The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has created a new instructor program.

For more than 30 years, the Portland-based coalition has been working to make Maine a better place to bike, walk and roll. With education as one of the key pillars of the organization, it is offering an instructor certification program for those who want to carry the coalition’s mission forward, according to a news release from Dan Bassett, coalition education director.

The free BCM Instructor Program is open to all those who are interested and able.

The program is for those who want to help provide bicycle and pedestrian safety and skills education. Based on a hybrid model, the program consists of video modules, manuals, and a certification event.

Upon completion and certification, participants will be able to deliver on- and off-bike programming on behalf of the coalition. This can include in-classroom safety presentations, off- and on-road bike skills clinics, as well as rodeos and bicycle maintenance classes.

The coalition values its instructors and strives to deliver high quality education across the state. As such, it offers both hourly and mileage reimbursements.

Applications are open. Upon acceptance, applicants will be granted access to the training material and tests. A final, in-person test will mark the completion of the certification. The first round of in-person elements will happen on Saturday, April 15, in the Portland and Bangor area.

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine Instructor Program’s goal for 2023 is to have at least one instructor in every county. Anyone interested, in any place in Maine, is encouraged to apply.

The informational webinar, set for noon Wednesday, March 29, is at bikemaine.org.

For an application and more information about the program, visit bikemaine.org or contact Bassett at [email protected] or 207-623-4511.

Check out other upcoming area events!