We are delighted that one of our fantastic cycle instructors, Nikki, has been recognised for her inspirational work helping more people to cycle in Cycling UK’s Top 100 Women in Cycling 2020.
Nikki is an everyday cyclist who has used her bicycle as a quick, cheap and health form of transport since being a student. Wherever possible she looks to cycle to get to work, go shopping, for errands and for daily exercise.
Nikki’s love of cycling developed in 1999 when she discovered that her first child would miss out on cycle training in school as the retired police officer who delivered it had fallen ill. She rallied around local parents and managed to encourage 13 like-minded parents to volunteer as cycle instructors. Over the next 5 years, the parents managed to train over 450 pupils within the school with the volunteering leading to Nikki delivering cycle training for 21 years!
In 2004, Nikki was offered the opportunity to become a part-time adult cycle trainer for Cambridgeshire County Council. Nikki commented:
“I loved it. I found I could teach adult first-timers; Rusty Riders; cyclists lacking confidence in commuter traffic; helping cyclists to find their optimum routes; children with special needs; parents wanting to know how best to ride and shepherd their families.”
In 2008, Nikki began delivering cycle training for Outspoken Training where she further developed her experience and knowledge. Nikki is now an experienced cycle instructor delivering adult and children’s one-to-one training, school Bikeability training, Safe Urban Driving and Van Smart for professional drivers as well as group cycle training for local businesses. Over the years Nikki has enthused thousands on children and hundreds of adults to cycle more by equipping them with the skills and confidence to ride more.
Outside of cycle training, Nikki has played a vital role in support cycling in her local community. Nikki is particularly proud of being part of a team who raised funds for a community Trishaw to take isolated and less mobile local residents out around the villages. Nikki pilots rides as well as training new pilots on how to ride the Trishaw before they take residents out.
In addition, Nikki has a particular interest in supporting family cycling. Nikki annually plans successful family cycle routes in and around Cambridge as part of community events. She also works with other parents to research and campaign for ‘Healthier Streets’ with the aim of encouraging more families to ditch the car and cycle together for the daily cycle commute.
Kieron, Managing Director for Outspoken Training said:
“Nikki embodies everything you would wish for from a resident in your community. She is positive about life and the impact cycling can have on improving community living and genuinely wants to make other peoples’ lives better by enabling them to cycle. Nikki is a deserving community cycling champion!”
For more information on Nikki’s nomination and community impact, please visit the Cycling UK Top 100 Women in Cycling website.