Bikeability Coaching

[AlanW]

Since retiring at the end of May I've really quite enjoyed doing what I wanted, when I wanted. Which was great when the sun was shining....well sort of shining at times. However, as the nights started to draw in and the cold and the rain came along, I thought it might be good to get a small part time job, maybe a couple of days a week, just to pass the time away really.

In truth I only half-heartedly applied for a few, but I wasn't haven't a great deal of success. But then I came across an advert for Bikeability coaches required for my local area, which grabbed my attention.

Cutting a long story short, but I start my "Train the trainer" training on January 19th 2024, and then shadow other coaches starting in March. I must admit that I'm quite excited at the prospect in giving something back into the cycling community.

 

[classic33]

Best of luck, and stick at it.

 

[PhilipBenstead007]

Which cycle training provider are you working for?

 

[Big John]

Good for you, Alan. I'm sure you'll love every minute of your training and get even more out of it when you begin teaching others. I'm a strong believer in having something to work the old grey cells when you retire. Since I packed in back in early 2020 I've been working one day a week as a volunteer bike mechanic and I love it. Good luck!

 

[Slick]

Since retiring at the end of May I've really quite enjoyed doing what I wanted, when I wanted. Which was great when the sun was shining....well sort of shining at times. However, as the nights started to draw in and the cold and the rain came along, I thought it might be good to get a small part time job, maybe a couple of days a week, just to pass the time away really.

In truth I only half-heartedly applied for a few, but I wasn't haven't a great deal of success. But then I came across an advert for Bikeability coaches required for my local area, which grabbed my attention.

Cutting a long story short, but I start my "Train the trainer" training on January 19th 2024, and then shadow other coaches starting in March. I must admit that I'm quite excited at the prospect in giving something back into the cycling community.

I must admit, I considered it myself when I reduced my working week to 35 hours, as that felt like part time after years of doing nearly double that. I never got round to it as I started to enjoy having the time to myself, but I would certainly revisit it if the opportunity arose again. Good luck with it.

 

[AlanW]

I must admit, I considered it myself when I reduced my working week to 35 hours, as that felt like part time after years of doing nearly double that. I never got round to it as I started to enjoy having the time to myself, but I would certainly revisit it if the opportunity arose again. Good luck with it.

Like you lve got used to enjoying time to myself which is why when l was looking for part-time work l was only looking half cocked.
The Bikeabillty role came along and as much as l quite fancied the idea l wasn't 100% sure that l wanted to commit to it.
But it really is quite a flexible role and the work is scheduled a term before hand, so plenty of notice. As l understand it, the minimum you can do is three weeks per one school term, but you can do more if you wish.
But let's see how it goes, it might work for me, it might not?

 

[AlanW]

Which cycle training provider are you working for?

Worcestershire County Council

 

[AlanW]

Bikeability Post Course Assessment completed and successfully passed today, so I'm no longer classed as a trainee...

 

[Slick]

Bikeability Post Course Assessment completed and successfully passed today, so I'm no longer classed as a trainee...

Brilliant, when do you do you first shift?

 

[AlanW]

Brilliant, when do you do you first shift?

Well, since February really when l started shadowing other two other instructors at each training session.
Then as we rolled into March and April, one instructor was dropped leaving me and one other instructor doing the sessions.
So in truth nothing has really changed other than l now have the certificate and a slight pay increase.
But it is great fun working with the kids, some real characters!

 

[AlanW]

It suits me having the flexibility to work as and when l like. Some weeks l might do one or two days, other weeks, like this week for example l've done four days.
Next week, l'm just working on Friday.
Certainly for our area you can have as much or as little work as you want.

 

[Slick]

Well, since February really when l started shadowing other two other instructors at each training session.
Then as we rolled into March and April, one instructor was dropped leaving me and one other instructor doing the sessions.
So in truth nothing has really changed other than l now have the certificate and a slight pay increase.
But it is great fun working with the kids, some real characters!

I would have a right laugh with them.

 

[AlanW]

I would have a right laugh with them.

I quickly learnt that in order to connect with the kids you need adopt your approach, so plenty of high fives and dad jokes 🤣🤣🤣

 

[BrumJim]

I quickly learnt that in order to connect with the kids you need adopt your approach, so plenty of high fives and dad jokes 🤣🤣🤣

Yup, they are all different.

When working with kids, the focus I always have is to make sure that the attention seekers get some attention at the start before they misbehave in order to get what they crave, but then make sure that the quiet ones don't get forgotten.

I think the key bit is when someone asks you something but you are busy, tell them that you know they are there, and will get back when you are free.

 

[Kbrook]

I did Bikeability for a few years, I gave up,when I felt the need to kill the kids. If you work in a nice area with kids who have their own bikes great, but in poor areas the kids even at 10/11 were borderline feral, no bikes didn’t do a thing they were told and it became a bit too stressful. Like a say it depends on where you work. It can also be very repetitive and some of the stuff you teach is nonsense.