Ride Leader Training

Every year, Bicycle NSW approves everyday cyclists to become qualified Ride Leaders. These Ride Leaders are knowledgeable, experienced bike riders who love to show both new and life-long riders the best bike riding routes in their local areas.

The Ride Leaders Course is designed to equip proficient group riders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead safe and enjoyable rides

This comprehensive program includes a series of exercises and training resources tailored to meet the needs of Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) across NSW. Whether you're aiming to become a Master Ride Leader or a Ride Leader, this course provides a clear and structured pathway to achieve your goals.

Ride Leader candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Member of Bicycle NSW
• Be a member of a BNSW affiliated Bicycle User Group (BUG)
• Be a confident rider who has experience with riding in a group
• Have a comprehensive understanding of the road environment and the NSW road rules

Candidates must be nominated by their BUG President. The BUG Master Ride Leader then guides approved candidates through the Course. After the training day, candidates co-lead on-road rides with the Master Ride Leader until they are ready to be recommended to the CEO of Bicycle NSW for full accreditation. If you are already a BUG member, contact your BUG executive start the ball rolling. Not sure how to find your local BUG? Then please head here or get in touch with Bicycle NSW for assistance.

There are also online options for qualifying, developed when COVID-19 prevented traditional training sessions. This has made the Course more accessible to everyone wanting to become a Master Ride Leader or a Ride Leader, no matter where they are located in NSW.

The Ride Leader Manual and other course materials can be found here.

Bicycle NSW hosted a webinar to share information and insights about Ride Leader Training in 2021. Watch the video or check out the presentation slides.
For a great run down of what the Ride Leader Course involves - from the point of view of a recent participant - head here.

If you are a novice bike rider, have little experience or do not feel confident riding in a group, we encourage you to gain exposure 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 and, when you’re ready, to perform roles such as Signpost and Sweep.

Lead the way and inspire others to embrace cycling!

Ride Leaders at the larger BUGs, 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 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