RIDE ROLES –
Ride Leaders
Pre Ride
- Ride leaders must be registered with Cycling UK as a Ride Leader for insurance purposes (the membership will deal with these registrations)
- Make sure you understand the Highway code, particularly in respect of cycling
- Select routes appropriate to the group you are leading
- Indicate approximate mileage on website, plus other relevant ride info, e.g. destination, hilly /off road sections /busy roads and approximate mileage
- Avoid busy roads if possible
- Allow sufficient time for delays /extra stops
- Organise lunch /refreshment stops and liaise re capacity with cafes / pubs
- Be ready to cancel rides or adapt in adverse weather conditions – check re local conditions if possible
- A mobile phone is essential
- Enforce our ride etiquette
Start of Ride
- Take list of riders, contact and emergency phone numbers
- Brief riders re route and ride etiquette (if needed for new rider)
- Have a contingency plan should the need arise
- Appoint a back marker if needed and ensure they understand their role and route to be taken
- If there are more than 12 riders, split the group, for safety reasons
During Ride
- Monitor the progress of group – adjust speed if necessary
- Remind riders of basic CTC rules /Highway Code /Club Etiquette if needed
- Ensure riders only cycle 2 abreast if it is safe to do so
- Give clear hand signals and verbal warnings of hazards /turning /stopping /slowing etc
- Stop to re-gather group in a safe place after hills /junctions /traffic lights etc
- If the group is split, maintain good contact and communication
- Ensure the group stays together in the event of a solvable mechanical / other problem (unless other circumstances dictate)
- Decide on an appropriate plan of action if needed to deal with more complex problems (eg slow riders /bike problems /riders unable to complete the ride) – do not abandon riders
After the ride
- Upload list of riders and mileage to website
- Upload Ride List, useful details reroute / cafes etc to gpx file
Back Marker
- Know route and how many in group
- Stay at a back with rearmost rider
- Either ride up to report problems to leader or send a message forward