Instructor Training

Want to become an accredited 'Bikeability Cycling Instructor'?

Professional Cycle Instructing is a very satisfying way of earning a living. You will be working with young people, family and corporate groups as well as individuals. It's healthy outdoor work, promoting the only really green form of practical transport. The work is often in school hours, so it's ideal for parents with children at school.

We, at Cycle Training East CIC want to give you the opportunity to undertake this rewarding activity, but first we need to ensure you are aware of and are prepared for this responsibility. Our two stage training is designed to give you all the experience and confidence to be a ‘first class’ cycling instructor, capable of delivering Bikeability training courses to the National Standards.

It is a requirement for ‘Bikeability’ National Standard cycling instructors to already be fairly competent cyclists. This moves away from the situation when local authorities stated ‘no need to be able to ride a bike’ in their adverts for cycling instructors. If you are not sure about your level of cycling experience, we are happy to discuss this with you beforehand. You will certainly be expected to cycle at least five miles per day on your training course, though not necessarily all in one go.

We undertake to provide you with all the training you need to begin work as a ‘provisionally accredited’ instructor, then to arrange opportunities for you to practise your new skills. We will provide mentoring for your first few sessions (where you work with an experienced ‘leading instructor’) as part of your ongoing support. Once both parties are confident you have gained all the necessary skills, you will be awarded a full pass.

Our initial training course takes place over 4 days. You will spend about half this time outside ‘on the road’, improving your own cycling skill and instructing a group of your peers. Inside, you will spend the time on ‘workshop’ activities designed to give you the confidence to pass your knowledge on to others and to improve your communication skills. There will be a small amount of homework between days 2 & 3 of the course. We recommend you read Cycle Craft by John Franklin (supplied) before undertaking the course.

Training in simple maintenance will be given, including fitting a bike to its rider, mending punctures and adjustments to brakes and gears. We can supply a roadworthy bike and a helmet for you to use on the course.  We always wear helmets and all CTE instructors are expected to use one while working with us.

As a 'not-for-profit' organisation set up to promote cycling, we subsidise the cost of the Chelmsford based 4 day course keeping it down to £500.00, which includes all training manuals, full lunch with tea/coffee throughout the 4 days and also the cost of the CRB check which is currently £50.00. There is normally a grant of £300.00 towards this. However we ask all participants to pay the first £200.00 towards the cost. (in advance) We have found this necessary as in the event of someone not completing the course, we cannot apply for the grant and we still have to fund the cost of catering and room hire etc. 

Finally, I do hope that having read this, you will feel you want to give it a go! Our course is hard work, but you should also find it very enjoyable and Cycle Training East will do everything we can to help you succeed. We are happy to discuss cycle training as an occupation with you. Just ring us on 01376 346848.