Opinions on the mail from BCF

[Ben]

Mixed views on this one.

Dear Member

This summer British Cycling is teaming up with Sky to develop a new and exciting programme. The aim is to get more people out on their bikes, enjoying the outdoors and experiencing the fun they can have on two wheels. and this is where you fit in. We are looking for British Cycling members to join us in becoming Ride Leaders.

From July 1st to October 31st we'll be rolling out routes across London, Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, Preston and the surrounding areas, for people of varying experience to be led around. As leaders, you'll be there to give riders tips about cycling, help them gain confidence and to show them how enjoyable cycling can be.

To join us as a Ride Leader, you could be a qualified Coach, Bikeability Instructor or a member of a club with some experience of leading other cyclists. As some of the rides will also be on the public highway, you should regularly ride on roads and be confident riding with traffic.

Ride Leaders will receive a free one day training course to make sure you have the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead group rides.

We are looking for approximately 300 people to lead rides and play a crucial part in promoting cycling as an entertaining recreational sport. Not only will we send you on a day's training course to help you be a better Ride Leader (and to make sure you're cycling skills are in tip-top condition), we'll give you a branded jersey and we'll pay you for every ride you lead! And if you are not already a member of British Cycling, we'll also give you our Everyday Cycling membership for free for a year.

Interested, or know someone else who would be? Click on the link below or phone 0161 274 2063 for further details, and to find out how you can register to become a qualified Ride Leader and be part of this exciting new initiative.

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/si ... _rides.asp

Thank you for your continued support.
Kin d regards

British Cycling Team

[-Adam-]

How much are they paying!?

[Ivor]

[quote="marco"]I think its a good idea, my only concern is that the 'ride leader' is adequately insured should someone try it on a bit later.

[Andrew G]

Would be better if BC worked with Sky and cycling clubs to do this so that the riders are integrated in to local CCs. This would be done for free and the benefit of the cycling clubs and the new cyclists, I agree with Adam otherwise, a bit of a cheek asking people to give up time etc in this manner. Actually Sky are hardly short of a few quid, they should do it through cycling clubs and pay a small fee to the clubs as a goodwill act, hardly going to dent their coffers much.

[Mike I]

Is there any compulsion actually to wear [Rupert Murdoch's] 'branded' jersey, either on the rides or otherwise?

[Ben]

Now then, now then, boy's & girls, today's ride is starting at Broadcasting House and then we are off to white city, remember to wear those jersey's. Jingle jangle jewellery.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Idea is a good un, but execution is lousy....

I downloaded an application form and they say you have to have a first aid certificate and then you have to complete 6 rides between 1 July and 31 October 2009 - which will be held mostly on Sundays, but not where or a list of when. There is no indication of pay - assume it will be minimum wage and taxable so about £20 for a 5 hour Sunday ride dealing with all eventualities from novices.

If you don't do all of that then you pay BC £100 for the privilege.