CTC Cambridge

Friday 22 May 2026 

All Ride Leaders are encouraged to give a short briefing at the start of the ride to introduce themselves and to give the other riders a quick summary of the ride details..

Recommended pre-ride briefing for all rides:

• The Ride Leader should introduce themselves and give a short summary of the ride - total distance, planned route, stops and expected finish time. Highlight any unusual aspects: e.g. hazards, longer distance, bad weather forecast etc. Confirm the planned route out of town for city starts.
• The Ride Leader should collect the names of all riders using the Rider Registration form. And introduce any new or guest riders to the other riders if needed.
• The Ride Leader should also collect mobile phone numbers from guest riders, and optionally from any new riders, again using the Rider Registration form. And also collect Emergency Contact details from guest riders and other riders if they do not have an emergency card or similar.
• The Ride Leader should check that other riders have made a note of the Rider Leader's mobile phone number (even if it has already been shared via the website and/or via email).
• The Ride Leader should check that the backmarker and any deputy leaders have the route and the Ride Leader's mobile phone number.

This should only take a few minutes. Number sharing can be done individually as the riders are registered.

Optional additional briefing for New or Guest riders - at the Ride Leader's discretion:

• Ask new or guest (i.e. non-Cycling UK member) riders about their riding ability and experience. Check that they are capable of riding at the planned pace for the planned distance.
• Tell new or guest riders what to do if they get separated; riders should call or text the Ride Leader if they get dropped or lost or turn back.
• Remind riders to confirm with the Ride Leader if they decide to leave the ride early (e.g. returning after the first stop or at another point during the ride).
• Provide group riding advice for new or guest riders (e.g. calls, hand signals and etiquette).
• Special arrangements for less confident riders (e.g. arrange for a "buddy" rider).

This level of briefing should not be needed for regular riders. New and guest rider briefing can be done individually or with a subgroup. The Ride Leader may ask a rider to leave the ride if they are concerned that the rider is unlikely to be able to manage the pace or the distance of the planned ride.

In addition, the Ride Leader may request some simple checks of bikes and/or equipment if they have any concerns

See Guidance for riders for a suitable checklist:

• Check everyone has a roadworthy bike.
• Check everyone has a puncture repair kit (tubes, pump, tyre levers etc).
• Check everyone has personal gear as appropriate to the ride and conditions.

These basic checks are more likely to be appropriate for new or guest riders. The Ride Leader may ask a rider to leave the ride if they are concerned about the road-worthiness of their bike and/or if the rider is not suitably equipped for the ride and conditions.

The Ride Leader may ask other riders for help (e.g. ask another rider to help with bike checks; or ask if another rider can lend items to people who are missing a key item).