7 December 2020

HSBC UK Guided Rides, like our women-only initiative HSBC UK Breeze, provide opportunities for recreational cyclists to build their skills and confidence riding a bike, and can provide a stepping stone into club cycling.

We spoke to Neil Smith, Guided Rides Area Coordinator and volunteer ride leader to tell us more.

Having attended a few rides arranged through the Let’s Ride website, Neil jumped at the chance to become a volunteer leader in October 2018. Since then Neil, like the other 20 leaders across Scotland, has been busy setting up rides in his local area to help others to cycle more.

“Organising and leading Guided Rides has been a fantastic way of getting out and meeting new people, improving fitness and getting more confident on bikes,” said Neil.

“I made a decision when the first pandemic lockdown lifted in summer 2020 to try and capitalise on the renewed interest in cycling to boost the Guided Ride programme in my local area, East Renfrewshire.

“Since July the East Renfrewshire Guided Rides group on the Let’s Ride website has grown to 70 members with usually two or three organised group rides taking place every week - we even have a night ride on a Thursday, which is popular too.

“Well over 200 participants have now come out on my organised rides over the past two years, and we will keep going through the winter as long as we can. I can’t wait for next spring though!".

If you want to cycle more, then HSBC UK Guided Rides are for you. All you have to do is bring your bike and pedal. Guided Ride Leaders do the rest. It's easy. It's free.

HSBC UK Guided Ride leaders are trained in leading group social rides and don’t need to be cycling experts; they are confident riding in a group and have a good level of cycling fitness. British Cycling provides its trained leaders with branded kit, membership and ongoing support to help them on their way.

All kinds of cyclists are welcomed on Guided Rides, with rides classifications offering easy-going, steady and challenging rides, and opportunities of adult-only and family rides. 

You can join Neil on his next Guided Ride, find a ride near you and find out more about Guided Rides at the Let’s Ride website: www.letsride.co.uk/guided-rides

For more information about becoming a Guided Ride leader visit: www.letsride.co.uk/volunteers