toekneep
Senior Member
- Location
- Lancashire
AAAARRRRGGGGGGHHHHH
So we have formed a club and everyone is really enthusiastic and enjoying the cycling enormously. We invited the Local Authority Cycling Development Officer to our second club meeting as his brief includes helping and encouraging cycling clubs.
Now don't get me wrong, he's a lovely chap and I know he's probably right but he poured cold water on just about everything we want to do. For example:
We thought it would be a good idea to have an evening in the village hall going over signals and calls when riding in a group and general guidance on group safety and etiquette.
No, can't do that unless the person leading the evening is a qualified ride leader with official training.
We thought it would be a good idea to hold a session showing novices how to fix a puncture, check your brakes, tyre pressures etc.
No, can't do that unless it is run by a fully trained cycle mechanic.
We thought it would be a good idea to have a couple of basic road bikes to loan to newcomers who only have shoppers or MTBs so that they could feel the difference as it were.
No, can't do that unless they are maintained by a fully qualified cycle mechanic.
We want to encourage members to plan rides and have a go at leading them with the support of more experienced club members.
No, can't do that unless they have level 2 leader training which includes route planning.
We are currently investigating a*se wiping courses so that we will be able to go to the toilet on our own when out on rides!
Does it really have to be so restrictive all because of the litigation culture? I'm fed up with it.
So we have formed a club and everyone is really enthusiastic and enjoying the cycling enormously. We invited the Local Authority Cycling Development Officer to our second club meeting as his brief includes helping and encouraging cycling clubs.
Now don't get me wrong, he's a lovely chap and I know he's probably right but he poured cold water on just about everything we want to do. For example:
We thought it would be a good idea to have an evening in the village hall going over signals and calls when riding in a group and general guidance on group safety and etiquette.
No, can't do that unless the person leading the evening is a qualified ride leader with official training.
We thought it would be a good idea to hold a session showing novices how to fix a puncture, check your brakes, tyre pressures etc.
No, can't do that unless it is run by a fully trained cycle mechanic.
We thought it would be a good idea to have a couple of basic road bikes to loan to newcomers who only have shoppers or MTBs so that they could feel the difference as it were.
No, can't do that unless they are maintained by a fully qualified cycle mechanic.
We want to encourage members to plan rides and have a go at leading them with the support of more experienced club members.
No, can't do that unless they have level 2 leader training which includes route planning.
We are currently investigating a*se wiping courses so that we will be able to go to the toilet on our own when out on rides!
Does it really have to be so restrictive all because of the litigation culture? I'm fed up with it.