When the national Bikeability Award nominations opened last month, we were keen to celebrate the amazing instructors at Outspoken that work tirelessly to enthuse the next generation of cyclists.
With over 130 dedicated instructors we were spoilt for choice but with limited submission time and content available, we were only able to pull together three entries this time around – Laura, Nikki, and Rob.
Though none of them took home the top prize this year, we couldn’t be prouder of their nominations. To us, they represent the very best of what our entire team brings to the job every day. You can see the full set of winners from this year here.
Here is a look at the inspiring stories behind their nominations—and a celebration of the incredible standard set by all our instructors!
🧜♀️ Laura: Nominated for Instructor of the Year
Laura brings a unique combination of unwavering dedication, deep empathy, and a touch of magic to every single session. As a real-life mermaid with vibrant green hair, she has an incredible knack for instantly breaking down barriers!
Laura’s nomination highlighted her passion for SEND and neurodivergent inclusion:
- When a school was hesitant to let a highly disruptive student join, Laura stepped up, creating a safe, tailored space nearby so the pupil could complete Level 2 with full focus.
- Coaching a student with ADHD who struggled with hand signals, Laura framed her feedback around their successes before gently introducing corrections.
- From sacrificing unpaid lunch breaks to teaching non-riders basic balance skills, to writing deeply personal notes on certificates after hours, Laura constantly goes above and beyond.
🚲 Nikki Searle: Nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award
For nearly three decades, Nikki has been a driving force for cycling across Cambridgeshire. Her journey started back in 1999 as a volunteer Safer Cycling Instructor, stepping up so local children wouldn’t lose out on vital safety training. Alongside a group of dedicated parents, Nikki helped lay the very foundations of modern cycle training in our region.
Her nomination recognised a lifetime of community impact:
- For 27 years, Nikki has used her local route knowledge to help everyone from nervous adults tackling complex junctions to children experiencing the freedom of two wheels for the first time.
- As a Peer Mentor, she has guided and supported dozens of our instructors, helping maintain the high standards we pride ourselves on today.
- Nikki played a pivotal role in launching the Histon and Impington Community Trishaw project – training 16 pilots to combat social isolation. She also organises the annual Strawberry 12 Family Adventure Cycle Ride.
❤️ Rob Archer: Nominated for the Personal Achievement Award
Rob’s story is a masterclass in resilience, determination, and the healing power of two wheels.
In August 2020, following a severe bout of Covid-19, Rob suffered a massive heart attack. Saved by his wife’s quick CPR, he underwent emergency surgery for two stents. Facing intense physical and mental turmoil, Rob feared he would have to give up the job he loved. Instead, he used his passion for cycling as his rehabilitation:
- Rob converted an old touring bike into an E-Bike, using it to gently rebuild his strength and remarkably return to teaching.
- Despite ongoing fatigue, Rob commutes entirely car-free to rural and city courses across three counties using his E-Bike, a Brompton, and public transport.
- Since his heart attack, Rob has trained 596 pupils across 37 schools, empowering children to see themselves as confident, equal road users.
A Huge Thank You to Our Entire Team!
While Laura, Nikki, and Rob were in the spotlight for these specific entries, we know that stories just like these happen on school playgrounds and cycle paths every single day thanks to all the team.
Whether you’re patiently helping a nervous child balance for the first time, braving the rain with a smile, or commuting miles to reach a rural school, the work you do matters immensely.
Thank you to Laura, Nikki, and Rob for representing us so brilliantly—and thank you to every single instructor on our team for making our Bikeability courses so impactful, inclusive, and fun. 🚴✨