Ride Strive & Thrive Cycling
A practical guide to understanding what the buyer really wants and how to build a winning response.
Think about the impact on young lives
This tender isn't just about cycling.
It's about empowering young people in Doncaster with confidence and skills.
The City of Doncaster Council wants to deliver cycling training as part of the Ride Strive & Thrive (RST) pilot.
It's a chance to make a difference — teaching children how to cycle safely and enjoyably.
Yes, you'll be delivering training sessions.
But what you're really selling is the lifelong impact on each child's confidence and independence.
Don't just plan sessions, plan experiences
Every training provider will promise to deliver cycling lessons.
But this is about more than just the mechanics of riding a bike.
Think about what makes a session memorable.
How do you engage children who might be nervous or unsure?
What will make them excited to come back for more?
If I were writing this tender, I'd focus on creating positive experiences.
Experiences that children talk about at home and look forward to each week.
Safety first, always
The buyer will expect you to prioritise safety.
Cycling is fun, but it can also be risky if not properly managed.
Your submission should detail clear safety protocols.
Include how you'll ensure all equipment is safe and well-maintained.
Explain your approach to risk assessments before each session.
This is non-negotiable.
Pay attention to what they say
The notice spells out that the RST pilot is a central focus.
It’s not just a cycling programme — it's a pilot initiative.
This means they're testing new approaches, looking for innovation and impact.
I'd highlight any unique methods or techniques you can bring to the table.
Show them you're ready to contribute to this pioneering effort.
Evidence always outweighs promises
In public procurement, evidence is key.
It's not enough to say you deliver great training.
Prove it.
Use testimonials from previous programmes.
Provide data on success rates or feedback from participants.
Evidence always carries more weight than promises.
Engage with the community
This contract is about more than just the children.
It's about engaging with their families and the wider community.
Show how you'll involve parents or carers in the process.
Maybe offer workshops or information sessions.
Community engagement can be a powerful differentiator.
Consistency over the contract term
Over three years, with the option to extend to six, consistency is crucial.
Explain how you'll maintain high standards throughout the contract.
What happens if an instructor is unavailable?
How will you handle sickness or annual leave?
Buyers worry about standards slipping over time.
Reassure them with a solid plan for continuity.
One thing I'd keep reminding myself
Every decision in this tender should be about the children.
Whenever you're unsure about a section of your response, ask yourself:
"How will this benefit the children learning to cycle?"
Keep that question at the heart of your submission.
Common mistakes
Avoid submissions that:
- Focus too much on the mechanics of cycling, ignoring the broader impact
- Lack detailed safety protocols and risk management plans
- Fail to provide evidence of past success and participant feedback
- Overlook the importance of community involvement and engagement
- Ignore the pilot nature of the programme by offering generic training solutions
- Underestimate the need for consistency and continuity over the contract term
My Final Thoughts
The City of Doncaster Council isn't just looking for a cycling trainer.
They're looking for a partner in delivering a transformative experience for young people.
With a contract value of £150,000 and the potential to extend from 2029 to 2032, this isn't a short-term gig.
Quality will carry significant weight in their decision.
Your written submission should focus on the impact, safety and community engagement.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
Kim
Founder, Bid Trawler
P.S. - Got a Question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?
View the opportunity on BidTrawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.
View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on BidTrawler →
Thanks for reading.
I hope this guide has helped make public procurement feel a little less daunting. If it has, then it's done its job.
P.S. Got a question?
If you've got a question about anything you've read, or you're stuck on a tender, just send me an email.
Whether it's a quick question or you simply need pointing in the right direction, I'm always happy to help if I can.
Ready to decide whether this contract is worth bidding?
View the opportunity on Bid Trawler and access everything you need to make an informed decision, including the full tender information, direct access to the tender documents, the current supplier, who's winning similar contracts, who else may be bidding, buyer intelligence, our exclusive Inside View, your personalised Winnability Score and an AI-powered contract review.
View the Full Contract & Exclusive Inside View on Bid Trawler →About our "How to Win This Contract" guides
Our guides are written using publicly available procurement information, including contract notices and published tender documents where available. They are designed to help suppliers understand the buyer's likely priorities and think more strategically about their approach. They are not based on any bidder's confidential submission, bespoke bid strategy or non-public procurement information.