How do I plan for a ride I'm leading?
Choose a pace and distance you're comfortable with.
Consider having a co-leader.
Letter prefix (A, B, C) indicates riding style:
A: Experienced riders, close pacelines, infrequent stops, self-sufficient riders.
B: Less tight lines, sometimes rotating, more frequent stops.
C: Widely spaced lines, leaders pull entire ride, frequent stops, often no-drop policy.
Number suffix: Typical cruising speed on flat ground with no wind (not average speed).

Lead at a pace you're comfortable with or slower than you normally ride.
Leading at a slower pace is recommended:
Ensures you have mental and physical bandwidth to support the group.
Allows you to ride at the front the entire way if necessary.
This applies to all levels, including "A" leaders using rotating Pacelines.
Finally, choose a distance you can comfortably ride.

NYCC recommends, but does not require, a co-leader.
Benefits of having a co-leader:
Can sweep or help take a pull on the front
May provide mechanical skills if needed
Can offer prior ride leader experience if you're new
Allows one leader to accompany an injured rider to the hospital if necessary
How to find a co-leader:
Ask a cycling buddy
If you took a SIG, ask one of your SIG leaders or participants
Ask a leader who led a ride you enjoyed
Request a Guide through the New Ride Leader program with NYCC

Prioritize safety in all route-related decisions
If a safe way to a destination can't be found, choose a different destination
Choose a route you've ridden and enjoyed before
Feel free to add your own variations to existing routes
Utilize the NYCC Ride Library, which contains hundreds of carefully designed routes
Familiarize yourself with the route before the ride
Consider group dynamics when planning stops and challenging sections
Use Google Maps or similar tools for virtual scouting
Pay attention to:
Road conditions
Accurate mileage
Locations of water, lunch, and restroom stops
Challenging intersections or turns
For unfamiliar routes, consider a physical scouting ride with a small group

How should I prepare for the ride?
Arrive early to check everyone in
Welcome everyone and introduce yourself and co-leaders
Be prepared to answer questions about ride details, mileage, stops, and food
Check the ride roster for completeness, especially emergency contact information
Assess riders' equipment and preparedness
For new participants, inquire about their riding experience
Verify essential items: water, snacks, spare tube, pump
Enforce NYCC equipment rules (no aerobars)
Identify and welcome new riders
Emphasize group riding skills and safety
Explain road sharing etiquette:
Respect other road users
Pass only on the leftRide to the right when safe
Use proper signaling (hand/voice) for turns, stops, and hazards
Describe the ride as advertised (distance, pace, hill strategy)
Discuss Paceline rotation expectations

How do I effectively lead a group during a ride?
Set the pace and maintain it consistently
Communicate clearly and frequently with the group
Lead by example, following all traffic rules and safety guidelines
Regularly check on all riders, especially those at the back
Be prepared to make decisions about route changes or stops if needed
What are the best practices for cycling in traffic?
Obey all traffic laws and signals
Ride predictably and in a straight line
Use hand signals for turns and stops
Be visible: wear bright clothing and use lights
Stay alert and watch for potential hazards
Take the lane when necessary for safety
How do I manage riders of different skill levels?
Group riders of similar abilities together
Assign a sweep rider to stay with slower participants
Plan regrouping points along the route
Encourage stronger riders to support weaker ones
Be prepared to adjust the pace or route if needed
Offer tips and encouragement to less experienced riders

What are the essential safety rules for group rides?
Obey all traffic laws and signals
Ride predictably and maintain a straight line
Use hand signals for turns, stops, and hazards
Call out hazards to riders behind you
Maintain appropriate spacing between riders
Never ride more than two abreastStay alert and avoid distractions
Communicate with other riders and road users
Be prepared for changing weather conditions
What safety equipment should riders have?
‍Properly fitting helmet (mandatory)
Front and rear lights for low-light conditions
Bright, visible clothing
Properly maintained bicycle
Spare tube, tire levers, and pump or CO2 inflator
Basic tool kit (multi-tool with Allen keys)
ID and emergency contact information
Adequate water and nutrition
Appropriate clothing for weather conditions

Ensure safety: Direct traffic and cyclists away from the accident site.
Assess victims:
Instruct them not to move.
Check for head/neck pain and mental state.
Evaluate medical needs: Err on the side of caution, don't rely solely on the victim's judgment.
Call for help:
Dial 911 if needed.
Be ready to describe the emergency and location.
Care for the victim:
Keep them still and don't remove their helmet.
Don't give food, drink, or painkillers.
Hospital accompaniment: Assign someone to go with the victim.
Ensure they have victim's emergency contact info
Complete the Accident Incident Report

Understand your role:
Your time and commitment are valuable to fellow riders.
All riders have the right to a well-planned, safe, and enjoyable event.
As a leader, you deserve respect from fellow riders.
Recognize potential conflict sources:
Actions causing perceived or real danger to other riders.
Aggressive reactions (verbal, emotional, or physical) between riders.
Criticism about riding style (from you or other riders) perceived as unjust or threatening.
Remember your responsibilities:
Prioritize overall enjoyment and safety of the riders.
As a leader, you may choose to ask a cyclist to leave a ride if they are impacting the group's ability to finish a ride safely.

Assess the situation:
Determine if the issue can be fixed on the road.
Check if anyone in the group has the necessary tools and skills.
For minor, fixable issues:
Designate a safe area off the road for repairs.
Recruit someone to assist if needed.
Ensure the rest of the group is safely waiting or slowly continuing (if appropriate).
For major, unfixable issues:
BeCarry basic tools and know how to use them.Know the locations of bike shops along your route.
Be prepared to carry basic tools and know how to use them.
Know the locations of bike shops along your route.

Have a conversation with them to help them decide the best option.
Is there a train station in close proximity
Do they have cell service to request a ride
Be friendly but firm if they clearly cannot continue riding with the group.
If they continue alone, ensure they have the route and know how to get home.