May Newsletter: Grant Recipients and Training Providers

Four Core Functions, Payrun Information and Bike Week Media

Welcome to the May newsletter for grant recipients and training providers from the Bikeability Trust. As the country starts to open up as we follow the roadmap back to normality, it is fantastic to see and hear so many stories of cycle training taking place across the country. We appreciate that the impact of Covid-19 has been extremely challenging and we thank you for your patience, hard work and support over the last year. 

This month's newsletter also includes a media opportunity as part of Bike Week, further information on the four core functions and the latest delivery guide addendum. A separate communication regarding Link and the Shop will follow next week.

Media Opportunity for Bike Week

The Bikeability Trust is working to secure some media coverage during Bike Week, which will take place from Sunday 30 May - Saturday 5 June.

We are looking for locations running Bikeability cycle training throughout England during this time, in order to secure media coverage. As Bike Week will take place in half term, we are interested in any courses, which may include private Family training.

Please complete the online form with details of your training during Bike Week. The Trust will then be in touch to secure consent and any permissions ahead of a media visit.

Thank you in advance for your support to secure media coverage and promotion of Bikeability cycle training in your area.

Final Payrun and Additional Funding

Four Core Functions and Systematic Routines

There has been recent discussion around the use of the words ‘four core functions’ and ‘systematic routines‘ being used in training delivery. As a result of your helpful feedback, the Trust has created a summary document regarding this terminology, which has now been added to the Delivery Guidance section of the website. 

In summary:
It is important that trainee riders understand the four core functions and how to build them into a systematic routine appropriate for each activity they undertake.
However, the delivery guide does not explicitly recommend which words are used by instructors. Instructors should rely on their training (NSI or L2ACIT) which covers communication styles and teaching methods to determine how they teach this. 

Instructors should use terminology which does not need to be explained, and is already part of a rider's language. This will vary with age and ability. For example, for younger children it may be appropriate to discuss:
• Where do you need to look?
• Where do you need to be on the road?
• Who do you need to tell?
• Who’s turn is it?

The language may vary, but the practical four core functions and systematic routines remain in place. We hope you find this helpful and please ensure all your instructors are aware of this guidance.

Cycle Savvy Driving Pilot Launched

We are pleased to announce the launch of our driving instructor cycle awareness pilot project, Cycle Savvy Driving.

This pilot has been developed in collaboration with the DfT, Ipsos Mori and several cycling and driving instructor organisations. The project plans to recruit 4000 approved driving instructors to take part in online or in-person training, designed to tackle the current lack of cycle awareness learning resources.

If you are an ADI or work with any ADI groups, we would be pleased if you could support us by spreading the word about the project.

We're Reviewing the RPL Route

We have taken on board significant feedback from the instructor community regarding the challenges of the RPL route. We have agreed with DfT and 1st4Sport to review the course and see what changes can be made, ensuring that it is the most effective course to retain our committed and experienced Instructors. If the RPL is working for you, then please continue. We will continue to offer a £60 grant to reclaim some of the costs.

For those instructors yet to tackle the RPL route and may have concerns, we suggest waiting until we have reviewed the course, reflected on structure and how it links to the quality and retention of instructors. This may result in some changes to the course in the future and we ask for some patience whilst we assess this. We expect to complete the thinking in the first quarter of the year, by the end of June.

Job Vacancies

Cycling Projects is recruiting for a National Operations Manager. This will be a vital role for the charity as it continues to grow and expand its inclusive cycling offer to people across the country. Closing date 28 May. Find out more and apply.

The Active Wellbeing Society are looking for instructors to deliver across Birmingham schools. Interested instructors should contact Donna at donna.spence@theaws.org or bikeability@theaws.org for more information.

Leicestershire County Council is recruiting for a Road Safety Tutor on a part-time basis. Closing date 16 May. Find out more and apply.

Sunderland City Council is recruiting for a Cycling Instructor, working across various primary schools in Sunderland. Closing date 19 May. Find out more and apply.

If you would like us to include your vacancy in our next newsletter, please email jessica@bikeabilitytrust.org with details of the role, including company, closing date and a relevant website or contact details.