We know it can be difficult for groups and solo riders who like to ride with friends to operate in these difficult times, which is why we thought it would be a great idea to set up virtual rides, coffee stops, club nights and committee meetings with those who you usually ride with! We have created some different ways to help you communicate to your friends.
If you are planning on setting up a virtual ride with your group or friends, Zwift have the perfect options to help you get started! Whether you are planning on joining an organised event or setting up your own meet ups. Zwift have created this article to help get you set up!
Remember you can receive great Zwift member benefits when you are a British Cycling member including your free exclusive online British Cycling kit for your avatar to wear. Find out more information on our member benefits
Don’t forget virtual rides also count for your Strava Miles, join the Welsh Cycling Strava club and share your journey with us.
Virtual cafe stops
There are some great video conferencing platforms which you can use to have a virtual cafe stop, club night, committee meeting or just use to catch up with friends, family and clubmates. Take a look at the below which some clubs are already using both during the rides or afterwards.
Need help on getting started with Discord, click here for more information.
Need help on getting started with Microsoft Teams, click here for more information.
Need help on getting started with Skype, click here for more information.
Need help on getting started with Google Hangouts, click here for more information.
Safeguarding
If you are planning on including junior members to the online platforms, your club need to ensure they are following the guidelines that you would normally do for any contact and engagement with children/young people via social media. We would advise on all clubs ensuring you have appropriate social media policies in place.
Ensure that clubs include parents, no one-to-one conversations with children. Ensure appropriate language and content is being used. Do not allow children to post photos of themselves or anyone else and ensure other members do not post images of junior riders without the appropriate consents being in place.
Take a look at our safeguarding page before any virtual meet-ups take place. We would also advise you to take a look at the Child protection in Sport page for more information.
We should also remember that the current requirements on social distancing place some individuals at risk, either of isolation and neglect, domestic violence or other forms of abuse. If you become concerned about the wellbeing and welfare of anyone that you have virtual contact with then you should share this with our Lead Safeguarding Officer at compliance@britishcycling.org.uk. Further information on reporting concerns can also be found on our safeguarding page.
We must remind all members who are participating in virtual clubs, the British Cycling Code of Conduct must be adhered to at all times when using this facility, including treating all participants with respect.
Planning for the future
At some point in the not too distant future restrictions will be lifted and we can return to normality, whilst this is still some way off now is perhaps the best time to look at the running of the club and creating a plan to help resurrect the club for the future. Club Solutions is the ideal programme to help facilitate this. Packed full of ideas and useful tools to help and free to affiliated clubs.
