Ride Marshal Volunteers Needed at Bike MS: Tour de Farms, June 26-28, 2020

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Bike MS is one of the annual flagship fundraising events put on by the National MS Society, Greater Illinois

We are so excited to be returning for a third year to the Kane County Fairgrounds! This year Bike MS will take place the weekend of June 26-28. Service hours earned!

Ride Marshals perform two important functions for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. As cyclists on the road, Ride Marshals act as both Goodwill and Safety Ambassadors for the National MS Society.

Experience

A Marshal needs be a veteran of several large organized rides, in addition to having the participated as a ride marshal in other rides or have completed a cycling safety training course such as League of American Cyclist or are a cycling club ride leader.Knowledge of mass starts, safe riding techniques, possible accident-prone situations, and crowd mentality on bicycles is a basic requirement of all Marshals.

Volunteer Agreements/Waivers

The Ride Marshal Code of Conduct, must be signed by each Marshal prior to receiving any Marshal apparel or assignments. Waivers must also be signed to participate as a Marshal in Bike MS.All Marshals must sign the Ride Marshal Code of Conduct every year. (Found at the end of this Handbook)

Maturity

A Marshal must demonstrate maturity.The individual must be able to communicate effectively in a way that other cyclists will take seriously. Always maintain a positive attitude when reminding cyclists of safe riding techniques and the rules of the road. Remember that the Marshal jersey is highly visible, and Marshals must always follow the rules of the road, ride responsibly and always set agood example when on the road.

Communication Skills

A Marshal must have the ability to communicate effectively and be able to speak loudly, especially in situations that are dangerous or complex. Communications should be brief and to the point and not confrontational in nature. Marshals must beable to see, hear and speak well to successfully perform Marshal duties.

CPR/First Aid Training

For the 2018 Bike MS: Tour de Farms, we recommendRide Marshalsto be certified inCPR.Those who arecertified may consider carrying a CPR breathing device on the ride. First Aid training is also recommended, and often accompanies CPR training courses. If you do have these certifications, PLEASE let us know.

Ride Marshal Responsibilities

Goodwill Ambassador

Ride Marshals are official representatives of the National MS Society. Ride Marshals are encouraged to talk to the general public, store owners, and bystanders along the route and thank cyclists for participating in Bike MS.Ride Marshals should be prepared to answer general questions about the event.

Safety Ambassador

Ride Marshals act as Safety Ambassadors by sharing cycling advice and encouraging safe cycling behaviors. Ride Marshals identify unsafe cyclists and motorists to event officials. In addition, Marshals are often willing to provide basic assistance to riders whomay experience problems, such as flat tires, along the route. 

Times, dates, and shifts may vary, depending on the volunteer position you select.

Register online:

https://www.signupgenius.com/tabs/23672d606a2c2e5c60-2020ms19