Share the joy of riding: Become a Big Skills assistant coach

Learning to ride is one of childhood's great milestones. With the right encouragement, uncertainty turns into confidence, and a child gains skills and independence that can last a lifetime. 

Pedal Power is looking for new volunteer assistant coaches to join our Big Skills for Small Bikes team. Our popular learn-to-ride courses run every ACT school holidays, and we're inviting enthusiastic people to help children experience the joy and freedom of riding. 

No coaching experience is necessary. If you enjoy cycling, are patient and encouraging, and would like to make a difference for local families, we'll provide all the training you need. 

To prepare new volunteers, we're offering a free Train the Trainer course ahead of the September school holidays. Once trained, you'll have the opportunity to volunteer during future school holiday programs throughout the year. 

Volunteer Lil Bryant-Johnson says sharing her love of cycling with children has been one of the most rewarding volunteering experiences she's had. 

If cycling brings you joy and you want to share that feeling with others, you will love being part of the team teaching Big Skills for Small Bikes.

The training begins with a classroom session covering communication, group management and the fundamentals of delivering a safe, welcoming program. Participants then move outdoors to practise the activities used during the courses. 

As an assistant coach, you'll work alongside experienced instructors, helping children develop their balance, bike handling skills and confidence in a supportive environment. 

Lil used volunteer leave provided by her ACT Public Service employer to spend five mornings assisting at a recent course. 

Assisting a diverse group of children to change from worried, underconfident wobblers to strong, capable riders is amazingly rewarding.

We're particularly keen to hear from people who can volunteer during ACT school holidays. Many of our volunteers are retirees, while others use workplace volunteer leave, flexible working arrangements, annual leave or rostered days off to participate. 

Along the way, you'll gain practical coaching experience, meet like-minded people and become part of Canberra's cycling community. Most importantly, you'll help children build confidence, independence and a lifelong love of riding. 

As Lil puts it: 

If you have patience and enthusiasm and enjoy mentoring young people, I would commend volunteering on the Big Skills for Small Bikes course. It's the easiest way to give a child a gift they can enjoy for life.

Whether you can help with one program or become a regular volunteer, we'd love to welcome you to the team. 

Train the Trainer 

Date: Sunday 13 September 2026 
Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm 

Location: Lyneham High School 
BYO lunch and refreshments 

The course is free, but registration of interest is required, and no prerequisites or previous coaching experience are needed.

The training will prepare volunteers to assist with the next Big Skills for Small Bikes course, running from 28 September to 2 October, with sessions from 9.30-10.15 am and 10.30-11.15 am each day. Big Skills for Small Bikes courses are offered every ACT school holidays, so there will be ongoing opportunities to volunteer throughout the year.  

Whether you can help for one day, the full week or at future holiday programs, your support will make a real difference. If your workplace offers volunteer leave, consider using it to help more children gain the confidence and skills to ride safely. Register your interest in Train the Trainer today and be part of giving a child a skill they'll enjoy for life.