Cycling
Download this
page as a pdf
Includes
- Road Cycling
- Mountain Biking
Description
The use of bicycles (and other similar
vehicles) for travel, recreation or sport. The following
regulations apply only to cycling when undertaken as a guiding
activity, not as travel to and from unit meetings.
For activities relating to BMX, Speedway and
track cycling, visit British Cycling for more
detailed information.
Forms
An Information and Consent
for Event/Activity form is required to
participate in this activity.
Who can
participate?
Open to all.
Ratio of adults to
girls
Normal ratios for activities away from the
meeting place apply for Rainbows and Brownies.
Guiding Manual ratios
Guides and Senior Section members may cycle
without an adult present provided the regulations below are
observed.
Regulations
- The Leader must ensure that all participants
under the age of 18 have written permission to take part from an
adult with parental responsibility.
- The local Commissioner must be informed that
the activity is taking place.
- Carry out a risk
assessment for the activity.
- If cycling on a public highway, cyclists must
follow the current
Highway Code
- Cyclists must wear a helmet.
- Lights must be used in low light or dark conditions.
- Cyclists must not carry passengers unless
their cycle has been specially built or adapted for this
purpose.
- Cyclists must not cycle on pavements or other
areas designated for pedestrians (this is an offence and is
punishable by a fixed penalty).
- If using a commercial provider, ensure that
it is licensed to offer the activity. You can verify the quality of
a provider by checking it has one of the following endorsements:
AALA, Adventuremark and
LotC Quality Badge for Adventure.
The above endorsements are not applicable in Northern Ireland,
where you should ask your local Outdoor Activities Adviser to
recommend an approved provider.
Instructor
qualifications
If cycling off-road, the person leading the
group must have completed the level of the Girlguiding UK Walking
Scheme appropriate to the terrain.
Useful
information
- Ensure that cyclists do not hold on to a
moving vehicle, cycle in a dangerous manner, careless or
inconsiderate manner, or cycle under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
- Clothing should be appropriate for the
activity and the weather conditions, and should be
fluorescent/reflective in the interests of safety.
- When planning your route, take into
consideration the cycling experience and skills of the
participants.
- If you are hiring bicycles, inspect the
bicycles with the hirer to ensure they are in working order before
setting off.
Off-road
cycling
Cyclists must only use recognised cycle
routes, bridal paths and green roads, having gained access
permission where necessary and ensuring the environment is not
damaged by the activity.
The party should include someone who is able
to carry out simple bicycle repairs and an adult who can administer
first aid.
When taking part in a cycling expedition,
ensure that cycles are safely loaded and properly balanced. Fitted
panniers should be used; it is recommended that cyclists do not
carry equipment on their backs.
Girlguiding UK Activity
Centres
Try mountain biking at Netherurd or Waddow.
Page last updated: 5/18/2012