Sandwell volunteer ride activators wanted!
Are you a keen cyclist and interested in leading cycle rides in and around your local community? Then we want to hear from you.
We are offering FREE volunteer training. The course is a British cycling qualification and includes a 3-5-hour online learning session and then 2 days practical, out and about learning how to take people out on cycle rides. You also get a ride leader kit worth over £100.
You don’t need to be super fit, you just have to enjoy cycling and want to encourage more people to get on their bikes. In return for the training, we would ask you to put what you’ve learnt into practice and lead some cycle rides.
If you are interested then take a look at the FAQ’s at the bottom of the page to learn more. You can register your interest by contacting Healthy Sandwell.
Ride Activator Training Course FAQs
What is it?
The Ride Activator training course is a two-day training course with additional online learning that trains volunteers to be able to deliver guided rides and Learn to Ride cycling skill development sessions.
What is it for?
Ride Activators will play an important role in providing cycling opportunities to new and existing cyclists who either face common barriers to cycling, such as low ability, lack of opportunity or lack of knowledge about where to ride, or who seek social opportunities such as riding with others and learn new skills in a group. Ride Activators will break down these barriers by providing progressive Learn to Ride sessions and showing people where to ride in their local area.
What does it entail?
The course is a blend of online learning (around 4-5 hours) and two face-to-face training days (8 hours each). It is an interactive course with plenty of discussions, tasks and cycling! The face-to-face days are mainly practical though a short amount of time will be spent in the classroom.
What is required from me?
You will need to be able to ride a bike and be passionate about supporting others to take up cycling. Some experience riding on the road would be beneficial. You do not need to be exceptionally fit but you will be riding around 5 miles each day during the course.
You will need to complete all the training as well as taking a first aid course in order to be insured.
What will I get out of it?
You will get a British Cycling qualification, a free first aid course and qualification, one years free British Cycling Ride Membership, 12-months access to British Cycling Learning, a certificate, course resources, ride leader kit (worth £100) and entry into an exclusive nationwide club of trained ride leaders who deliver HSBC UK Guided Rides and benefit from support from British Cycling headquarters.
You will also get the opportunity to volunteer as part of a new and exciting initiative to get more people fit and active through cycling!
What does it cost?
The course is free in return for committing to deliver a minimum of eight Learn to Ride sessions and/ or HSBC UK Guided Rides
Do I have to be over 18 to attend?
You have to be 18 in order to be insured to deliver the sessions, however, if your 18th birthday is within 3 months of the training date then you may attend the course. You will only be able to deliver sessions as an assistant Activator until your 18th birthday, after which time you will be fully insured.