Six staff and students awarded Cycle Ride Leader certification to enhance cycling at RGU

The University recently organised a Cycle Leader course for staff and students, who now have the qualifications to lead a cycling group. The initiative encourages our community to make cycling a habit, supporting our sustainability efforts.

RGU's Campus Cycling Officer Manas Disoriya tells us more about the event and its benefits:

"Robert Gordon University promotes cycling among staff and students as it has long been one of the fastest, most flexible, sustainable, and most reliable methods of transport. Thanks to Cycling UK’s "SHIFT" funding, we recently organised a Cycle Ride Leader course for staff and students to encourage cycling on our campus. This course helped to develop leadership skills and boosted the confidence of every participant.

"Following the course, RGU has six new certified Cycle Ride Leaders and Assistant Leaders recognised by Cycling Scotland. They can now lead a group of cyclists, plan a ride, conduct a risk assessment and attract a diverse range of riders to their activities.

"The new Ride Leaders will play a significant role in boosting cycling at RGU, enabling other members of our community to enjoy rides without the worry of finding a good route or welcoming coffee stop, allowing them to concentrate on spending quality time with like-minded people for the good of their physical and mental health."

The course was well received by the participants, and want to encourage others to take part in future cycling events:

"I highly recommend the Cycle Ride Leader course. It was well-structured, with a great balance of theory and practical sessions. Steve, the instructor, was knowledgeable and approachable, and I gained the confidence to ride my bike in different environments.

"I also learned valuable skills on how to assist in leading a group of cyclists, including effective communication and safety. Overall, it was a challenging and rewarding experience that has given me the skills and confidence to take my cycling to the next level." - Xiang Han Ang

"I loved the session, it was very enlightening, and I am pleased to have learned more from the instructor. Being new to living in Scotland (I've been here less than six months), this course has given me enough confidence to ride more and now I can even lead a group of other cyclists!" - Daniel Adewusi