Best practice in adult cycling proficiency training

In 2004 a project was undertaken to investigate the best practice in community-based cycle proficienct training, to enable more adults to cycle. This project was managed as part of the National Cycling Strategy by the Australian Bicycle Council and was funded by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. The project was undertaken by the Bicycle Federation of Australia.

The project surveyed adult cycling proficiency training in Australia, reviewed international best-practice in cycling proficiency training, prepared an in-depth case study of an adult cycling proficiency training project, and interviewed sports administrators from AustSwim, Fitness Australia and the Australian Canoe Federation.

After reviewing cycling proficiency training models, the report recommended that an Australian program be based on the community franchise model. In this model, a national coordinating organisation would be established to develop and manage a curriculum, accredit cycling schools, and assist them with marketing. Cycling schools would be required to meet the national organisation's quality requirements and to promote the national cycling school brand.

This model is believed to offer the best potential to build demand for this type of training in communities around Australia, and to satisfy that demand. It is expected to create a commercially viable cycling training sector, with benefits for course providers, sponsors, participants, the community and government.

The project report was released in 2006.

In 2008 the Amy Gillett Foundation, the Bicycle Federation of Australia and Cycling Australia joined forces to create AusCycle. AusCycle provides train-the-trainer and accreditation systems for adult cycle training.

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