Organizational Overview
The Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP) is a global leader in professional mountain bike and cycling skills instruction. For more than two decades, BICP has equipped thousands of riders with evidence-based, safety-focused teaching practices that elevate the sport and strengthen local cycling communities. As a nonprofit, BICP is committed to improving access to high-quality cycling leadership training through a membership-supported model that emphasizes sustainability and community empowerment.
BICP is proud to be a self-funded organization, with the majority of its operating revenue generated through membership dues, course tuition, and program services. This model ensures stability, autonomy, and long-term continuity. However, our commitment to equity and inclusion means continually expanding scholarship access—something made possible through additional philanthropic support.
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.
Need for Support
Cycling is a powerful tool for community health, confidence building, mentorship, and equitable access to the outdoors. Yet many aspiring leaders—especially those from marginalized communities—face financial, cultural, and equipment-related barriers that limit their ability to pursue professional cycling instruction.
In 2025, the BICP Scholarship Program supported 33 participants in obtaining Ride Leader, Level 1, and Level 2 certifications. Demand far exceeded available funding. To meet the needs of a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse applicant pool, BICP’s goal for 2026 is to award 100 scholarships—a threefold increase.
To reach this goal, BICP aims to raise $65,000 in 2026. These funds will directly support scholarships, adaptive training resources, and community programs designed to elevate inclusion in cycling.
“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?
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
BICP recognizes that meaningful leadership in the outdoors must reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our DEI mission spans four key focus areas:
Adaptive Athletes
BICP is committed to helping more adaptive riders become certified leaders. Our adaptive mountain bike (aMTB) certifications provide pathways for athletes with disabilities to earn professional credentials and lead in their communities. However, adaptive equipment is often prohibitively expensive. Scholarships allow adaptive athletes to pursue certification, while BICP works with partners to explore cost-reduction strategies and increase equipment access.
Racial Equity
Systemic inequities continue to limit access to outdoor recreation and leadership opportunities for many individuals from racially marginalized backgrounds. By certifying more instructors of color, BICP advances representation and fosters safer, more welcoming spaces for riders of all ages. We support individuals and organizations working to improve racial equity in cycling and provide professional resources that amplify their efforts.
Women in Cycling
Women have long been underrepresented in leadership roles in mountain biking and cycling. Through targeted outreach, mentorship, and scholarships, BICP empowers women to earn professional certifications and serve as visible, influential role models. Increasing the number of women instructors not only broadens participation but also impacts youth engagement, helping change the narrative for the next generation of riders.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion
BICP strives to increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ leaders in cycling. By supporting LGBTQ+ applicants through our scholarship program and fostering inclusive training spaces, we help ensure that more riders can participate in cycling without fear of discrimination. Representation creates safer spaces and encourages more grassroots involvement in the sport.
Building Leaders Through Certification
BICP’s certification pathway provides a progressive, competency-based structure for aspiring instructors:
- Ride Leader
- Level 1 Instructor
- Level 2 Instructor
- (with additional opportunities in aMTB and advanced certifications)
Scholarships remove financial obstacles and support participation from underrepresented groups. Each scholarship recipient brings a unique personal story, a passion for cycling, and a desire to lead. Through training, mentorship, and community engagement, these leaders go on to inspire new riders, promote safe practices, and uplift the sport in their local communities.
BICP instructors often partner with trail organizations, youth programs, and schools to develop clinics, after-school activities, and community ride programs. Many build small coaching businesses that expand local cycling access, strengthen trail stewardship, and serve as hubs for inclusive outdoor engagement.
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.
Impact of the Scholarship Program
Scholarship recipients:
- Lead community rides and clinics
- Mentor youth and beginners
- Strengthen safety and instruction standards
- Promote diversity and inclusion within their local riding communities
- Share their journeys on social media, expanding BICP’s reach
- Foster supportive networks of new and returning cyclists
In 2025, scholarship recipients reported measurable increases in their ability to:
- Teach safe, evidence-based riding skills
- Lead diverse groups confidently
- Serve underrepresented riders in their communities
- Engage with local trail systems, bike shops, and community groups
With 100 scholarships in 2026, BICP will triple the number of new leaders entering the field—multiplying the positive impact across hundreds of communities.
Use of Funds
The requested philanthropic support of $65,000 will directly support:
- 100 scholarships for Ride Leader, Level 1, and Level 2 certifications
- Training materials, including manuals, skill videos, and educational tools
- Adaptive training support, including aMTB resources and partnerships
- Instructor development, including hands-on training and mentorship
- Outreach efforts that amplify the impact of scholarship recipients and help recruit a broader, more diverse instructor base
While membership dues cover the organization’s core operations, scholarship expansion and increased community access rely on external funding. This investment will allow BICP to reach more riders, broaden leadership representation, and strengthen cycling communities nationally and globally.
Organizational Capacity
With a dedicated staff, a global network of certified skills trainers, and a proven curriculum recognized across the cycling industry, BICP has the infrastructure and expertise necessary to scale its scholarship program responsibly. Our member-driven model ensures financial sustainability, while our partnerships with trail organizations, schools, adaptive programs, and community groups provide certified leaders with the resources and support needed to make a lasting impact.
Conclusion
The Bicycle Instructor Certification Program is transforming cycling leadership by empowering individuals from all backgrounds to become certified instructors, role models, and community change-makers. By supporting our 2026 Scholarship Program, funders can help expand access, elevate diversity, and build a safer, more inclusive cycling community.
Your investment will increase the number of scholarship recipients from 33 to 100 leaders, strengthening representation, advancing equity, and opening doors for riders who have historically faced barriers to professional certification. With your support, BICP will continue to grow as a self-funded, membership-driven organization while ensuring that every aspiring leader—regardless of identity, ability, or financial means—has the opportunity to thrive.