Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Conduct pre activity checks.

1.1. Perform routine pre start checks on chain, brakes, gears, wheels, bearings, tyres and accessories of a suitable bicycle .

1.2. Correct any deficiency and adjust the bicycle so that it is correctly proportioned  and safe for personal use.

1.3. Identify items to improve comfort .

1.4. Ensure sufficient fluids are available for the duration of the activity.

1.5. Identify possible hazards  associated with cycling and procedures to minimise risks .

2. Select equipment.

2.1. Select clothing for the activity ensuring it is adequate for all expected weather conditions.

2.2. Select safety equipment  according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

2.3. Assemble and carry an in-field repair kit for the activity location.

2.4. Prepare equipment, where required, for safe transportation to activity location.

3. Apply cycling skills.

3.1. Adopt appropriate posture and balance when riding to achieve efficiency and comfort.

3.2. Modify technique  to account for changes in terrain  and apply recommended weight transfer techniques during cornering.

3.3. Apply smooth and timely gear changes across different terrain features.

3.4. Demonstrate recommended braking techniques for sealed surfaces and off road conditions.

3.5. Identify and negotiate obstacles .

3.6. Apply group or bunch riding techniques and take measures  to guard personal and group safety 

3.7. Demonstrate methods  to communicate with motorists and other cyclists.

4. Evaluate the cycling activity.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the cycling activity.

4.2. Identify improvements for future rides.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to interact with other cyclists and motorists to make intentions clear
• problem-solving skills to:

• decide on cycling technique and gear to use according to changes in terrain
• navigate a chosen route

• planning and organising skills to select equipment
• conduct pre-start checks on equipment
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all cycling activities
• minimal impact cycling codes to enable protection of the environment
• road rules and cycling codes to understand cyclists rights and responsibilities on the road, and maintain safety of other cyclists and motorists
• equipment types, characteristics and technology used for on and off road cycling, the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment, and factors affecting selection of equipment
• care and maintenance of cycling equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements
• cycling equipment and bicycle features that provide comfort
• cycling techniques used to negotiate to different terrain
• emergency procedures and potential hazards relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and others.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• conducts routine checks on the bicycle to ensure it is suitably proportioned and in good working order
• demonstrates cycling techniques, such as gear and pace change in on and off road conditions
• takes measures to guard personal and group safety by identifying and negotiating obstacles and hazards, and using communication during the cycling activity
• evaluates and reflects on own cycling performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in multiple basic cycling activities on gentle to moderate terrain types to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources and information, such as relevant legislation concerning bicycle safety and road usage
• a suitable outdoor environment with gentle to moderate terrain and some hazards that allow the cyclist to demonstrate a variety of techniques
• a qualified leader or supervisor
• bicycle, tools and spare parts and safety equipment.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of pre- cycling routine checks on bicycle parts, such as the chain and brakes, and appropriate repairs made to any deficiency
• oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of cycling techniques, such as when to change gears and how to brake in different terrains
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of cycling skills, such as smooth and timely gear changes across different terrains
• observation of dealing with contingencies, such as equipment failure or change in conditions
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SISOCYT201A Select, set up and maintain a bike

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Bicycle  may include:

• road bikes
• mountain bikes
• BMX
• Hybrid or multipurpose bikes.

Correctly proportioned  may include:

• frame size
• handlebar height
• saddle position and height
• distance from saddle to handlebars.

Items to improve comfort  may include:

• gloves
• padded shorts
• glasses or goggles.

Hazards  may include:

• temperature extremes
• slippery or unstable terrain
• dangerous animals and insects
• stinging trees and nettles
• dense vegetation
• group management hazards.

Risks  may include:

• hypothermia
• heat exhaustion
• injuries
• exhaustion
• lost party or party member
• equipment failure.

Safety equipment  may include:

• helmet
• lights
• reflectors
• bright and protective clothing
• gloves
• protective eyewear
• bell.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• use and maintenance of equipment
• communication protocols
• emergency procedures
• code of ethics.

Technique  may include:

• change in posture
• change in position on bicycle or in saddle
• weight transfer
• use of gears
• pedalling technique.

Terrain  may include:

• sealed and unsealed roads
• unsealed off road tracks.

Obstacles  may include:

• creeks
• tree branches
• logs
• bumps
• depressions
• pot holes.

Measures  may include:

• observing traffic and other cyclists
• safe falling and arrest
• travelling at an appropriate speed
• observing changing weather conditions and terrain.

Group safety  may include:

• speed
• distance from other cyclists
• communication
• appropriate group riding techniques.

Methods  may include:

• hand signals
• eye contact
• communication calls.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique
• assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques
• rescue techniques employed.