Cycling UK has recently launched Rural Connections, a project to help get more people cycling in Moray.
For more than 140 years, Cycling UK has been inspiring people to cycle. We believe that cycling is more than just transport; it’s fun, makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone.
There are now 2 fantastic volunteer opportunities within the programme – Ride Leader and Tandem Cycle Pilot. We know you share our vision for a better world by walking, wheeling and cycling. By becoming a ride leader or tandem cycle pilot, you can help people to ride together in a safe, friendly and supportive way.
Ride Leader
- Planning and leading regular rides, often jointly with other ride leaders
- Welcoming riders and helping to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere
- Supporting new and less experienced cyclists to build their confidence and ensure no one is left behind
- Following the guidelines as set our in guidance such as risk assessing the route and reporting incidents etc.
Tandem Cycle Pilot – Tandem pilots provide the means by which the blind and partially sighted members of the community are able to experience something which the rest of us take for granted; namely the joy of riding a bike.
- Ride as a front rider or ‘pilot’ on a tandem with a visually impaired person as the rear rider or ‘stoker’.
- Provide support and guidance once off the bike, such as guiding the stoker when at a café stop, or reading the menu for them
- Communicating with your stoker, both to make the ride enjoyable for them, and also to let them know what is going on
- Taking responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of your stoker at all times during the ride, both on and off the bike
For our volunteer opportunities, we are looking for confident cyclists with knowledge of local cycle routes and a friendly, welcoming and encouraging attitude. You will need to be sensitive to others needs and able to assess someone’s general wellbeing, cycling level and bike before a ride. You will also need the ability to do simple repairs i.e. puncture repairs during rides
In return, you will get valuable skills development including coaching and communication skills, the chance to meet new people, socialise with other volunteers and be part of a team, and the satisfaction of increasing health and wellbeing of your local community and supporting Cycling UK’s mission of enabling millions more people to cycle.
For more information, please visit www.cyclinguk.org
