Every 6 months, Bicycle NSW's Ride Leader program supports interested Members in becoming qualified Ride Leaders.
This program is run by long running experienced Members who are passionate about teaching and supporting new and beginner Ride Leader candidates.
The Bicycle NSW Ride Leaders Course is designed to equip proficient group riders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead safe and enjoyable rides.
This comprehensive program includes a series of resources and training tailored to meet the needs of our local Bicycle User Groups' (BUGs') recreational rides across NSW. The course provides a clear and structured pathway to achieve your goals.

What you need
Ride Leader candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Have a positive attitude and desire for sharing the joy of cycling with the community
- Be nominated by an experienced Community Leader (eg. a local BUG President)
- Be a Member of Bicycle NSW
- Have a comprehensive understanding of the road environment and the NSW road rules
Ideally,
- Be a member of a Bicycle NSW affiliated Bicycle User Group (BUG)
- Be a confident rider who has some experience with riding in a group
If you are a new bike rider, have little experience or are not yet currently confident riding in a group, we encourage you to gain some experience riding with your local group before expressing interest in the Ride Leader Course. It’s important for you to observe experienced Ride Leaders in operation for context so that when you’re ready, you understand the importance of the Ride Leader role during a ride.
If you're unsure or have any questions, please feel free to contact us to discuss.
The program
- Candidates are nominated to Bicycle NSW by their local BUG President.
- Candidates work through the downloadable Ride Leader resources, guided and supported by Master Ride Leaders.
- Candidates undergo in-person practical training with Master Ride Leaders to receive final accreditation.
- Candidates co-lead a successful on-road rides with a Master Ride Leader. On successful completion, they are recommended to the CEO of Bicycle NSW for full accreditation.
- Candidates receive their Certificate of Accreditation.
For candidates with limited access to Master Ride Leaders, there are alternative ways to achieve Accreditation across NSW. Please contact us for more information.
More information
Following a break during COVID, Bicycle NSW hosted a 30 min webinar in 2021 to update Members on the current Ride Leader Training program. Both the video and slides are available below.
What's next for Ride Leaders?
Lead the way and inspire others to embrace cycling!
Ride Leaders including large groups such as Bike North, lead hundreds of rides each year. Other BUGs focus on shorter rides that introduce diverse riders of all ages and abilities to cycling. Bicycle NSW Ride Leaders also play a key role in celebrating the annual Australian Ride to Work day every October.
"Our Ride Leaders and Master Ride Leaders are highly skilled and well respected by the Bicycle NSW community. A huge thanks to all the amazing volunteers who have taken the Course, developed the vital skills needed to keep riders safe and helped build a strong bicycle community in NSW!"
Bicycle NSW CEO, Peter McLean
Posts about ride leader training
Thank you to our new Ride Leaders!
Ride Leader Course a huge success!
Bike North: A big BUG with a big impact
New Ride Leaders on the way!
Local BUG gives Western Sydney residents a new lease on life
Red Cross and Bicycle NSW Partnership
The Ability to Ride
Ride Leader Course workshop
Tips for Group Riding
- 1
- 2