12 TOP TIPS FOR RIDE LEADERS 

How to lead club rides safely, effectively and in line with our club values  

1. Who can lead a ride? Anyone. The Ride Leader chooses the ride and sets expectations but all members share responsibility for ensuring that the ride is safe, enjoyable and follows our Ride Etiquette. If you need inspiration check out our Route Book. 

2. Post the ride in advance and set expectations. Post the ride on the relevant Forum thread (Green, Silver, Blue, or Black) - not just on WhatsApp - along with key info:  

  • Pace – (based on the group’s average speed on flat sections of the ride NOT average speed over the whole ride) see here for details;  

  • Distance and Elevation; 

  • Route – post a Route link, or a link to the relevant Route Book page; 

  • Café stops – how many and how far; 

  • Maximum numbers (if there are more form a second group)  

Worth considering: Style e.g. chatty; expected average speed over the ride; features of the route e.g. short gravel section; weather e.g. take sun cream; trains – give details if using them. 

3. Be inclusive. Do indicate the maximum numbers you’re happy to take but don’t exclude people from forming another group to do the same ride. Our Sunday club rides normally start from Highbury Fields at 0830 to enable members to join on the day.   

4. Lead a group, not a crowd. A small, compact group is likely to be more cohesive. If you have more than 10 on the day, split the group and ask someone to lead the other group.   

5. Team talk. Do a quick briefing before you set off. You should: 

  • Do a headcount and ask people’s names.  

  • Remind people of the key points mentioned above (Point 2). 

  • Remind them everyone is responsible for managing speed, ensuring cohesion, passing on directions and warnings, and generally observing Ride Etiquette. 

  • Tell them everyone should feel comfortable to call “Ease up!” if they or someone else is struggling with the pace. 

  • In less experienced groups consider appointing a “co-pilot”. They can help keep an eye on the back of the group and ensure that no one falls behind.  

6. Pair up. Two abreast is our default riding formation. A compact unit is more visible, usually easier for cars to pass safely, and more social. Switch to single file if it’s safer or if it makes it easier for cars to pass safely e.g. on hills or narrow roads. 

7. Mix it up. When riding in pairs (or in a paceline) periodically rotate the riders at the front. Leaders do not have to take the wind all day, and regular rotation makes it easier to regulate the pace and keep the group compact. And it is also much more social!  

8. Control the speed. Stick within the advertised pace band unless everyone is happy to go faster. Our club rides are no-drop, so watch out for anyone dropping off the back. If this happens you should slow down until everyone is back in a compact group. If you leave people riding off the back, they will only get more tired and slow the group further.  

9. Keep count. Know how many people are in the group and check numbers if you get strung out. Don’t turn off the route unless you know everyone is together. On hills it’s good to know how many are in front and behind you.  

10. Mechanicals. If someone has a mechanical problem stop where it is safe to sort it out. If it is cold the rest of the group should ride up and down to keep warm while it is fixed. 

11. Calling it a day. If someone needs to cut the ride short for any reason, make sure they know the way home or to a railway station. Escort them if there’s reason to think they may not be safe on their own. 

12. Crashes and spills. Stop the group and make sure everyone is safe. If necessary, post people to warn oncoming traffic. Only give First Aid if you are trained to do so. If in any doubt, call 999. If a club member or a member of the public is injured, please report the incident to the club secretary and chairman: secretary@islington.cc and chairman@islington.cc 

We’re social