participating in GOBA I will be
riding my bicycle on public roads with many other bicyclists, some of
whom may be inexperienced at riding in groups. I also understand that
the large number of bicyclists in GOBA many of whom are inexperienced,
adds a further element of danger.
I understand that during GOBA I may suffer serious bodily injury,
sickness, or death, while walking or travelling via bus or other motor
vehicle or boat, due to my own carelessness or because of the
negligence of others. I further understand that I may be exposed to
these same risks while engaged in other voluntary activities such as
dancing, swimming, and dining during GOBA.
I understand as well that I will be camping outdoors during GOBA and
that this necessarily involves being exposed to the elements including
the risk of unpredictable and possibly dangerous weather conditions
such as severe or violent thunderstorms, rain, hail, lightning, wind,
and tornadoes either during the day or at night. In exchange for being
permitted to participate in GOBA I voluntarily agree to assume all of
these and the other risks inherent in GOBA....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.... and then it gets into permitting medical treatment, required hat
styles, indemnifying & holding harmless, choice of courts of law, and
all the rest.
Dancing! Dining! Wind! Rain!
Has anybody seen a scarier waiver?
- Frank Krygowski
