These group rides are often aimed at novice or inexperienced riders – people who want to become more physically active or who are interested in exploring their local area by bike.
Those wanting to become a ride leader should be a regular, confident and competent cyclist and know how to fix a puncture.
Candidates aged 16 & 17 can complete the course to be recognised as an Assistant Cycle Ride Leader. They can only attend courses where the majority of candidates are over 18.
Please note the cost of this course will be increasing from January 1st 2022. Please refer to the course costs section for more information.
You should be a regular, confident and competent cyclist with good communication skills.
Cycle Ride Leaders will be a minimum of 18 years old. Candidates age 16 & 17 can arrange by prior agreement to train as an Assistant Cycle Ride Leader.
What if I’m under 18 years old?
In order to become a qualified ‘Cycle Ride Leader’ you must be at least 18 years of age. Those who attend a course while aged 16-17 won’t be qualified to lead rides by themselves, but are allowed to assist adult Cycle Ride Leaders, and may be able to upgrade their qualification when they turn 18.
Please note that places for 16-17 year-olds must be agreed in advance, as there are restrictions on the number who can attend each CRL course.
This is a one day course, which usually lasts eight hours (seven hours of learning and one hour of breaks).
You will need a roadworthy bike and clothing appropriate for the weather. You will also need to bring lunch/snacks unless the organiser is providing these.
It would be helpful to have some ideas of the sorts of rides you’ll be running after the course, and your target audience for these.
The cost of this course varies, depending on the venue/organiser, but is usually between £50-80 per person. We may be able to advise you about funding that can be used for this kind of training.
If you are part of a group or organisation, for £500 you can book your own bespoke course, for a group of 5-8 people, at your own venue, on a date that suits you
On completion of this course, you will have the knowledge and training to lead group rides using a variety of roads and cycle paths. As a Cycle Ride Leader, you should have the confidence to plan routes and make decisions for the group you’re responsible for.
Everyone who successfully completes the course is awarded a Certificate. Although this course can provide a useful introduction to leadership techniques, it is not a substitute for established off-road/ mountain bike leadership qualifications.
It is recommended that Cycle Ride Leaders also hold a valid first aid certificate and appropriate insurance.
Date | Course Type | Course Title & Instructor | Location | Local Authority | Capacity & Availability | £ Cost | Book |
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DateWed 29th Jun 2022 | Course TypeCycle Ride Leader & Assistant Cycle Ride Leader | Course Title & InstructorVoluntary Action Lochaber (Private) Craig Hardie | LocationVoluntary Action Lochaber Claggan, Fort William | Local AuthorityHighlands | CapacityCapacity 8 Places Left 0 | FREE | Add to Waiting List |
DateSun 3rd Jul 2022 | Course TypeCycle Ride Leader & Assistant Cycle Ride Leader | Course Title & InstructorCRL - Greener Kirkcaldy (Private) Cliff Smith | LocationGreener Kirkcaldy 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy | Local AuthorityFife | CapacityCapacity 8 Places Left 3 | FREE | Book![]() |
DateMon 4th Jul 2022 | Course TypeCycle Ride Leader & Assistant Cycle Ride Leader | Course Title & InstructorEast Lothian Outdoor Learning Service Philippa Barber | LocationEast Lothian Outdoor Learning Service Unit 3 Racecourse Complex, Balcarres Road, Musselburgh | Local AuthorityEast Lothian | CapacityCapacity 6 Places Left 6 | £75 P/P | Book![]() |
DateSat 9th Jul 2022 | Course TypeCycle Ride Leader & Assistant Cycle Ride Leader | Course Title & InstructorCRL Thistle Foundation (Private) Cliff Smith | Location | Local AuthorityEdinburgh City | CapacityCapacity 8 Places Left 3 | FREE | Book![]() |
DateTue 19th Jul 2022 | Course TypeCycle Ride Leader & Assistant Cycle Ride Leader | Course Title & InstructorCRL - Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Headquarters (Private) Sam Moody | LocationLoch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Headquarters Carrochan Road, Carrochan, Balloch | Local AuthorityWest Dunbartonshire | CapacityCapacity 8 Places Left 7 | FREE | Book![]() |
DateTue 18th Oct 2022 | Course TypeCycle Ride Leader & Assistant Cycle Ride Leader | Course Title & InstructorIbike West Calder (Private) Charles Mooney | LocationWest Calder High school Limefield Lane, West Calder | Local AuthorityMidlothian | CapacityCapacity 8 Places Left 8 | FREE | Book![]() |