The primary concern when we ride with the club is safety – our own and that of others.
By looking after ourselves, we inherently look after others.
Having the confidence to take a safety decision and communicate that with others is part of being a ride leader.
A few examples
Approaching a section of the route where there is an increased risk of an incident caused by speed, such as on single track lanes, steep wet downhills or in pedestrian areas, the ride leader should consider being at the front of the group to physically slow the group down, or communicate verbally from within the group before reaching the hazard.
Riding through busy urban areas, the ride leader may consider riding on the front to keep the group as one, rather than filtering through traffic singularly and potentially antagonising drivers for the rest of the group, or groups behind on the road.
If a driver is aggressive towards the group, the ride leader may seek to calm the situation, prevent a response from the group, and even consider a route change to put distance between the driver (if in an urban area with options to do so).
Utilizing cycle paths when traffic is heavy and where available, with consideration to other users by singling out and dropping the speed.
These decisions can be made or suggested by any member of the group, and mostly the group acts with safety in mind without input from the ride leader.
The ride leader is there to make and communicate these decisions if they haven’t happened naturally, or drawing on their experience of similar situations.
In MTB and gravel situations, there are less risks due to interaction with traffic, but there will be more potential conflict between walkers and horse riders.
We should treat them with the courtesy we would like from drivers.
Any off-road accidents can become serious due to the difficulty of evacuation.
Consider
Advanced warning of technical or difficult sections allows riders to prepare.
Trail obstacles, such low hanging branches, fallen trees, brambles, can all cause accidents. What’s around the next corner?
Greater spacing between riders.
Leading from the rear, or assigning a sweeper will help with a quick response if there is an issue.
Any issues concerning safety on a ride can be raised to the ride leader who will communicate this to the committee, as well any other incidents.
We all want to finish our rides tired and safe.
If we look after ourselves and others, the ride leader’s role is simply to take necessary decisions if they haven’t already been taken, help the group arrive back into Cheltenham safely, and report any issues to the committee.
We are all ride leaders already.
Please leave questions and comments below.
When a ride leader is alerted of a rider off-the-back of the group, and he/she goes back to tend to that stricken individual. it would be good practice if the person who has notified the leader and the rest of the group slows right down and stop at the earliest safe spot, so that the person having the issue & ride leader can can assess and sort out the problem and quickly return to the group.
If for any reason (before that happens) a group member wants to continue their ride, they should notify the ride leader of their intention and continue as they wish. This promotes group cohesion and ensures that everyone's safety and well-being are prioritized. Additionally, providing an option for group members to continue their ride if they wish is considerate and allows for flexibility within the group dynamics.