Break down Barriers with a Donation to the Bike Instructor Certification Program
The Bike Instructor Certification Program, formerly IMBA-ICP, has experienced a very successful start since branching out independently, and our courses continue to receive high demand.
Since COVID-19 in 2020, the cycling world has grown faster than the industry could keep up, and access to certified instructors is in demand. Many people have taken to cycling as a new sport and are looking to learn from accredited people they can relate to. For many people, cycling is fun and a chance to get outside; the more you ride, the more you want to learn. Having a chance to learn in a safe environment is essential, and having the opportunity to learn from someone within your community is even more critical. The goal of the BICP is to break down the barrier to entry to the sport of cycling by increasing access to professionally trained and certified bike skills instructors.
The Bike Instructor Certification Program’s mission is to advance the global standard of bike skills instruction, driving an inclusive community that empowers our members through education, certification, service, and experience.
- In 2018, The BICP branched from IMBA to become its own non-profit organization.
- In 2023, we shifted our curriculum to an online platform for our pre-course work. This online platform allows participants access to the most current changes to the curriculum, including video demonstrations for each skill, “Ride Standard.”
“Keeping up with the demands of the growing sport requires ongoing changes to our curriculum. Meeting the needs of our members and the industry while adhering to our strict standard to teach safely and with purpose”.
How will your Donation to the BICP make an impact?
The BICP offers scholarships to individuals who want to make a difference in their communities through bikes and partnerships with organizations already impacting the cycling community. Over the past four years, the BICP has self-funded over $32,000 in Ride Leader, Level 1, and Level 2 scholarships to individuals and organizations.
The 2025 Youth Scholarship Goal is $50,000.00, with the ambitious goal of certifying 200 teens with the Ride Leader Certification – proven results have shown when teens are given the opportunity, their natural leadership is amplified, and their love for riding bikes, the impact will be felt throughout the community.
The 2025 DEI Scholarship Goal is $50,000.00, intending to certify 100 DEI recipients with the opportunity to LEVEL UP with the BICP, continue their certifications, and become mentors to new riders in their communities.
Breaking Down Barriers with BICP
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Adaptive – BICP aims to help more adaptive athletes get into leadership roles and find ways to make equipment more affordable.
Racial Equity – BICP’s goal is to elevate equity in the outdoors by continuing to support individuals and organizations working to improve access and leadership in the cycling community.
Women – Women have been underrepresented in the cycling community. By empowering women and young female riders, we can change the narrative together by certifying women professionally.
LGBTQ+ – The BICP’s goal is to increase the number of LGBTQ+ role models, which will increase the access of more grassroots participants to the sport of cycling without fear.
The BICP is proud of its members and supports them in creating a solid community of like-minded individuals who work together to grow the sport in their community. We help our coaches and encourage them to start a coaching business in their community; many coaches work with local trail systems and schools to develop after-school programs.
Many of our aMTB certifications and partner organizations rely on grant funding and scholarships, and a small portion of each BICP member’s annual dues helps fund these scholarships.
Building a Strong Community Together!
Partners who have used the BICP to certify leaders in the cycling community
Move United – and various chapters. – Latinas en Bici – The Cycle Effect – Jackson Hole Mtn Resort – City of Greenville, SC – Rocky Mtn Adaptive – Northern Najavo Medical Center IHS – City of Dallas – Trips For Kids from various chapters. – March Northwest – Tulsa Center for Individuals with physical challenges – All Bikes Welcome – City of Portland – Killington Mtn Resort – Mountain Creek Bike Park – City of Tampa Bay – National Center for Youth Development – And many more…
This past June, the Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP) certified five All Bikes Welcome ambassadors as Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructors. The program funded these certifications through scholarships.
Through a collaborative effort with The Cycle Effect, the Bicycle Instructor Certification Program (BICP) has been able to match funds raised by TCE to certify Ride Leaders. This partnership has successfully certified over 40 individuals, empowering them with the skills and credentials to lead and inspire in their communities. By investing in local leadership, we’re expanding access to safe, inclusive cycling experiences, creating a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals and communities alike.
The BICP is proud to support aspiring cycling leaders from diverse backgrounds through our Scholarship Program. With full and partial scholarships available for Ride Leader, Level 1, and Level 2 certifications, we aim to break down financial barriers and empower individuals to bring positive change to their communities through cycling.
Each scholarship recipient has a unique story, a passion for cycling, and a desire to lead. Scholarship funds support these individuals as they become certified leaders who inspire new riders, foster safe and inclusive cycling practices, and make a lasting impact on their communities.
Funding will allow BICP to increase scholarships and support critical resources like training materials and hands-on instruction. Additionally, funding helps recipients share BICP’s mission, further amplifying our impact. Scholarship winners contribute to community-building through group rides, skills clinics, and social media outreach, promoting the values of safety, inclusion, and empowerment in cycling.