RVCC organizes and participates in a Mountain Bike Patrol which covers Ringwood State Park and The Ramapo State Forest. This page will provide the unit guide for our patrol, The Ramapo Trail Riders.

RAMAPO TRAILRIDERS MOUNTAIN BICYCLE

PATROL UNIT GUIDE

1. Member Packets

a) Site Maps

b) Vital Phone Number Card

c) Jersey

d) Decals

e) First Aid Supplies (to existing members); All Others To Pick Up

First Aid Back Packs At Ranger Station

2. Schedule Of Patrols

a) There will be a master calendar for about an eight month period.

b) It is the responsibility of Patrol Members to locate riding/patrol partners if they cannot keep their schedule.

3. Patrol Logs

a) Sample Patrol Log.

b) Logs to be filled out during patrol or immediately following patrol using notes from patrol.

c) A copy of every log shall be put in a master file by date of patrol. This log will be kept at the State Ranger's Office.

4. Educational And Special Events

a) In maintaining a high profile for the benefit of all park users, the Patrol Members should participate, when possible, in special events or educational fairs, including parades, fairs and emergency preparedness. Each request must be reviewed the approved by the coordinators to evaluate if participation serves the interest of the Ramapo Trailriders and/or the State Park Service.

5. Standard Operating Procedures - Mountain Bike Unit ("MBU")

A. Volunteers-In-Parks: MBU

a) MBU's are comprised of volunteer bicyclists.

b) Their primary function is to assist the Park Staff in providing public assistance, resource protection, first aid, interpretation of park rules and the natural and cultural resources of the mountains.

c) At present, the MBU is sponsored by Ramapo Valley Cycling Club ("RVCC"). RVCC will submit a list of all MBU members to the State Park Service. This list will include name, social security number, date of birth, address and telephone number.

B. Organization

a) The MBU activities are coordinated by a representative of RVCC working with the State Park Service MBU Supervisor.

b) The RVCC representative will recruit and schedule volunteers.

c) The State Park Service Supervisor provides guidance for all activities within the State Park Service's properties.

C. Recruitment

a) Volunteers-In-Park ("VIP") are recruited from mountain bicyclists in the local area and must be at least 18 years old.

D. Qualifications

a) Applicants for MBU must have their own mountain bicycles and helmet and demonstrate the ability to ride in all trail conditions.

b) Candidates for the MBU are given an orientation ride prior to being accepted. During this ride, both bike and rider are evaluated by an existing member of the MBU.

c) Knowledge required by the position, may include, but not limited to, being able to work with minimum supervision, intermediate mountain bicyclemanship, multi-media First Aid (training may be given) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (training may be given).

d) Responsibilities of the Patrol Members will be to wear the Volunteer uniform, provide courteous and knowledgeable contact with park visitors, provide transportation for yourself and your bike, ride only on designated roads and routes open for bicycles, use initiative on patrols and if needed, ask for assistance, instruction or advice.

e) Patrol Members must be in good physical condition to endure an all day ride. On occasion, lifting, bending, walking and/or climbing may be necessary.

f) As part of the Patrol Members work environment, you may be required to work outdoors all day in all types of weather and terrain, work weekends and individually available holidays and may be required to work in crowded areas, near moving vehicles or in secluded back country.

E. Orientation And Training

a) Each volunteer who is selected for service will be given an orientation on the State Park Service's history, philosophy, programs, objectives and safety.

b) They will be trained in park rules and regulations, radio procedures and be offered training in basic First Aid and CPR, as this is not required, but strongly recommended.

c) Additional training in search and rescue may be included, depending on that area's needs.

d) MBU members do not provide law enforcement functions.

e) Volunteers for the State Park Service are considered as unpaid employees and are entitled to State Worker's Medical Compensation if injured while on duty.

f) If a State Park Volunteer is injured while on duty, the State Worker's Compensation Fund may pay the associated medical expenses. The on-duty status will be verified with schedules and patrol logs and a signed VIP Application Form must be on file at the Ranger State located in Ringwood State Park.

