Sun City Cyclists – Ride Leaders

It is recommended that our Club define and document the basic role and responsibilities of Ride Leader for each of our cycling groups.  

Purpose of the Ride Leader:

The Ride Leader will provide direction, promote communication, and build confidence to lead safe and enjoyable group rides. The Ride Leader will make responsible choices in recommending routes, pace, distance and start time that best suits the weather conditions and skill levels of the riders in the group.

Duties of the Ride Leader:

• Choose the route, pace, distance and start time for the ride.  Attempt to match the planned ride pace and distance with the skill and fitness levels of the riders. Plan for necessary stop(s) for coffee or to top off water bottles in hot weather.
• Attempt to keep the group together by announcing the pace of the ride in advance and regrouping as necessary.
• The Ride Leader may ask another rider to serve as “sweep” to assist a rider that has dropped off the back of the group for any reason. This tactic applies to “no drop” rides only.
• Supervise the ride to encourage safe group cycling tactics and observance of rules of the road.
• Monitor and evaluate rider injuries or incapacities during group rides. Contact emergency assistance if needed to help injured or incapacitated riders.
• Notify Club president and chairperson of the Safety Committee of any serious accidents that required medical assistance.

Prerequisites of Ride Leader:

• Must be a Sun City resident and Club member in good standing.
• Should ideally be a year-around resident that consistently rides with the group. This person must understand the role of Ride Leader is a challenging job.
• Requires cycling experience and bike handling abilities and fitness commensurate with the group members.
• Demonstrates knowledge of safe group riding tactics.
• Commands knowledge of the primary road systems and routes normally used by their group.

Naming of Ride Leaders:

Ride Leaders are volunteers, just like all Club Board members.  Ride Leaders are not typically elected.  Instead, they simply volunteer or are recruited to the role by a previous Ride Leader. There is no established length of time to serve as Ride Leader.