Case study - Warrington Ride Leaders

Situation

The skills required for controlling groups of riders on busy roads are extensive. Good communication, excellent spatial awareness, understanding of potential risks all have a more acute meaning as group size increases.

Warrington Council have staff members who are leading riding events connected to schools. It had become clear in recent months that it would be vital for these staff to have some formal training in leading a group. They approached BikeRight! and asked for a course specific to their requirements, with a mix of on-road and off-road riding.

Our solution

We developed a ride leader course that covered all the issues a leader would need to be aware of prior to leading a group, during the ride itself and afterwards. We covered the planning and risk assessment of routes, group management techniques, the practical aspects of riding with a group such as snaking, positioning and communication skills to keep groups moving and in time. Post ride procedures were explored such as group and individual feedback and ride reports.

Benefits

• Allowed riders more flexibility when working with a group of cyclists.

• A recognised cycle training qualification

• Developed new skills in risk assessment and feedback techniques

Related projects

• Transport strategy course, Warrington

• National Standards Instructor Training courses

• Assistant Instructor training courses