Cookie Policy (GDPR)
Clear, plain-English details on how we use cookies to keep our community functional, safe, and smooth.
COOKIE POLICY How Cookies Help Cotswold Grapevine Run SmoothlyThis Cookie Policy explains how Cotswold Grapevine (“we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. It outlines what these technologies are, why we use them, and your legal rights to control our use of them under UK Data Protection Legislation, including the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Your choices matterYou can control many non-essential cookies through your browser settings. Some cookies are essential because they help keep member accounts, forms, security features, and directory functions working properly. |
01 / THE BASICS What Are Cookies?Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, smartphone, or other internet-enabled device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, provide secure logins, remember user preferences, and supply analytical data to website owners. First-Party CookiesCookies set by the website owner, in this case Cotswold Grapevine, are called first-party cookies. They support features and preferences provided directly by our website. Third-Party CookiesCookies set by parties other than the website owner are called third-party cookies. They support services such as interactive maps, spam protection, social media sign-ins, and payment processing. |
02 / COOKIE CATEGORIES The Four Main Types We UseWe categorise the cookies used on Cotswold Grapevine into four main types. Each category has a different role in helping us provide a secure and useful motorcycling community. 01 Strictly Necessary CookiesEssential for the website to function properly. They enable core site features such as user authentication, security, spam prevention, and directory search functionality. You cannot disable these cookies through our site settings, as the platform cannot function without them. 02 Functional CookiesAllow us to remember choices you make, such as your preferred location or directory search filters, and provide enhanced features like interactive route maps. 03 Performance & Analytics CookiesCollect information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are visited most often or whether error messages occur. This information is aggregated and anonymous, and is used to improve site performance and user experience. 04 Targeting, Marketing & Social Media CookiesUsed to track visitors across websites to display relevant updates or enable social network integrations, such as logging in with Facebook or Google. |
03 / PLATFORM BREAKDOWN Cookies Used on This PlatformThe information below details the specific first-party and third-party cookies currently deployed on our platform, as well as those integrated for future platform features. Cookie Category Service Provider Cookie Name / Type Purpose & Description Duration Strictly Necessary Brilliant Directories (Core) PHPSESSID, bd_session, user_auth Manages active member login sessions, directory navigation, and account dashboard access. Session — expires when the browser closes Strictly Necessary Google reCAPTCHA v2 _GRECAPTCHA, 1P_JAR Analyses hardware and user interactions to block automated spam, bots, and brute-force logins. 6 months Functional Google Maps JavaScript API NID, SNID, OGPC Powers interactive directory maps, geolocating bike cafés, meeting points, and route guides. 6 months Strictly Necessary (Future / Payment) Stripe / PayPal __stripe_mid, __stripe_sid, ts Enables secure payment processing for paid listings and subscriptions while helping to prevent fraud. 1 year / Session Functional (Future / Social) Facebook Login (Meta) c_user, xs, datr Authenticates users who choose to log in or register using their Facebook credentials. 90 days to 2 years Functional (Future / Social) Google Sign-In G_AUTHUSER_H, G_ENABLED_IDPS Authenticates users who choose to log in or register using their Google account. Session / Persistent Performance (Future / Analytics) Google Analytics _ga, _gid, _gat Tracks anonymous site usage metrics, visitor numbers, and page performance to help us improve the platform. 2 years (_ga), 24 hours (_gid) |
04 / INTEGRATED SERVICES Third-Party Services & Integrated APIsTo deliver a rich, functional community directory, we rely on trusted third-party service providers. These services may drop cookies on your device when active on our platform. Google reCAPTCHA v2We use Google reCAPTCHA v2 (“I am not a robot”) on forms and login screens to verify that data is entered by a human rather than an automated script. reCAPTCHA collects hardware, software, and behavioural data, such as mouse movements, to evaluate risk and prevent site abuse. Google Maps JavaScript APIWe integrate Google Maps to render directory search results, business locations, and custom riding routes. Google Maps may set cookies to store user preferences and map display options. Social Login APIs (Facebook & Google)If you elect to use Single Sign-On (SSO) features to log into Cotswold Grapevine using your existing Facebook or Google account, these services will place cookies on your device to verify your identity and tokenise your authentication securely from third parties. Payment GatewaysWhen purchasing directory memberships, event tickets, or classified listings, payment transactions are processed via secure, PCI-compliant payment gateways. These gateways set essential anti-fraud and session management cookies during checkout. |
05 / YOUR CONTROLS How to Control and Manage CookiesYou have the right to decide whether to accept or decline non-essential cookies. Browser settings allow you to set or amend your controls to accept or refuse cookies. If you choose to reject cookies, you may still use our website, although access to some functionality and areas, such as member dashboards or interactive maps, may be restricted. Managing Specific Browsers
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06 / UPDATES Changes to This Cookie PolicyWe may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes to the cookies we use or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Please revisit this policy regularly to stay informed about our use of cookies and related technologies. 07 / CONTACT Questions About Cookies?If you have any questions about our use of cookies or other tracking technologies, please email us at: info@cotswoldgrapevine.co.uk. |