Gikers™: USA Gay Hikers,Bikers & Picklers - LGBTQ+ & Friends

**"*Stanford Researchers Find Mental Health Prescription: Nature - Study finds that walking in nature yields measurable mental benefits*"** [https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/](https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/) **\ ** \ \ 

[GIKERS - https://gikers.com/](https://gikers.com/)

**VIDEO On Group's Activities:** **Gikers: Canada & USA - Song: "

https://youtu.be/DxOUCxvMcIA?si=hSShXjhpIt0Aohua

**ABOUT the Group**:
We are a friendly, welcoming, inclusive and low key "no attitude" group of LGBTQ hikers, cyclists, snowshoers, and walkers who love being outdoors year round, and are made up of LGBTQ singles, couples, families & friends of all levels and ages.

The mission of the group is to engage and increase access to the outdoors and outdoors activities like hiking, cycling, kayaking, snowshoeing and others for all members of the LGBTQIA community and their families - while at the same time creating new friendships and bonds within the community at large.

We have been running another Gikers: Gay Hikers & Bikers- LGBTQ & Friends group in another city now for several years and have enjoyed it and met some great people while enjoying some great hiking, biking, snowshoeing and fun social events. The group started small and it is now over 1,500, but we find ourselves spending increasingly more time in CT/NYC/TriState Area, and we love the outdoors - so we decided to start one here this summer to explore all the incredible trails this great state offers.

Most of the events are free to participate in, but some of the parks and their parking areas may have fees and we will do our best to post those upfront on the event. We also love dogs, and whenever possible, we will post if the park/trail permits dogs, but in all cases - only people/pet friendly non-aggressive dogs that are up to date in all vaccinations; are kept on leash, and owners are responsible for picking up after them at all times.

Looking to do mainly weekend hikes, snowshoeing & bike rides around Connecticut, and at our first event - we put together a work in progress list of about 50 hikes suggested by group members that is now posted on our message board, but we always welcome new suggestions & will continue adding to this initial list.

"*The New Science of the Creative Brain on Nature. Beautiful vistas and outdoor fun impact your brain in real ways — which means **you're just trails away from becoming a better thinker***" [https://www.outsideonline.com/2062221/new-science-creative-brain-nature](https://www.outsideonline.com/2062221/new-science-creative-brain-nature)

**Meetup/Group Respect & Etiquette**: \**Mutual Respect**:
As a courtesy to other group members; including LGBTQ Families who are part of this group, please no nude or inappropriate photos as profile or event photos. Also, if you, as a member of the group, receive an unsolicited - offensive message here from another member that is discriminatory, or sexual in nature - please copy message and meetup handle name & send directly to us. This is private group and we have and will continue to ban and block any member that does not respect other members or the meetup/group etiquette.

**Events RSVP**:
Please update your RSVP to No when not attending a previously confirmed event. As a courtesy to all group members, two No Shows - confirmed RSVPs will automatically delete member from the group.

**Illegal Substances of Any Type**:
As a courtesy to other group members, please do not bring any illegal substances (drugs, etc) of any type to any event or gathering of the group, and refrain from smoking while on group events as courtesy to the other members.

**Dogs**: We love dogs. When permitted by the park, dogs are welcome, but they must be well behaved with people & other dogs; they must be up to date with all required vaccines; they must be on a leash at all times, and you must pick up after your dog at all times.

**Group's Twitter Account with the Gay Hikers Daily News Paper:** \ \ [https://twitter.com/gay_hikers](https://twitter.com/gay_hikers) ([https://twitter.com/gay_hikers](https://twitter.com/gay_hikers))

This is a free group to all, but we do have annual meetup membership fees that keep going up and other monthly administrative events costs associated with running the group, so all profits from the sale of any Gikers Shop Merchandise \([https://shop.spreadshirt.com/gay-hikers-bikers](https://shop.spreadshirt.com/gay-hikers-bikers-)-) goes to funding current and future group operations; insuring that beyond the initial group founders/organizers - the group will continue to offer a free hiking/biking social network for any and all members of the LGBTQ community, our families and friends.

**ORGANIZERS**: Please remember that the Group Organizers are volunteers, not professional guides and we do not have any type of certified training. Organizers are going on hike and/or other outdoor/recreational activities and simply inviting others to join. \ \ Participation in any event with the group is at your own and your guests' risk. Hiking safety is your responsibility. Make sure that you and any guest you may bring are in good physical condition to participate and you have all the required equipment.

**RESPONSIBILITY WAIVER**:

# Gikers™ USA Gay Hikers, Bikers & Picklers - LGBTQ & Friends

# DIGITAL RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK

(United States – General Jurisdiction)

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## ⚠️ WARNING – THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY

By checking the box, becoming a member, registering for any event, or attending any activity, you agree to the following terms.
This applies to membership and all events.

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## 1. ACTIVITIES

Activities include hiking, biking, pickleball, kayaking, winter sports, social outings, and related travel.

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## 2. ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Participant knowingly assumes all risks including:

• Falls, collisions, drowning
• Equipment malfunction
• Vehicle accidents
• Negligence of other participants
• Third-party negligence
• Communicable disease exposure
• Serious injury or death

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## 3. TRANSPORTATION & CARPOOL RELEASE

Gikers USA does not organize transportation unless explicitly stated.
Ride-share or carpool links are provided solely as a courtesy.
Participant acknowledges:

• Carpools are private agreements between participants.
• Gikers USA does not supervise, screen, approve, insure, or manage drivers or vehicles.
• Gikers USA does not verify licensing or insurance.
• Participation in carpooling is voluntary and at Participant’s sole risk.

Participant releases, waives, and covenants not to sue the Released Parties for any claims arising from participation in any carpool, including claims based on negligence.

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## 4. RELEASE & COVENANT NOT TO SUE

Participant releases and waives all claims against the Released Parties arising from participation, including claims based on negligence.
This Release binds Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, and estate.

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## 5. INDEMNIFICATION

Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from claims arising from:

• Participant’s actions
• Guest participation
• Carpool involvement

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## 6. GUEST REQUIREMENT

Each guest must separately agree to this Release. Participant assumes responsibility for any guest who fails to do so.

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## 7. MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION

Participant certifies physical fitness and authorizes emergency medical treatment.

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## 8. GOVERNING LAW

Governed by the laws of the state where the activity occurs.
Participant waives right to jury trial where permitted.

## 9. PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA RELEASE

Participant acknowledges that photographs, video recordings, and other media may be taken during events organized or promoted by Gikers™ USA Gay Hikers, Bikers & Picklers - LGBTQ & Friends.
By agreeing to this Release, Participant:

1. Grants Gikers USA a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable license to use, reproduce, publish, distribute, display, and create derivative works from photographs or recordings in which Participant appears.
2. Authorizes use in:
   • Meetup pages
   • Social media platforms
   • Websites
   • Marketing materials
   • Newsletters and promotional communications
3. Waives any right of inspection or approval of materials.
4. Waives any claim to compensation.
5. Releases and discharges the Released Parties from any claims relating to invasion of privacy, right of publicity, defamation, or misappropriation of likeness arising from authorized use.

If Participant does not wish to be photographed, Participant must notify the event organizer prior to the event via email or messaging in this platform and take all reasonable steps to avoid appearing in group photos; including stepping away from any group photos at all times.

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## DIGITAL CONSENT

I confirm that with my request to join this group, I have read and voluntarily agree to this Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement.