Ride to Lead
Ten weeks. One bike. Your next step starts here.
Ride to Lead is a cycling leadership programme for young people aged 16 to 18 in Manchester who are currently not in education, employment or training. Participants strip down and rebuild a bike from scratch, work towards a nationally recognised Sports Leadership Level 1 qualification, and leave with a bike they built themselves, a qualification, and a confirmed next step towards employment or further training.
What’s Involved?
Ten weeks. two afternoons a week, October to December 2026.
Ride to Lead combines practical bike mechanic skills with a ride leadership qualification, giving young people skills they can use immediately and evidence they can take into job applications, interviews, and further training. Every participant leaves with something tangible – a bike, a qualification, and a clear route forward.
What You’ll Leave With
- A bike you built yourself
- Sports Leadership Level 1 qualification
- A bike maintenance certificate
- Mock interview experience
- Work experience opportunities
- A confirmed progression route into employment or further training
Key Details
- Free to all participants
- 10 weeks, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1.00pm to 4.00pm
- October to December 2026
- Hideout Youth Zone, Gorton or Lifestyles Centre, Wythenshawe
- Commissioned by Manchester City Council
Who Is It For?
- Young people aged 16 to 18 in Manchester
- People not currently in education, employment or training.
- No previous experience of cycling leadership, sports leadership or bike mechanics is needed
- Just show up and give it a go.
The Qualification
Ride to Lead is built around the Sports Leadership Level 1 qualification from the Leadership Skills Foundation. It is a nationally recognised qualification that develops communication, teamwork, self-belief and problem solving skills in a sporting context. Participants earn it by planning and leading activities for their peers, with all sessions delivered as part of the cycling leadership programme. It sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework and can be used as evidence of achievement in job applications, college applications and apprenticeship interviews. Every participant who completes the programme leaves with a certificate in their name.
Our Partners
Ride to Lead is a cycling leadership programme for young people delivered in partnership with NextGen Cycling Academy, Manchester City Council and Trek Bikes
Refer a Young Person
Do you know someone who would benefit from our cycling leadership programme? Contact us via the form below to refer a young person or find out more.
