New recruits with a passion for active travel join the Hertfordshire Cycling Team

During August Hertfordshire County Council – East Region Recognised Delivery Centre ran a training course in Bishop Stortford, with participants from Hertfordshire and Essex. Those attending worked towards their National Standard Cycle Instructor qualification, which is recognised across the UK and enables instructors to deliver standard Bikeability Training anywhere in the UK. 

The Bikeability Trust awarded a £500 bursary to help towards the training and the county council have funded the remainder, with participants giving their own time up to attend. 

The existing Herts Cycling team, made up of 40 part-time instructors, deliver cycle training to over 9000 Hertfordshire residents annually. This training is predominantly offered to children through schools; however, adult cycle training in small groups, or one to one sessions are also offered, along with bespoke training for those with disabilities or additional needs. 

Existing instructors Tracey Palmer and Nicky Duncan with new recruits Russel Franklin and Jason Duncan

Nick Truran, Strategic Cycling Lead & Development Manager at Hertfordshire County Council said: 

“With additional instructors we look forward to being able to deliver more training places across Hertfordshire, enabling those of any age to either return or start their cycling journey. By providing this key resource, we can help achieve our ambition of a cleaner, greener and healthier Hertfordshire” 

Lucy Hunter, Cycling Officer – Education at Hertfordshire County Council said: 

“We are excited to welcome Joe Tsui, Jason Duncan, Russell Franklin, Bejal Karia and David Staddon to the team.” 

This week the new instructors put what they had learnt in the classroom into practice and accompanied existing cycle instructors Tracey Palmer & Nicky Duncan at Preston Primary School, in the village of Preston near Hitchin. 

Trainee Cycle Instructor Russell Franklin said: 

“It’s been wonderful working with the children, I can now see everything we’ve learnt coming together and making a difference” 

The new instructors will continue their training, working with our existing team and once fully qualified they will work in pairs delivering training in schools throughout the year. They will form an integral part of a well-established team, teaching children and adults to ride their bikes considerately and safely. 

If you would like more information about the cycle training in Hertfordshire or would be interested in becoming an instructor in the future, you can get in touch with them here. If you are interested in instructor training in any other part of the country, you can find more information here.