As Ride Leader, you should be confident that you can handle the number of people who turn up for the ride.

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The club has a maximum group size of 12. Cycling UK recommends considering dividing up groups of 12-15 or more into smaller groups of no more than six and/or appointing an Assistant Ride Leader to help keep an eye on the riders.

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Before the ride commences:

• Make sure you have the route and know of any particular hazards detailed on the risk assessment

• Make sure you know who is in your group

• If it's a large group, ask a rider in the group to act as assistant ride leader

• If you have guest/new riders, introduce yourself and see if they have ridden in a group before. Check that they know the mileage of the ride and the route - For more guidance, see the section on new/guest riders

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Briefing the riders before the ride commences:

• Introduce yourself

• Ensure any riders who have not signed up for your group (via the WhatsApp poll) do so. Having a record of the riders attending the ride is an insurance requirement 

• Take a head count

• Introduce new/guest riders

• Make sure everyone is in the right group

• Explain the destination, route/mileage and which café the ride is going to

• Make sure everyone knows the group riding hand signals

• Point out any known hazards on the route.

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Highlight:

• A non-drop group ride

• No overlapping wheels

• No half wheeling

• No speed tucks

• Regroup at the top of climbs

• If someone is struggling, let the ride leader know

• If someone leaves the group during the ride, let the ride leader know

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During the ride:

• Keep the group together

• Take regular headcounts

• Make sure new/guest riders are ok

• Make the group aware of any hazards noted on the risk assessment on approach i.e. descents, narrow lanes, etc.

• If there is traffic building up behind the group, find a safe place for the group to pull into and let the traffic pass

• Check the condition of the riders, the route and the weather conditions at regular intervals

• Assess any other hazards as they arise (dynamic risk assessment)

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New/Guest Riders:

Although riders are responsible for deciding on their own suitability for the advertised activity, Ride Leaders should introduce themselves to new/guest riders and assess their general fitness and ability before starting the ride.

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If the Ride Leader has any doubts about a new rider's fitness or ability to complete the ride or ride in a group, advise the rider that it may be best if they do not join the ride. In these cases, direct them to the Monday evening rides.

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• If a new rider has not joined the club or registered as a guest rider, they cannot join the group ride

• If the route has not been risk assessed in advance, then guest riders cannot participate in the ride

• If they have not ridden in a group before, explain the principles of group riding

• Explain any hand signals or calls used by the group.

• Also, ask if they have their bike regularly serviced. If, for any reason, you think their bike is not safe for group riding, you have the authority to stop them from joining the group.

• Make sure you have access to the guest rider's emergency contact information. This will be on the guest rider form.

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