This page is where our ride leaders can find the information and resources they need. Please let Dave Bolton (club captain), Martin Parker or Phil Keymer know if you'd like anything else posted here. For discussion, please use the Ride Leaders' Facebook group.

RIDE LEader responsibilities

BEFORE
  • Route 
  • Weather
  • Ability 
  • Emergency kit 
  • Emergency numbers for any new riders
  • Consent forms for under 18
  • Pre-ride briefing (see below)
DURING
  • You don't have to lead the group from the front!
  • Numbers
  • Clear communication 
  • Safe stopping areas
  • Who is the last person
  • Letting people know where they are going
  • Take some pictures
AFTER
  • Thank everyone
  • Ask for feedback on route
  • Did everything go to plan? What would you do differently?
  • Do you need to consider completing an incident form? (see below)
  • Any major issues to report to club captain?

Start-of-ride briefings

  • Welcome everyone to the ride
  • Your name (for new riders and riders who may not know you)
  • Distance and timings (rough idea so everyone has an idea of when they are going to be back)
  • Coasters rules:
    • We don't leave anyone behind (mention hill up and back and junctions)
    • We ride safely at all times (Highway Code)
    • Hand signals and calls (detail depending on group level)
    • Any route specific dangers (if needed)
    • You ride at your own risk (must say!)
    • ​You must be self-sufficient in terms of dealing with minor mechanicals (but we will help out)
    • We all have fun (must say!)

Incident Forms

These are British Cycling (BC) forms to be used when there is an incident on a club ride. Guidance from BC suggests that these should be used for more serious incidents, possibly when the emergency services are involved. For our purposes please consider the following in deciding whether you think an incident form should be completed:
  • Does the incident involve a rider under 18? 
  • Were the emergency services involved?
  • Was any third party involved?
  • Is there a reputational risk to the club?
  • Was there no damage done but it was such a serious 'near miss’ that we should record it and learn from it?
If you think an incident form may be appropriate please phone Martin Parker on 07785 338540 who will complete the form with you.

Must-read documents

current ride leaders (FEB'18)

  • Dave Bolton (club captain)
  • Damian Cudmore
  • Phil Keymer
  • Mike Boucher
  • Andy Brook
  • Paul Rea
  • Claire Bolton
  • Martin Parker
  • Rod McLean
  • Jonathan Hogan
  • David Wright
  • Kate Goodwin
  • Sam Lindo
  • Sophie Unsworth
  • Matt Lee
  • Zoe Chappell
  • Jonathan Nightingale
  • Dave Howsley
  • Nick Burrill
  • Steve Coonick
  • Simon Miller
  • Harry-James Smith
  • Justin Wotherspoon
  • Dean MacNamara

children on club rides

​The WCCC website says (here) that anyone joining a club ride should be over 12 years old. Having taken advice from British Cycling and after WCCC committee discussions, we are content that there may be some exceptions to the general rule.

If you are faced with a child under 12 wanting to come on your ride, you must first ensure that the child's parent is coming on the ride and you must also make it clear to the parent that they are responsible for their child. You do not need a parental consent form - the parent is wholly responsible.

When you are satisfied about that you then need to assess the risks. You might want to consider:
  • Is the child's parent a club member whose judgement you trust? (It is extremely unlikely that you'd accept a child/parent who were not club members.)
  • What do you know about the child's ability? e.g. How far has the child ridden before and on what type of roads? Have they ridden in a group before?
  • Would you like to ride into town and back with the parent and child in order to form a view of the child's riding skills?
  • Is today's ride suitable in speed and distance?
  • How might it affect other adults/juniors on your ride?
  • Is there a committee member/other ride leader present to discuss it with?
  • Is there another ride leader who could monitor the child? (remember the parent is responsible)
  • If you agree to the child joining the ride, are there any special arrangements you want to make? e.g. child is always in the peloton, never at the front or back of the group.
 Please remember that, as ride leader, you can say 'No' if you are not comfortable with the risks. You can refer people to Coasters Kids and also explain that we are looking to introduce beginners rides in the spring of 2018.