After 36 years in the railway industry, maintaining signals and running stations, Rob Archer faced a choice: stay until retirement in a high-stress environment or find a new path that fueled his passion.
Today, Rob is one of our most beloved cycle instructors. His journey hasn’t just been a career change; it’s been a story of incredible resilience. After surviving a serious heart attack in 2020, Rob fought his way back onto the saddle and into Bikeability. We sat down with him to talk about why he loves what he does and what keeps him pedaling.
The Big Switch: Leaving the Tracks Behind
What inspired you to apply for the role? “I spent nearly four decades in railway maintenance and running Downham Market station. Honestly, if I’d stayed any longer, I’d have left there in a box! I was eligible for early retirement and knew it was time to find something else. I’ve always loved cycling, I was familiar with ‘cyclecraft,’ and I’d taught others before. When my wife saw the job in the paper, she knew it was the perfect fit.”
What were you doing before, and why the change? “It was a complete 180-degree turn from the railway industry. I needed a part-time role that kept me active. I started in 2018, and as soon as I finished my first course, I thought, ‘This is for me.’ Since then, I’ve done so much more than I expected—from Safe Urban Driving (SUD) courses to 1:1 sessions and even working alongside the police.”
More Than Just Kids on Bikes
What do you enjoy most about being an instructor? “Being outside is a huge part of it, but it’s really about seeing young people catch the ‘cycling bug.’ For many kids, this is the first time they are treated as equals on the road. They have the same rules and responsibilities as everyone else. It’s a massive eye-opener for them, and you see these huge smiles when they realize they can do it.”
What’s the best moment you’ve had in the role? “There isn’t just one, but a recent experience sticks with me. I asked a Year 6 student if they enjoyed the course and if they’d cycle more. They told me, ‘This is the best week of my school life ever.’ Hearing that—and seeing mums in tears of joy when their child finally learns to ride—makes you realize you’re doing something right.”
And the funniest? “Children say the funniest things—most of which I probably shouldn’t repeat! I once asked a group how we could make a specific journey better. One kid looked at me dead seriously and said, ‘Kids need to stay in bed.’ You can’t argue with that logic!”
A Story of Resilience
Rob’s journey hasn’t been without its uphill climbs. In 2020, he suffered a major heart attack. His recovery was fueled by a singular goal: getting back on his bike.
“I wasn’t ready for a life on the sofa watching daytime telly,” Rob says.
He started with a one-mile circuit on an E-bike he built himself. That mile was the “game changer” that proved he could return to the job he loves. Today, Rob uses a combination of his E-bike and a Brompton to reach rural schools across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk—never using a car to get to a course.
Why Train with Rob?
When asked why people should join one of his courses, Rob’s colleagues point to his infectious enthusiasm. He isn’t just teaching a skill; he’s sharing a lifelong passion.
“I love seeing kids becoming confident to take their place on the roads,” Rob explains. “Realizing they’re not just ‘kids on bikes’ but people with equal status to any other road user is powerful.” Since his recovery, Rob has trained nearly 600 pupils across 37 schools. He is a living testament to the fact that cycling is for everyone, regardless of age or the challenges life throws your way.