More Wheels Up Courses Announced

A Community Bike Ambassador is someone who lives in the community, loves to ride bikes and uses the local trail network and connecting road infrastructure regularly.

Chris 'Foggie' Foggin (CODC Road Safety Advisor) said that, "We’re after different spokes for folks in any age group; tour operator staff, social services workers, teachers or teacher aids, retired folk, or others who would like to become involved with the volunteer CODC Wheels Up Community/Schools Bike Ambassador programme, assisting others to enjoy cycling in our fabulous region".

The bike ambassador programme is a community-based project designed to increase safety and enhance the user experience around our roads and cycle trails network, in addition to supporting cyclists in our towns and urban areas where cycle transport connections are being developed.

An ever-increasing number of people are sharing a common interest i.e., cycling and specifically recreational riding, and there is an exponential growth in the use of the road and trail network here in Central Otago.

"We have already delivered a Schools Bike Ambassador course (held mid-June) enabling 5 schools to provide fun sessions or road riding skills to their students, and a second cohort of Community Bike Ambassador to 28 community members", said Foggie.

Community Bike Ambassadors engage in an informal way with other cyclists and assist others where appropriate. They can also potentially lead cycling groups off-road or on-road or assist in a schools’ programme.

Typical activities of bike ambassadors may involve:

• Encouraging and role modelling safe cycling and expected riding etiquette on our trails and roads
• Creating and nurturing a good cycling culture
• Occasional first aid or trail-side bike repairs
• Leading groups
• Advising, offering guidance, or assisting to educate other network users
• Reporting issues to the relevant authority via the correct protocols
• Making decisions when required for the benefit of a group or individual rider or other trail users
• Helping support people to develop their skills and confidence
• Route planning and preparation.

Places are limited to 12 for each cohort.

There are no upfront costs for successful applicants, and there will be significant investment in you, therefore you will need to engage fully with the programme.

There may also be a requirement to be Police vetted if you wanted to assist in schools.

There are NO expectations of you once you have completed the training. Our aim is to build a critical mass of knowledgeable and experienced people in our region who could assist others when needed.

Bike ambassadors are supported through the project in a variety of learning modules:

COG 1: Introductions and opening exercise.

What are the Schools or Community Bike Ambassador programmes? The role of a Bike Ambassador. Intro to documentation – handbook/documentation.

COG 2: Foundation skills including bike set-up, ABCs, balance, stable platform, moving, stopping, braking, cornering, signalling. Moving groups in off-road environments.

COG 3: Road safety skills including NZTA Road Code for Cyclists, positioning, intersections, roundabouts and moving groups on the road network.

COG 4: Communication, customer service, conflict management and interactions with members of the public. Heuristics – human factors.

COG 5: Incident Management and Reporting.

COG 6: Trail-side repairs – input from local bike shops.

COG 7: Outdoor First Aid Training – Peak Safety Ltd. (This is optional and dependent on funding.)

COG 8: Mentoring and refresher training.

You will need:

• Reasonable riding skills (you do NOT need to be an elite rider).
• A love of cycling.
• Your own bike (in excellent working condition), helmet and riding gear.
• Great communication & people skills.
• Be part of the local community and love cycling in our region.
• [A coaching or guiding qualification/experience would be desirable but is NOT essential].

To register:

Please send an expression of interest Chris Foggin outlining the following:

• Full name and contact info including mobile and email.
• Your reasons for wanting to be involved with the Schools or Community Bike Ambassador programme.
• Your cycling background and your favourite style of riding.
• Where you live.
• Any relevant leadership or coaching experience.
• How often you ride the local trail/road network.
• Any other relevant experience you may have.

For more information contact:

Chris Foggin
CODC Road Safety Advisor
E:chris.foggin@codc.govt.nz
P: 0274733514