Cycling solves so many problems at once: it keeps you fit, it’s fast, cheap, reliable and good for the environment too! Getting on your bike is one of the easiest ways to keep fit. It’s a lot cheaper than gym membership and much more useful.
Walking regularly will make you feel good, and is good for your health. For adults, 30 minutes of walking five days a week dramatically cuts the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, obesity and some cancers. It also reduces cholesterol, lowers high blood pressure and is good for your sense of well-being.
Support and training: Volunteer Support Rider
Would you like to become a Volunteer Support Rider?
Training for volunteer riders is a free one-day course for people willing and able to lead cycles in the community. The training is a day of practical advice and is run locally in areas where there is a potential for new or existing walk groups. This is an accredited course run through Cycle Training Wales.
The Volunteer Support Rider’ role
- promote the health benefits of cycling and motivate people to take up cycling as a form of physical activity
- lead regular safe and enjoyable cycle rides in your own locality for adults of all ages and abilities
- help individuals to progress and become independent cyclists
- signpost people onto other cycling groups when they are confident and ready to progress on to more challenging/longer cycles
During the training session, Volunteer Support Riders will:
1. Receive advice and practical training on:
- The background to Cycle Training Wales
- Recognise the benefits of cycling and the barriers to cycling
- Recognise and remedy common bike/cycling faults
- Understand how to select and assess cycle route
- Recognise ride procedure and administration
- Understand how to lead a group to ride off-road
2. Be involved in activities to discover more about:
- What is a led cycle ride
- How to plan, organize and review a walk and a programme of walks
- Risk assessment
- What to do on a “Health Walk”
- Motivating & encouraging people with a wide range of walking needs
3. Go on a demonstration led cycle ride during the day, and understand how to lead a group to ride off-road
For more information please download our leaflet or contact us.