F. Work Performance

a) MBU members are required to ride at least one day per month.

b) They patrol only when scheduled and ride in pairs. All patrols will carry prescribed equipment (radio, pack and first aid kit) and wear a proper uniform.

c) Members maintain a patrol log of the day's activities, documenting visitor contacts. Patrol logs are filled out at the end of the patrol at sign out in the Ranger Station.

d) Members are expected to patrol solely on routes legally established and open to bicycle use. These patrol routes are Ringwood State Park (Shepard Lake, Brushwood) and Ramapo State Forest (west side of Skyline).

G. Uniforms

a) A distinctive uniform is used to identify these MBU Volunteers to the park visitor. The uniform consists of black riding shorts and/or black tights, patrol jersey and patrol jacket.

b) Identifying patches and nameplates are to be worn. The State Park Service VIP Patch is worn on the left shoulder. Identifying patch of the Ramapo Trailriders is worn on the right shoulder. Nameplate is worn on the right breast.

c) Uniforms (excluding shorts, helmets and tights) remain the property of the sponsoring organization (RVCC). Volunteer patches remain the property of the State Park Service and are to be returned upon termination of service.

d) The uniform is to be worn at all times while functioning as a VIP. It is not to be worn when not "on duty" or when representing another organization.

e) All First Aid Back Packs, State and NMBP Patches, Jersey and Jackets are to be returned if not part of the MBU.

RULES OF CONDUCT

1. The Volunteers-In-Park (VIP) shall not accept any fee compensation, gift, payment of expenses or any other thing of monetary value, in which acceptance might result in, or create the appearance of, private gain.

2. The Volunteer shall seek the guidance and support needed to complete assignments. They shall be willing to adjust their procedures when suggestions and guidelines are made.

3. The VIP shall contact the Mountain Bicycle Unit Coordinator with suggests, comments or problems. If unable to contact the Coordinator, the VIP should contact the Chief Ranger at Ringwood State Park.

4. The VIP shall report for duty as previously arranged with the MBU Coordinator. 24 hour advance notice shall be given if unable to report as scheduled. The Volunteer should remember that he/she are part of a team and the other members are depending on them.

5. The VIP will ride his/her bike in a safe manner.

6. The VIP will not willfully disobey any lawful order issued by a Park Employee, nor shall he/she speak disrespectfully to any visitor or Park Employee.

7. The VIP will not work while in possession of or under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, drug or compound.

8. The VIP shall not use obscene language.

9. The VIP shall observe precautions for personal safety, posted rules, signs and safety instructions.

10. The VIP shall not abuse access to information, facilities, equipment and materials.

11. The VIP will report any trail/other maintenance needed observed on his/her ride to a Park Ranger or the MBU Coordinator, who will fill out a work request and route to maintenance. Safety hazards will be reported immediately using the park radio system.

 

VOLUNTEER RIGHTS

1. The same fair personnel practices as paid staff, including nondiscrimination in hiring, non-exploitive work conditions, confidentiality, etc.

2. Be treated as co-worker by paid staff.

3. Be given assignments that are worthwhile and challenging.

4. Be given a variety of experiences.

5. Be trusted with the information needed to carry out assignments effectively.

6. Be part of the flow of communication (meetings, memos) so you know how your job relates to the total operation.

7. Receive orientation and training for your job, i.e., the chance for a successful experience.

8. Receive clear and non-conflicting guidance and direction.

9. Not have your time wasted because of poor preplanning and coordination within the organization.

10. Receive regular, clear feedback on whether your work is effective.

11. Honest counsel and encouragement from your supervisor on new or other opportunities (paid and non-paid).

12. Be heard. Participate in decision making as relates to planning for and evaluating the programs you serve.

13. Reasonable freedoms in completing assignments in accordance with the level of responsibility accepted.

14. Be recognized for your contributions, particularly by staff who work on a daily basis alongside Volunteers.

OPERATING PROCEDURE

MBU operates on weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from 1st weekend in April to last weekend in May. 8:00am to 12:00 pm from 1st weekend in June to 1st weekend in Sept..9:00am to 1:00pm 2nd weekend in Sept. to 1st weekend in Nov.

