In a major new survey released today, Cycling Plus magazine has ranked Leicester 3rd in the country for ‘rideability’, with Bristol taking top position. Cycling Plus measured a weighted set of criteria such as environmental issues, accident rates, cycle-friendly networks and schemes, and the number of active cyclists to create a list of top 20 cycling cities.

In an effort to encourage more people to take up and enjoy cycling, Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport and the Active Together project are hosting a British Cycling Level 2 Ride Leader Course at Loughborough University.

The two day course (which qualifies participants to lead rides independently) will take place on 15th and 16th May 2010. The only other criteria for participation is the ability to ride a bike!

A team of 15 Physical Activity Development Officers (PADOs) are working across the county with the intention of coordinating a series of leisure rides during 2010. To deliver these rides a team of leaders are urgently needed.

If you would like to lead rides for your community or workplace, then this FREE course is for you. Fully qualified Ride Leaders will be supported by the Active Together project to coordinate and deliver rides. Affiliation to British Cycling may be funded by Active Together.

This new aspect of your life could also bring; a new group of friends, a feeling of appreciation from your participants and a rediscovery of what first attracted you to cycling.

It is hoped that these sessions will form the foundation of continuous activity for the participants, and with links to local clubs we trust that they will be encouraged to cycle on a regular basis.

If you would like to attend the course or receive further information, please contact Andrew Watson at Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport, 01509 564872 or email a.watson4@lboro.ac.uk.

Please note: Ride leader licenses cannot be issued until leaders have completed a first aid qualification. Courses are also taking place in Leicester on Saturday 12th June as part of the Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport Coach Education Programme – visit www.lrsport.org.uk for further information.