Leading rides
This guidance is made with reference to the Cycling U K Ride Leaders Standards Handbook See appendix at end of this guidance including also Macclesfield Wheelers Organisers Liability (insurance) Cover for Affiliated Bodies provided by Cycling U K.
1 . Plan a route using Ride With GPS https://ridewithgps.com/routes/new or similar and publish it on the calendar (see video tutorial) together with important details of the ride.
Date, start time and approximate finish time
Meet up and start location
Ride type eg; easy, steady, training.
Distance and likely average speed
Destination / cafe if appropriate
Any other information you think is appropriate
Note; to publish on the calendar admin access is required if you are not already an admin please ask the Rides Secretary katherine.j@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk, Assistant Rides Secretary fred.w@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk or Club Secretary alison.f@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk to publish for you.
You may also publish the same ride details on social media such as the club’s facebook group and whats app groups to promote the ride more widely.
2. If you are visiting a café, you may wish to call it the day before the ride with an estimated arrival time and number of riders. Offer (and if necessary remember) to call again from the start of the ride with more accurate numbers (remember that riders may join and leave en route).
3. Make sure there is a risk assessment for the type of ride you are leading. A generic risk assessment is provided by the club here : Generic Risk Assessment: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17hC7gW5A6XhUuowB47nfmOcndTTIYgS_/edit Cancel the ride on the calendar if, in your opinion, it is not safe to ride, eg icy. Take advice from other ride leaders on this if you like.
4. At the start / meet up be alert to new riders, ask them about their experience of riding in a group, check that they are properly equipped e.g. lights, pump, spare tube. Give them the opportunity to inform you of any medical conditions which could affect them on the ride. If necessary explain the signals and calls we will make on the ride, make them welcome and introduce them to the group. Consider a more extensive ride briefing and conduct as appropriate, especially if there are particular hazards which need highlighting.
5. You may wish to identify which other riders have downloaded the route and it may be appropriate to divide into two or more groups with separate ride leaders. Under the clubs liability insurance group sizes are restricted to twelve maximum so larger groups must be split into smaller cohorts.
6. Make a head count at the start and have a list of the names of all riders, make sure that you are aware of any medical conditions which could affect the ride. You must destroy the list once the ride has finished, unless an incident has occurred.
7. Try and keep the group together and on course. Count people regularly and/or ask someone else to help with this. It is good practice to ask another rider/ assistant ride leader to ride at the back.. Call out and signal any hazards whilst you are riding.
8. Be aware of any riders that may be struggling to keep up, encourage and keep checking (except training rides for experienced riders only). Don’t leave any rider to make their own way unless they beg you to do so and don’t, in any case, leave any of the following:
riders under the age of 18 in any circumstances
new riders
Riders who do not know the area
vulnerable riders.
9. In case of a puncture or mechanical be prepared to help with repairs and / or ask other riders with necessary skills to assist. ( this does not negate the responsibility of all riders to have a safe and well maintained bike plus their own tools, pump and spares).
10. Familiarise yourself with, and encourage riders to adhere to, as appropriate, the club’s policies regarding; Safeguarding, Equality, Keeping, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Safe
11. Encourage all riders to have emergency contact details set up on their phone or carry a hard copy. You should pass to the Club Welfare Officer a record of any incident, and any details of any first aid treatment given. You may also need to forward details of incidents / accidents to the club’s insurer’s CUK.
12. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT
Remain calm
Identify anyone medically qualified including first aider’s
Get other people away from danger and make the area safe by asking for two (or more) people to stop any traffic or other riders if necessary
If the casualty (s) is seriously injured call the emergency services by dialing 999 and ask for an ambulance. They will need to know your location and the details of the injured parties. Identify your location by either a grid reference or using apps such as what3words.com or OS Locate
Send people to guide the emergency services if required.
Do not move the casualty. If necessary keep the casualty(s) warm and hydrated
Reassure the casualty and, if they are conscious, ask whom they would like to be contacted. If they are unconscious, try and locate their emergency contact details (ICE) on their phone
When help arrives, ask where the casualty is being taken so you can inform their emergency contact. Do not go with the casualty(s)
Make a note of any witnesses and other parties. If appropriate, take photos of the scene.
Decide what to do with the casualty’s bike and possessions. Eg. ask a local resident to look after it.
Decide whether to continue with the ride. People may appreciate the chance to sit down quietly and discuss what has happened. They may also feel able to carry on with the ride as planned.
13. To encourage participation in future rides, you may wish to publish a ride report and or photo’s / videos on social media and the club’s website either yourself or ask if another rider present would like to do so. Always check that everyone is happy to be included in photos.
14. For further advice just contact one of our regular ride leaders and for more extensive advice see the CUK handbook appended. As a leader of a club ride you are covered by the club’s liability insurance a summary of which is appended.
Appendix.
Cycling U K Ride Leaders Standards Handbook
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bL04miwgZhMO63rysfFxXVqQtHx1IwgN/view?usp=sharing
Organisers Liability Insurance
https://drive.google.com/drive/home?lfhs=2
Generic Risk Assessment
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17hC7gW5A6XhUuowB47nfmOcndTTIYgS_/edit
Reviewed: 26/05/2026 Fred W & Katherine J
Any questions? Just ask Rides Secretary katherine.j@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk, or Assistant Rides Secretary fred.w@macclesfieldwheelers.org.uk - we are happy to help!
Reviewed: 25/03/2026 Fred W
Any questions? Just contact one of our regular ride leaders - we are happy to help!