If you’re looking for a new challenge in 2015, what could be better than inspiring young people and adults to get on their bikes and take up cycling for transport, recreation or sport.
British Cycling is helping more people to cycle confidently though the delivery of cycle training courses, including the national scheme for young people known as Bikeability.
As part of this, we are encouraging enthusiastic and committed people to train as instructors, helping young people and adults to get inspired to cycle more regularly and develop the skills to ride confidently on open roads around other traffic.
The National Standard Instructor (NSI) course is largely practical, delivered outdoors in the Bikeability Level 1, 2 and 3 training environments; ensuring candidates are fully prepared to start work as an instructor at the end of the course.
Kyle Tunstall, who features in the video above, is a qualified instructor from Widnes in Halton. His background is in sports coaching, which has helped him to develop into a positive, enthusiastic and committed instructor.
Kyle said: "I have loved the experience of training as an instructor from the initial course through to delivering Bikeability to young people where I live.
"I learnt a lot on the four-day instructor course, but that was just the start of my development as an instructor. Since then, I have received ongoing support and expert advice from British Cycling and delivered many Bikeability sessions, enabling me to further my career as an instructor."
In 2014, British Cycling launched its 10-point plan to transform Britain into a true cycling nation. The manifesto details how national and local government should be prioritising cycling as a form of transport.
Point nine of the plan proposes that cycle training should be made available for all children by making it part of the National Curriculum. By hosting instructor training courses, British Cycling aims to develop a larger workforce of inspiring instructors, who can help young people to learn a vital life skill.
British Cycling’s cycle training manager, Vicky Spencer, said: "Encouraging more people to take up cycling is vital to the future of the UK’s economy. An increase in cycling will save the NHS billions of pounds through health improvements and reduce congestion on today’s busy roads.
"On a personal level, cycling can bring huge benefits through improved health and fitness, financial savings and a better sense of community. British Cycling wants to train more instructors who can inspire a new generation of everyday cyclists to make these changes a reality."
If you feel inspired to engage with young people or adults to get them on two wheels in 2015 and have the passion and commitment for cycling, then please join us on one of our instructor courses this year.
