Being a volunteer steward, marshal, or first aider
To help with the smooth running of the London World Naked Bike Ride we ask for volunteer first aiders, stewards, and marshals to look after the welfare of riders. Everyone is welcome to ride naked, but we do ask people in these volunteer roles to wear armbands so that everyone else can recognize you.
Please register your interest or contact us if you can help.
First aiders may help with minor injuries and call 999 if appropriate. The main goal is to provide a rapid response and assess the situation. You should have an up to date first aid certificate or medical qualification.
Stewards are on duty before the ride starts (clothed, on foot). During the assembly, the stewards will primarily be directing riders into the ride assembly area, and helping the ride to form up for departure. Stewards will enforce the photo policy through polite but firm verbal intervention. Once the riders have left, the stewards will check for any lost property or trash. We might also invite you to direct the riders at key corners and the finish. We sometimes ask for spotters to be at possible troublespots (eg demos in Parliament Square) and let us know whether they are any problems to be avoided.
WNBR marshals cycle with the ride to help participants safely complete the ride. They need to know the route in case a group becomes separated from the leaders. They provide advice and assistance where possible, for example, they may provide assistance for those who get left behind or have breakdowns. If problems are encountered, the marshals may attempt to help but should call 999 if assistance is needed. Marshals should not be putting themselves at risk or intervening physically. Likewise they should not let themselves become detached from the ride unless they are trying to help in an emergency.
As a marshal we would like you to:
- Register to be a marshal in advance. If you turn up on the day with an offer to help, there will be limited things you can assist with as you won’t have any of the briefing information.
- Attend the online video briefing or watch the video recording of the briefing.
- Read the briefing pack that will be emailed to you.
- Optionally attend the test ride, following the route from your relevant start point. It’s a really good idea to know the route as you might need to sort out a problem or find yourself at the front of a cut-off group.
- Arrive at the relevant start point before the participants for an additional briefing with your start leader.
- Act as a marshal for the ride, typically from 1pm until 6pm.
- Assist with traffic control if requested by the ride leader.
- Wear a high-visibility armband that you borrow and return to the Lead Marshal.
Additionally, you will be expected to:
- Be a confident cyclist.
- Follow instructions from the Lead Marshal.
- Be friendly, reasonable, responsible and approachable, but still sufficiently assertive if riders, other road users or onlookers are not doing the right things.
- Maintain a courteous and friendly disposition (even under pressure).
- If you can, bring a small rucksack in which to put useful items such as: a puncture repair kit, spare T-shirt, bottle of water, bike pump, sun tan cream, handout cards, first aid kit.
- Carry a mobile phone for use in emergencies and for communications between marshals during the ride.
- Keep safe – don’t break the law, be well behaved, don’t cause trouble!
