This card is available as a reminder of the things to cover in a pre-ride briefing. Depending on how well you know the riders use all, bits or none of this! The most important thing is to make sure everyone knows everyone's names! If you don't have a card and would like one, ask a committee member to get you one. If a rider has an unsuitable bike or no helmet, you should politely ask them not to join the ride.
The back of the pre-ride briefing card has a DRABC checklist. If it is an emergency, get one of the other riders to phone 999 so you can manage the rest of the group. 999 will walk through the checklist as well. Find your location to help them get to you - what3words is good but GPS co-ordinates work too.
Make sure the rest of the group are clear of the area. If the road needs blocking, turn a bike upside down to act as a warning sign (yes it's wrong normally but this is an emergency remember).
Replan the ride depending on time and location. Use those bail out options you planned into the route.
If there is a mechanical or puncture in the group, find the nearest safe spot to stop the group and fix it. Make sure everyone stands around, offers advice and gets a photo! And don't forget to check your own bike while waiting in case you've got a puncture too!
If a rider asks to drop off the ride - that's ok. If the ride pace is above the advertised speed the whole group should slow down. You could encourage the rider to keep going but shelter them in the middle of the group. If they really want to drop off, make sure they know where they are and how to get home. If you decide you want to accompany them home, end the ride and send the rest of the group off.
If some riders in the group are continually riding off the front or dropping off the back it is OK to split the ride. If there is another ride leader in the group then split it. If not decide which group your are sticking with and end the ride for the other group. Always discuss with the group to agree what's happening.
If your group starts to get abuse from other road users, try to stay calm. Don't engage with them. Try to defuse the situation. Apologising regardless is a good way to do this. Call the police if necessary.
Some riders may not be comfortable with riding two abreast. Assure them that this is the safest formation as it increases visibility and shortens passing distance, and is recommended by British Cycling and the Highway Code. If they are still unsure get them to ride in the inside of the formation or at the back. Encourage them to get used to riding two abreast.
It's good practice to pause the ride after the first mile to check everyone is riding well as a group. Clearly if everything is fine there is no need to actually stop, but if you are unsure or you have a new rider on the ride then stop and discuss continuing the ride. At least talk to any new members to check they think they will be able to complete the ride. It's harder to send someone home after the first mile!
If you have a new member on your ride that you've had no details on experience sent to you, let the Committee know on info@wokinghamcycling.club and we will chase them or send you their response. It is OK to remove someone from your ride if they haven't given any response - just let us know and we'll follow up.