Ride Leader
The CI Ride Leader Award provides participants with the necessary skills to lead group cycles, and develop the essential competencies for managing groups on the road. Through this one-day course, participants will gain the confidence and certification needed to facilitate group rides safely and efficiently.
The role of a Ride Leader is to enhance and support the safety, wellbeing and performance of riders in a group setting on the road. To leading rides in an enjoyable but safe way and to educate club members or other cyclists on best practices while riding in a group setting. The course focuses on leadership development and communication, rider skill level evaluation, as well as enhancing core bike handling skills and safety awareness.
This course is suitable for those who wish to guide club outings or community cycling groups and provides the foundation for creating safe, enjoyable, and inclusive cycling experiences for people of all ages and abilities. The programme is designed to define the responsibilities of the Leader and create awareness and understanding of best practices including risk assessment and road safety, whether that is as part of a local club or as part of the Community Bike Rides (CBR) initiative.
Previous cycling experience is required for this course.
To attend the course candidates must:
• Be over 18 years of age
• Have the fitness level to ride for approximately 20km, on a route that may contain hilly sections
• Be comfortable cycling in a group in close proximity to other riders
• Be comfortable cycling on busy roads in close proximity to traffic
• Be comfortable taking either hand off the handlebars
• Be able to ride in a straight line whilst looking over either shoulder
• Be able to fix a puncture
• Be aware of the basic laws pertaining to cycling on the road
• Attend with a bike and helmet in safe working order
The comprehensive syllabus for the award includes Risk Assessment, Safety Checks, Assessing Riders Ability, Group Cycling, Group Management, Planning a Cycle and Leadership.
Ride Leaders will cycle a simulated club/group ride and practically apply techniques, skills and newly acquired knowledge covered in the classroom.
Ride Leaders will be required to lead part of the pre-risk-assessed route. Leaders will be assessed on their ability to lead.
On completion of the course, the Ride Leader will be able to facilitate Club Ride(s) and/or Group Ride(s) and utilise a range of communication and leadership strategies to effectively lead a cycle.
The Ride Leader Award also complements and supports the Cycling Ireland Bike for Life and Community Bike Rides Programme.
Cycling Ireland reserves the right to modify, alter or add to accreditation requirements in accordance with updates to Cycling Ireland Education Programmes.
Documents
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Ride Leader Course297.0KB