Certification

Certification at the San Diego Velodrome

Riding safely on a velodrome is a learned skill. Everyone on the track is moving fast, in close proximity, on fixed-gear bikes with no brakes. To keep riders safe and sessions predictable, all riders at the San Diego Velodrome are required to follow a shared set of rules and protocols. Certification is how we ensure that everyone on the track understands and can apply those rules.

 

Only an SDVA-approved coach may grant Safety or Racing Certification at the San Diego Velodrome.

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Who needs to be certified?

To protect all riders and manage risk, the following rules apply:

• Safety Certification is required for:

  • Anyone who wants to ride the track outside of an SDVA class or event

  • Anyone who wants to purchase/hold an SDVA membership that includes track access

  • Youth and adult riders alike

• Racing Certification (or explicit approval from the Racing Director) is required for:

  • Participation in SDVA mass-start race programs (e.g. Friday Night Racing)

  • Other SDVA racing events where Racing Certification is specified

• Exceptions

  • Riders participating in Introductory Classes or other SDVA-run clinics may ride without prior certification while under the direct supervision of an SDVA-approved coach.

  • Any other exception must be pre-approved by the SDVA Board of Directors and may be limited to specific dates, events, or uses.

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Types of Certification

We recognize two levels of certification at the San Diego Velodrome:

1. Safety Certification

2. Racing Certification

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Safety Certification

Goal: Ensure that a rider can use the velodrome safely and predictably around other riders.

 

Safety Certification focuses on:

 

Knowledge & awareness

• Understanding velodrome equipment and basic bike setup

• Parts of the track and appropriate use (apron, sprinter’s lane, blue line, rail/boards)

• Track markings and what they mean

• Where and when to enter and exit the track safely

• How to walk across the track safely

• Basic bike awareness and maintenance

• Knowing and responding to the “STAY” command

• Responsibility for locking/securing the facility when leaving (for members with access)​

 

Riding skills

• Basics of riding a fixed-gear bicycle:

  • Starting and stopping safely

  • Controlling speed without brakes

• Holding a straight, predictable line on:

  • The sprinter’s lane

  • The blue line

  • The boards/rail

• Knowing how to pass safely in each lane

• Riding a basic paceline on:

  • The sprinter’s lane

  • The blue line

  • The boards

 

Once a rider has completed Safety Certification, they may:

• Join the San Diego Velodrome Association (SDVA) as a member in good standing

• Use the facility during Open Hours

• Join SDVA-approved coached workout sessions that require Safety Certification​

 

Racing Certification

Goal: Ensure that a rider can participate safely and predictably in mass-start racing with changing speeds, close quarters, and tactical positioning.

 

Racing Certification includes all of the above Safety Certification skills, plus:

 

Group & race-specific skills

• Riding comfortably in a pack with close proximity to other riders

• Maneuvering through traffic in a controlled and predictable manner

• Applying safe racing protocol when speeds are changing:

  • Accelerations

  • Decelerations

  • Surges and splits in the field

• Demonstrating situational awareness:

  • Understanding your position on the track

  • Anticipating moves around you

  • Communicating clearly and predictably

• Applying basic race strategies and tactics in common mass-start events

 

Once a rider is Race Certified, they may:

• Race in Friday Night Race events and other SDVA races that require Racing Certification

• Continue to use the facility as an SDVA member and join coached race workouts suitable for Race-Certified riders

 

The Racing Director and SDVA-approved coaches may recommend additional practice before granting Racing Certification if they feel more skill development is needed for safe racing.​

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How to become certified

New to track cycling (no prior certification)

Most riders will complete both Safety and Racing Certification by successfully finishing an Introductory Class taught by an SDVA-approved coach.

 

A typical path:

1. Register for an Introductory Class.

2. Attend all sessions, where you’ll learn:

   • Fixed-gear basics

   • Track rules and etiquette

   • Safety skills and group riding skills

   • Introductory race skills

3. Demonstrate skills on the track under your coach’s supervision.

4. Upon successful completion, your coach will:

   • Grant you Safety Certification, and

   • Grant Racing Certification if you have demonstrated the required racing skills and group comfort.

 

If you are not yet ready for Racing Certification at the end of the class, you may:

• Receive Safety Certification only, and

• Continue building skills in coached sessions and return later to be evaluated for Racing Certification.​

 

Riders certified at other velodromes

We frequently welcome experienced riders who have already been certified or raced at other velodromes.

 

Because every velodrome has slightly different rules, track shapes, and speeds, outside certifications are not automatically accepted. Instead:

1. Contact the Racing Director before racing.

   • Email racing@sdvelodrome.com

   • Provide details such as:

     • Where you were certified

     • A brief summary of your racing experience (years of experience, categories, etc.)

2. The Racing Director may:

   • Grant you provisional Racing Certification,

   • Ask you to complete a short on-track evaluation with an SDVA-approved coach,

   • Require completion of an Introductory Class if your experience is limited or unclear.

3. For SDVA membership with track access

   • You may be asked to demonstrate skills and knowledge equivalent to our Safety Certification.

   • Documentation from another velodrome helps, but we reserve the right to require a class or evaluation before granting access.

 

This process protects both you and other riders by ensuring you understand our specific track, rules, and expectations.​

 

Safety, liability, and loss of certification

Track cycling carries inherent risks, including the risk of serious injury or worse. To manage these risks:

 

• Waivers & membership agreements

  • All riders must have a current SDVA waiver (and, when applicable, membership agreement) on file before riding.

  • Parents/guardians must sign for minors.

• Certification is not a guarantee

  • Certification confirms that, at the time it was granted, a rider demonstrated required skills and knowledge.

  • It does not guarantee future performance, safety, or that other riders will always follow the rules.

  • Every rider remains responsible for their own decisions and behavior on the track.

• Revoking or limiting certification

  • SDVA-approved coaches, the Racing Director, and the SDVA Board may suspend, revoke, or limit a rider’s certification or riding privileges if:

    • They repeatedly ride in an unsafe or unpredictable manner

    • They ignore instructions from officials or coaches

    • They violate SDVA rules, posted policies, or event regulations

  • In such cases, a rider may be required to:

    • Complete additional coaching or skills sessions, or

    • Re-take an Introductory Class or skills evaluation before being allowed back on the track.

• Uncertified or unauthorized riding

  • Riding the track without required certification, or bringing uncertified riders onto the track, is prohibited.

  • This may jeopardize SDVA’s insurance coverage and place both the rider and the organization at increased liability risk.

  • Violations may result in loss of membership, track access, or race eligibility.

 

This page is meant to explain our process and expectations, not to replace the official SDVA waiver, membership agreement, or event rules. When in doubt, please ask an SDVA coach, the Racing Director, or a Board member.