Privacy Policy

During beta testing, we may change data practices, reset databases, or delete test accounts and content. Do not rely on beta data as permanent storage. We appreciate feedback that helps us improve privacy and security before wider release.

Account data: email, display name, profile photo, bio, riding preferences, and roles (rider, moderator, organization types).

Location: approximate or precise location when you grant permission — used for nearby trails, weather, regional feeds, ride maps, and optional friend visibility.

Activity: rides you create or join, trail favorites, condition reports, community posts, listings, event registrations, volunteer sign-ups, and social connections (friends, follows).

Safety: RideBuddy settings, SOS events, crash-detection signals, and friend map visibility preferences.

Device: push notification tokens, app version, and diagnostic logs for reliability.

Communications: in-app notifications and predefined direct messages (free-text DMs are not supported in beta).

Website and organizer data: when you use Race Commander or Trail Boss dashboards on the web, we store event drafts, series, registration form uploads, participant rosters, results, team membership, and actions you take in those tools. Paid checkout may collect billing details processed by Stripe.

We use data to provide core features (discovery, rides, trails, events, shop, messaging), personalize suggestions, enforce community guidelines, send optional push alerts, improve performance, and comply with law. Organization accounts (trail associations, race promoters) may have team membership and approval status stored to enable dashboards on web and limited team tools in the app.

Profile fields you choose to show, public posts, ride participation (according to ride privacy settings), trail reviews, and marketplace listings may be visible to other users. Friends may see location when you enable RideBuddy or friend map features. Moderators may access reports and flagged content.

Event organizers see registration data for their events on the web Race Commander dashboard (including exports). Trail association admins see volunteer and trail data relevant to their organization on Trail Boss Report.

We use Firebase (Google) for authentication, database, storage, and cloud functions; mapping and geocoding providers; weather APIs; push notification services (Apple/Google via Expo); commerce partners for the shop; and Stripe on the website for paid event registration and sponsorship checkout when enabled. These providers process data on our behalf under their own privacy terms. We do not sell your personal information.

Website cookies and storage: we use minimal browser storage required for Firebase authentication sessions on the web. We do not run third-party advertising cookies on cyclistsconnect.com at this time. A dedicated cookie consent banner may be added before general availability where required by law.

You can control location permission in device settings. Without location, some features (nearby trails, regional feed, weather) are limited. Background location is used only when you enable ride or safety features that require it.

We retain data while your account is active and as needed for legal, security, and operational purposes. You may request account deletion in Settings → Account & security in the app or by contacting support. Beta resets may delete all user data without individual notice. Backups may persist for a limited time after deletion.

We use industry-standard safeguards including encrypted transport (HTTPS), Firebase security rules, and access controls. No system is perfectly secure; report suspected issues through app support channels.

The Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. Users under 18 should use community features only with parent or guardian permission where required by law.

Update profile and notification preferences in Settings. Revoke location or notification permissions on your device. Block users and report content that violates guidelines. Opt out of optional features (Trail Mate, RideBuddy friend map, etc.) when offered.

Data may be processed in the United States and other countries where our providers operate. By using the Service, you consent to transfer and processing in those locations.

We may update this Policy and post the new effective date on this page and in the app. Material changes may be communicated in-app.