Free training available for volunteer, guided cycle ride leaders

Cycling City York is appealing for volunteers with a passion for cycling to come forward to help run its busy programme of free, guided cycle rides.

Guided cycle rides for people of all ages and abilities set off from different areas of the city on a regular basis, and they’re an important aspect of Cycling City York’s efforts to promote and encourage cycling. The rides are led by members of a team of trained, guided ride leaders, all of whom choose to give up their free time to help because they enjoy cycling and want to introduce other people to its many benefits.

Loretta Spyers-Ashby, cycling activity officer, said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone with a passion for cycling to play an important role in Cycling City York’s work to get more people on their bikes. Our guided ride leaders work with people of all ages and levels of cycling ability by taking groups out on guided rides to explore different areas of York. They also have the chance to put forward their own ideas and suggestions about possible routes for rides, as well as other activities that they think might encourage more people to give cycling a try. This means that they play an important role in promoting cycling; we see them as ambassadors for the Cycling City York programme.”

Suitable volunteers will receive an on-going package of support and training from Cycling City York, which includes completing the one-day Ride Supporters Course provided by the CTC, the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation.

The next opportunity for would-be volunteers to complete this course is at Rawcliffe Bar Country Park on Tuesday 23 November, from 9am until 5pm. The course has been specifically designed to teach trainees how to lead small groups of people on cycle rides on quiet roads and traffic-free paths, and understand the benefits cycling can bring to people’s lives.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a guided ride leader and would like to attend the training course later this month should:

  • have a bike or access to a working bike (support can be provided with this);
  • have a basic understanding of the health benefits of cycling;
  • have a knowledge of cycling;
  • be a regular cyclist, either for commuting or leisure purposes;
  • have a basic knowledge of local routes in and around York;
  • have some understanding of bike maintenance.

If you think you fit the bill and would like to sign up for the training course, or if you’d like to have an informal chat to find out more about what’s involved in becoming a guided cycle ride leader, please email: Loretta.spyers-ashby@york.gov.uk or telephone Loretta on 01904 553440.

Posted: 10/11/2010

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