Cycling’s governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has announced two new cycling initiatives designed to support and develop cycling at all levels.
-Children’s Cycling Education Programs: UCI Toolkit for National Federations
-Cycling for All Side Events: UCI Toolkit for Event Organizers
In line with the its Agenda 2022, the UCI is committed to the development of cycling in all forms, advocating for a more bike-friendly world and championing the bicycle as a tool for sustainable and equitable development. For this, UCI staff work closely with cities, regions, partners and National Federations.
Launched during the UCI Congress in Harrogate, Yorkshire, during the 2019 UCI Road World Championships, these two new toolkits provide practical steps, case studies and examples to help organizations grow and promote cycling.
Isabella Burczak, UCI Advocacy Manager, commented: “With the launch of these toolkits, we are providing two resources that support the growth of cycling, and add real value to our partners’ projects and events. Easily adaptable, the toolkits can be used by any organization – regardless of their size – which shares our vision for the development of our sport.”
Children’s cycling education: an essential mission
Giving children the skills to ride competently and safely can help spark a lifetime passion for cycling or simply encourage youngsters to use the bicycle in everyday life.
The Children’s Cycling Education Programs toolkit has been developed in partnership with The Bikeability Trust in the UK to provide support and guidance for the creation of cycle training programs. Although designed for use by National Federations, the toolkit can be adjusted for all those interested in supporting children’s cycle training. A world-leading model, Bikeability is being adopted and adapted in countries across the globe.
The document provides information, guidelines and advice on the following:
-Creation of a new, or enhancement of an existing, national standard for cycle training
-Development and management of a national programme for children’s cycling education
-Production of strong and effective branding.
The toolkit also includes case studies and summaries of research relating to children and cycling.
Elite cycling races: an arena for hosting inspiring side events
Elite races provide an ideal context for the organization of side events that will encourage more cycling in all forms.
The Cycling for All Side Events toolkit contains advice and recommendations for race organizers interested in staging such events for the wider population. It includes examples of, best practices for and insights into designing such side events to meet desired goals. Advice on building partnerships, communication strategies, securing athlete ambassadors and developing impact-monitoring tools can also be found in this toolkit.
Organizers worldwide are already running inspiring and impactful side events across all UCI disciplines, regardless of the size of the race in question. The aim is to encourage people to cycle more often for transport, urge political leaders to invest in cycling for all and promote wider participation.
With this new toolkit, the UCI strives to support and empower existing actions and inspire the organization of an even greater number.
The toolkits can be downloaded here.
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