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VOLUNTEER CYCLE MARSHALS WANTED!
If you're a competent cyclist, we want your help to make sure the second Sky Sports London Freewheel runs smoothly.
Tell me more...
A cycle marshal is an experienced London cyclist who has volunteered to help Sky Sports London Freewheel participants during their ride on the different stages of the route – part of which is closed to motorised traffic, part of which is not.
What if I live in outer London?
Volunteers are needed from across the capital, as a team of cycle marshals will be leading rides from many London boroughs. These will link up to one of four regional hubs, where riders can have a break before continuing on to the central London course, which is free of motorised traffic.
Cycle marshals will then ride around this course before finally joining a team of cycle marshals taking participants back to their original borough starting point.
Why are cycle marshals needed?
The Sky Sports London Freewheel event is open to all cyclists, regardless of age or ability, and new cyclists and families are particularly welcome. Cycle marshals can help to encourage those who have little or no experience of riding on busy roads and may be a little nervous, or unsteady on their bikes.
I'm interested. What are you looking for?
A cycle marshal should be a confident cyclist who regularly rides in London traffic. Bike mechanic and people skills would also be useful for the role. Marshals must be 18 or older by 1 July 2008.
Are you only looking for cycle marshals?
No, we are looking for help across the event including standing marshals on the routes in to wave on and direct people, assistants to help at the hubs and also on the central route.
What are the responsibilities of a cycle marshal?
Cycle marshals must be available for the whole day. An outline of the stages that marshals will help riders with, including approximate timings can be found below (more detail on all of this will be provided on training days and emailed out to volunteers as this year's event takes shape!).
Stage 1) Rides from borough into local hub, on roads open to normal traffic
Borough rides will start from 8.30 – 10am (depending on location)
Marshals must report to their team leader for the led ride, half an hour before the ride begins at the allotted start point. Marshals will welcome participants as they arrive, and once the group is assembled, run through the day’s schedule, give a health and safety briefing and answer questions. The rides then start off, with front, rear and side cycle marshals leading, supporting and following the group to the nearest regional hub. Support at the trickier sections of the ride, including junctions is essential so that participants arrive safely. Groups from across nearby boroughs converge at the local hub, where participants can enjoy a rest stop.
Stage 2) Rides from hub into central London, on roads open to normal traffic
Rides into the central route will start from 11am-2pm
Once at the regional hub, the marshals will be given a time slot by the hub control point, to join with other marshals and lead riders to the central course. This will ensure a steady stream of participants and avoid overcrowding. Foot marshals will be on hand to assist at junctions and direct people towards the central route.
Stage 3) Help where needed on central course, closed to motorised traffic
Central Hub 11am-5pm
Once the rides have joined the central route, marshals are needed to cycle around the route and help where needed e.g. assisting with bike repairs or helping new or young riders. In case of emergencies, cycle marshals should contact a foot marshal who can call for assistance. There will also be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the experience of riding around the scenic, central London course.
Stage 4) Help participants ride back to boroughs on roads open to normal traffic
Rides home 3 – 6pm
Cycle marshals will be allocated a time to leave the central course and ride to their exit point. Participants will wait at cycle ‘bus stops’ for a team of marshals to pick them up. They will then exit the central route together. Cycle marshals will guide the group back to their regional hub and then wait at the hub for a designated time slot to ride back to the borough.
From the hubs through to the central route, foot marshals will be on hand to help with direction, support, communication, emergencies and general encouragement.
Why become a cycle marshal?
Cycle marshals make the day safe and enjoyable for all participants. As well as helping to make some 45,000 cyclists happy, you'll also be encouraging more to become regular cyclists in London. We want the Sky Sports London Freewheel to inspire those who don't cycle to use their bikes more often and promote a positive image of cyclists as road users.
All marshals will receive training before the event at City Hall. Training will cover how to marshal a led ride, offer a breakdown of the day and what to do in an emergency. There will also be a chance to ask questions and an opportunity to meet other marshals.
For volunteering your time and effort, we'd like to repay you with a free lunch on the day, a limited edition hi-vis vest that you can keep (eBay had a brisk trade in them last year!!) and, the FIRST 200 registrants will be sent a limited edition Tour de France cycling jersey from the 2007 London Grand Depart!
Count me in. What do I do next?
Thanks for your interest but we've got all the marshals we need for this year. If you're interested in helping in 2009 click the button below and fill in the form!
