Go Ride Information

What Do I Need to Bring to a Go-Ride Session?

An off-road bike (nothing fancy needed) and a helmet (no helmet, no ride).

It's best to wear lightweight, close-fitting clothing and bring a waterproof in case of bad weather. For winter sessions, please wear warm clothing and long fingered gloves. It is also a good idea to bring a water bottle in case you get thirsty.

Parental Consent

When you register for the Go-Ride waiting list you will asked to provide parental consents for your rider, which covers the Go-Ride Sessions. These consents can be changed by you at any time, through the Clubs' online membership administration system (Loveadmin).

Under 18s taking part in club activities other than those specific to U18s must carry a completed consent form which may be verified by the activity leader.

Information for Parents

Meeting other riders, parents and coaches at Go-Ride is a good source of information on equipment, local events and other activities.

Communication of upcoming U16 events is facilitated by a closed Facebook group for parents. Parents can be added to the group after a rider joins the club. U18s communicate with other members and coaches via Facebook.

Child Welfare

ERC Juniors is a British Cycling Go Ride registered club.

British Cycling's Go-Ride Clubmark Accreditation supports the development and recognition of quality junior clubs. As part of the programme, clubs must ensure they have a Club Welfare Officer, who has attended a Child Protection Course. Go-Ride sessions are delivered by British Cycling qualified coaches, who have also attended courses on Child Protection, Equity, and hold a current First Aid certificate.

Quality Coaching in Traffic Free, Controlled Environments

Go-Ride clubs deliver coaching activities in traffic-free environments. Any type of bike can be used, so long as it is in good condition, and a cycling helmet must be worn. The sessions teach the necessary skills to make riders more competent, safer cyclists.

What Will My Child Gain From This?

The Go-Ride programme of cycling activities promotes good health and includes fun activities that are easy to learn. As obesity levels in young people rise, cycling can be seen as a very enjoyable way of getting exercise and countering a sedentary lifestyle.

Will My Child Be Safe?

All Go-Ride clubs have a commitment to ongoing training for their volunteers, coaches and officials, to have a sound structure, to be fair and equitable and to undertake training to support British Cycling's Policies and Guidelines for child protection and best practice. All coaching sessions are risk assessed and clubs take relevant actions to reduce any possible risks. As such, clubs do everything in their power to provide a safe environment in which your child can cycle. Cycling, however, does have its risks and even the best riders still fall off occasionally.

What Qualifications Do Go-Ride Coaches Have?

All coaches in Go-Ride clubs must be British Cycling qualified coaches. All British Cycling coaching awards include sports coach UK's "Safeguarding and Protecting Children" workshop, which helps to ensure that Go-Ride clubs are safe and welcoming environments for young people of all backgrounds. Coaches are also encouraged to broaden their knowledge to suit their particular requirements, for example, attending the sports coach UK workshop "How to Coach Disabled People in Sport". British Cycling has a Coach Licensing Scheme that requires all qualified coaches to retain annual membership and hold a valid First Aid certificate.

We fully subscribe to Scottish Cycling’s statement that:

Coaching, as an emerging profession, must demonstrate a high degree of honesty, integrity and competence at all levels. The need for cycling coaches to understand and act upon their responsibilities is of critical importance to cycling, as is the need to protect the key concept of participation for fun and enjoyment as well as achievement. This is implicit within good coaching practice and promotes a professional image of the good practitioner.

Simon Innes is the Club Welfare Officer (ERC Welfare Protection Email). He provides information and advice on child protection in the club, and should be contacted by anyone with child protection concerns.

ERC Youth Policy

ERC Coaches follow the British Cycling code of conduct (PDF) and Code of Practice for Cycling Coaches