• As a Ride Leader, you must be familiar with the Ride Leader Guidelines and the Ride Leader Training Manual.
• Be sure to read "How to Submit a Ride" if you are creating a ride for the first time or need help creating a ride. 
• Be adventurous − pick a route less traveled. Our Ride Library is full of interesting places to go.
• Sign in Sheets are mandatory − the online pre-ride registration process now populates the sign-in sheet for you. You can find the pre-populated sign-in sheet by clicking on the PDF icon under the list of participants who have signed up for your ride. Just print it out the morning of your ride and bring it with you to the ride. Only those participants who have not pre-registered must sign in at the start. The list of riders signed in with their contact numbers is also emailed to you about an hour before the ride.
• You must keep the sign-in sheet through the end of the ride
• You can dispose of the sign-in sheet at the end of the ride provided that there are no incidents or injuries which may involve our insurance company.
• In the event of an emergency, the sign-in sheet will provide you with the participant’s emergency contact information. If there is a collision/injury on the ride, you will also need to submit the sign-in sheet to the VP of Rides along with the Insurance Incident Report.
• You should carry a blank copy of the Insurance Incident Report on your ride. That way, if there is an accident, you can get the requested information while you are waiting for an ambulance or other assistance.
• Leading Rides is the lifeblood of the NYCC. You'll get a token of appreciation from the NYCC based on the total rides you've led over throughout the year. You could get water bottles, socks, shorts, jerseys, and other great NYCC great. See more details on our Incentives Page.

NYCC Ride Leader Guidelines and Responsibilities  

The quality of NYCC rides depends on the active participation of both riders and leaders. By listing a ride, a leader has advertised the general characteristics of a ride, on which riders should be able to rely.  

1.     Scout the route and stops before the actual ride, preferably by riding it, but at least “scout” the ride on a downloaded RWGPS route or similar map. Designate rest stops appropriate to the level of the ride. Carry a map of the area (or use a smart phone or GPS) and extra cue sheets for emergencies.

2.     Bring the pre-populated electronic sign in sheet from the web site that includes emergency contact information and make sure that all participants have signed in. If the emergency contact information has not been provided, have them fill that in clearly.

3.     Give some thought as to any emergency situation that may arise. Know the location of train stations, shopping centers etc. on or near the route. You can also use your Garmin or GPS system and if you don’t have one, you can ask one of your participants.

4.     Announce what riders should expect if they fall behind. If you do not intend to drop riders, enlist the assistance of riders looking out for each other and announce where you intend to wait for lagging riders.

5.     Turn back riders who are unqualified or show up with poorly maintained bikes at the start or before you get too far along on the ride. Aero bars and headphones are not permitted on rides. As a leader you have the final say on the ride, including that of removing uncooperative participants as a last resort.

6.     Ride at the advertised pace. Riders should be able to rely on the cruising speed advertised in the ride description. Make allowances for hills and headwinds.

7.     Emphasize predictable, single or double line riding (in almost all areas where we ride, single file is mandatory except when “doubling up” at big intersections or those with a very short light.  Obey local traffic laws and use your common sense. Do not bunch up at lights or while riding – maintain the line. Remember that when leading a ride, you and your group are “ambassadors” for NYCC.

8.     Maintain control of your ride. “Pace Busters” break the ride tempo and compromise group safety.

9.     Be predictable, use signals, and alert other riders to dangerous obstacles and situations. Maintain a safe distance between riders commensurate with the level of the ride. Always give pedestrians the right of way even if they are jaywalking or walking into a red light or “no walk” sign.

10.  You should give a pre-ride talk emphasizing some of these guidelines and encouraging safe and predictable riding.