Awaremess – Code of Conduct for CMWC 2025 Sydney
Introduction
The Cycle Messenger World Championships 2025 in Sydney will bring together people from all over the world to celebrate cycling, competition, and community.
To create a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment, we are adopting the principles of Awaremess — a framework developed within the messenger community to promote awareness, inclusion, and harm reduction.
In line with Australian values of fairness, inclusivity, and respect, everyone at CMWC 2025 — racers, volunteers, organisers, and spectators — is expected to treat others equitably and with care, regardless of gender identity, sexuality, race, religion, ability, age, or background.
For more information about Awaremess principles, visit awaremess.org.
What is Awaremess?
Awaremess is about being conscious of how our actions affect others.
It encourages us to recognise boundaries, privilege, and differences in experience, especially in high-energy environments like races and social events.
Some participants may face challenges that others do not — for example, people from marginalised backgrounds or those who have historically been excluded from cycling spaces. Awaremess helps ensure these dynamics are acknowledged and addressed, so that everyone feels safe and included.
Core Behavioural Expectations
Principle | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
Respect Others | Speak and act with kindness. Avoid harmful language or behaviour. |
No Harassment or Discrimination | Do not engage in behaviour that demeans, marginalises, or intimidates based on identity or background. |
Consent Matters | Always ask before initiating physical contact or personal interactions. “No” means no. |
Be Mindful of Context | What feels comfortable to you may not feel comfortable to someone else — be aware of cues and adjust your actions. |
Support One Another | If someone appears uncomfortable or unsafe, check in or seek help from organisers or Awareness Team members. |
Follow Event Guidelines | Cooperate with instructions from organisers and volunteers working to keep the event safe. |
Unacceptable Behaviour
The following actions are not tolerated at CMWC 2025:
Harassment, intimidation, or abuse (verbal, physical, or digital).
Non-consensual physical contact or sexual advances.
Deliberate disruption of races, workshops, or social events.
Harassing photography or recording without consent.
Ignoring reasonable instructions from organisers or Awareness Team members.
Actions that create an unsafe or hostile environment.
Awareness Team
During the event, a clearly identified Awareness Team will be available to:
Listen to concerns confidentially.
Support individuals who feel unsafe or have experienced harm.
Help mediate and resolve conflicts where possible.
Escalate serious issues to organisers for further action.
Look for signage or badges identifying Awareness Team members throughout the event.
Reporting and Response
If you experience or witness behaviour that violates this Code:
Approach an Awareness Team member or event organiser as soon as possible.
Reports can be made in confidence.
The team will handle reports discreetly and respectfully.
Consequences may include a private warning, removal from specific activities, or removal from the event without refund if behaviour poses a risk to others. Participants asked to stop certain behaviour must comply immediately.