Volunteer Tandem Rider

About the role

We’re looking for volunteer cyclists to help a visually impaired adult experience the joys and freedoms of cycling. Will you join the amazing team who supports our Two’s Company group rides?

As a volunteer front rider, you’ll assist our visually impaired back riders by piloting a tandem bicycle in Bristol and the surrounding countryside.

Many of the participants can't ride a bike independently. Taking part in group tandem rides is a great chance to socialise, experience the sounds and smells of the countryside, and feel the wind in their hair.

The rides are very sociable, and we usually stop at a café or pub for lunch. If you enjoy meeting and chatting with new people, you’ll be a perfect fit!

About the rides

Each year we run rides between March and October, mostly on weekends, with the occasional weekday or evening ride. The rides are pitched at different levels – gentle, intermediate, and advanced, to enable people of all abilities and fitness levels to participate. Front riders are matched with different back riders, and each ride has a trained group Ride Leader.

About you

To be a front rider you should be a strong and experienced cyclist. No prior tandem experience is required as training is provided. We also ask that you commit to at least five rides a year. We offer approximately 30 rides per season, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Volunteer front riders should be:

• 18+ years of age
• Comfortable cycling long distances (20 - 30 miles)
• Confident cycling on busy roads
• Friendly, outgoing and a good communicator
• Treat visually impaired people on an equal, non-patronising basis
• Ideally be at least 5'6'' (168 cm), as most tandems have quite large frames
• Able to attend induction and training sessions

We have some flexibility, so please ask if you are struggling to meet the dates and times offered, or have any other specific requirements.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are required for our front riders while volunteering for supervised group rides.

Training provided

• Practical tandem training
• Visual impairment training
• Safeguarding training

Perks of being a volunteer

• Volunteer socials
• Discounted bike services at our Hub workshop
• Meet some fantastic people!

Apply now

To find out more and apply: please download the application form and email it to us.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Viv, our Two’s Company coordinator by email or phone.

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