Frequently Asked Questions

SANCTIONS & LICENSES

1. The National Bicycle League will recognize and record the performance of all riders who hold valid licenses for the classes in which they choose to race at any event which enjoys the NBL’s official sanction. The National Bicycle League will not recognize or record the performance of unlicensed riders or of those riders whose licenses are suspended, revoked, or otherwise invalid, nor will it recognize or record the performance of properly licensed riders at unsanctioned events. It’s the rider’s responsibility to hold a valid license at all times. NBL assumes no responsibility for a rider’s failure to comply with this requirement. Both licenses and sanctions are granted by the National Bicycle League at their sole discretion and may be revoked, suspended or otherwise rendered invalid at any time either with or without cause by action of the director of competition or the board of trustees.
    
   

2. Separate licenses are required for the 20” and cruiser classes. A rider’s 20” license will indicate his birthdate, gender and proficiency level: either rookie, novice, expert, girl, Masters, A-Pro and Elite Men. Cruiser licenses indicate birthdate and gender only. Each of these licenses is normally valid for a period of one year and must be renewed annually. Adequate proof of age must accompany any initial license application, but need not be submitted with a renewal. Rider will not be ranked in any series until proof of age has been provided.
    
   

3. A new rider who has never raced before as part of the National Bicycle League may apply for a trial member’s license in any class. This trial membership will entitle him to race in the indicated class at local and national events for a period of thirty days. Rookies and novices will earn points and move-up awards during the term of their trial membership. At any time up to one year following its application date a trial membership may be converted to a full membership by payment of an additional fee and will expire one year from the original date of purchase at 11:59pm.
    
   

4. A person wishing to obtain a 20” license may apply for full membership at any proficiency level either at or above that at which he has previously raced either as part of the National Bicycle League or under another recognized sanction, except for the Elite class. Anyone not meeting the age requirement for the Elite class will be allowed to race open class only. Proficiency levels are ranked from lowest to highest as follows:
   For boys: rookie, novice, expert, Masters, A-Pro and Elite Men.
   For girls: rookie. girls classes, Junior Women and Elite Women.
    
   

5. A-Pro, Elite Men, Masters, Elite Cruiser, Junior Women and Elite Women are optional classes recognized only at national events and are open only to participants aged sixteen and older.

Back to Frequently Asked Questions