WORKING WITH YOUTH

Working with kids is a unique and rewarding experience that is different from working with adults. How you talk to, guide, and supervise them will depend on their age and skill level. As a ride leader, remember that your words and actions have a big impact! Be mindful of how you present yourself—your clothing, body language, tone of voice, and the words you use all matter. Kids are always watching and learning from you. To make sure everyone stays safe and has fun, the BICP suggests keeping a 3:1 ratio of kids to adults in group rides.

Setting your riders up for success starts with giving parents and guardians clear, detailed instructions ahead of time.

A couple of friendly reminders can go a long way! Sending an email or text one week before the ride – and another the day before – helps even the busiest families stay on track.

Here’s what to include in your reminders:

• Meeting Location: Be clear about where the group will meet.
• Drop-off/Pick-up Times: Let them know the schedule so everyone stays on time.
• Bike Check: Encourage parents to give their child’s bike a quick once-over. A simple reminder: Air, Brakes, Chain. Suggest packing a spare tube that matches their child’s bike wheel size, just in case!
• Clothing: Recommend dressing in layers and preparing for the weather—it’s always better to be ready for anything.
• Backpack Essentials: Remind them to pack a small backpack with extra clothing, snacks, and water.

These little steps help everyone feel prepared and excited for the ride ahead!

For some young riders, you might be their very first experience with a group ride outside of their family. That’s a big step! Clear communication is key to helping them feel comfortable and confident.

It’s not unusual for some kids to feel shy or nervous about leaving their parents. Your role is to reassure both the child and their parents that you’re experienced and ready to provide a safe, fun, and positive experience. A warm smile, a calm voice, and a little patience can go a long way in helping everyone feel at ease.