At approximately 8:00 a.m. arrive at Ringwood Ranger Station, located at 1304 Sloatsburg Road, to pick up radio and fanny pack with equipment unless other arrangements are made.

Sign out and drop off equipment where you got it by 4:00 p.m.

Procedures will be developed for expanded patrol hours.

 

Public Relations

The VIP is a valuable component of the visitor's park experience. The VIP shall always maintain a well groomed appearance. The VIP will treat all public contacts with courtesy and respect, and will be patient, tactful, knowledgeable and helpful. They will provide information regarding park rules and regulations, local attractions, activities and current road and trail conditions. They will be well versed on local services such as stores, gas stations and medical facilities. The VIP should be trained in standard First Aid and CPR and will alert a Park Ranger in an emergency situation, through standard operating procedures.

Park Inspections

VIP's, as part of their patrol rides, will inspect all facilities and areas of the park for safety and attractiveness. All vandalism will be noted and reported in the daily patrol log.

Reporting System

The VIP will be given patrol logs to fill out each day when riding. This log will help keep track of people met along the way, problems encountered and travel time between point to point.

Enforcement of Rules

Volunteers in MBU should have a working knowledge of agency and park rules and regulations. When violations occur, the following policies should be adhered to:

a. In cases where a first violation occurs and the offender is present, the VIP shall identify themselves and offer verbal counseling for the infraction and the violator will be urged to comply with the applicable rules and regulations. The VIP shall always be friendly and tactful.

b. If violations are repeated, then the VIP shall summon a Park Ranger or other appropriate authority.

When an emergency situation arises where life or property is in danger, a Park Ranger is to be called. These incidents include motor vehicle accidents, suspicious persons, domestic disputes, search and rescues, "shots fired", wildland fires, :"fight in progress", emergency medical services, and major first aid or evacuation. Radio protocols should be reviewed for proper reporting procedures.

Equipment

Fanny packs (back packs) will include the following:

Minor First Aid Equipment;

Communications Radio;

Park Brochures

Patrol Incident Reports

A radio and case will be provided. While riding, you will soon learn the hard to get out of ("dead") places, and the spots for clear broadcasting. Valleys are usually the worst spots, hilltops the best.

Approximately every 2 hours broadcast a call with your exact location. If you are entering an area where you know communications are bad, radio to dispatch before you enter the area and tell them you will be out of radio contact. When you are back in radio contact, let the dispatcher know.

Call numbers for the MBU are MB1 and MB2.

Other ranger radio call numbers are attached to the back of your radio.

Radios

Radios are engineered to give heavy duty performance with normal usage. They cannot withstand being dropped or knocked around. Treat the radio as the delicate instrument it is.

Check for damage: Check the radio for any missing or obviously damaged parts. If any parts are found missing or damaged, take the proper steps in reporting them as soon as possible and make a report of damage to a Ranger.

On/off volume contract: Adjust the volume control so that the volume is at an appropriate level. IN order to determine if the radio is operating, turn the squelch until a rushing noise is heard.

Radio Vocabulary

Ringwood State Park does not use any "ten-code" for radio communications. The list of approved vocabulary, below, should take care of most radio communication needs. These words should be memorized and used whenever practical.

Affirmative (Yes) Urgent (Respond Quickly)

Negative (No) Disregard

Copy (Acknowledgment) Request Ambulance

In Service (Location) MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident)

Out Of Service (Location) Location (Where Are You)

En Route To (Location) Fight In Progress

Arrived (Location) Emergency Traffic

Say Again Emergency--Help (Location)

Prepare to Copy Copy

Unable To Copy (Transmission Not Coming In Clearly)

Stand By (Information Will Follow Shortly)

There are also a few words and phrases which should not be used. Examples are:

Thank You

O.K., See You Later

Thanks A Lot

Good Morning

Personal Names

Any Ten-Codes