​Call for new COBAs - Community of Bike Ambassadors

How would you like to be a bike ambassador for Central Otago?

We’re looking for the next squad of friendly, roving bike lovers, who want to share their passion for bikes and trails with locals and visitors.

COBA is a community-based project designed to increase safety and enhance the user experience around our roads and cycle trails network, in addition to supporting cyclists in our towns and urban areas where cycle transport connections are being developed.

It continues the Central Otago District Council (CODC) Wheels Up programme that began in May last year, with Road Safety Advisor Chris Foggin.

“Why become a bike ambassador? Not only will you doing what you love, you’ll be able to tap into gaining more skills in this free bike ambassador programme while also increasing your knowledge of the trail network and the infrastructure that goes with it.

“This programme is already proving its worth, with several of our COBAs helping people in a pickle. We’re after different spokes for folks in any age group or any group or organisation who would like to become involved with the volunteer COBA programme, assisting others to enjoy cycling in our fabulous region.

“An ever-increasing number of people are sharing a common interest i.e., cycling and specifically recreational riding, and there is an exponential growth in the use of the road and trail network here in Central Otago.”

The Council has already delivered two bike ambassador courses (held 2024) enabling community members to be more effective if they wanted to help others. There are now 30 adults engaged in the programme, and a further 40 rangatahi trained through the Up-Cycles Charitable Trust.

The next proposed course is the weekend of 22-23 February 2025 at the CODC building in Dunorling St.

A further Peak Safety Ltd Outdoor First Aid course date will be published once funding has been secured.

Bike Ambassadors engage in an informal way with other cyclists and assist others where appropriate. They can potentially lead cycling groups off-road or on-road or assist in a schools’ programme.

Typical activities of bike ambassadors may involve:

• Encouraging and role modelling safe cycling and expected riding etiquette on our trails and roads
• Creating and nurturing a good cycling culture
• Occasional first aid or trail-side bike repairs
• Advising, offering guidance, or assisting to educate other network users
• Reporting issues to the relevant authority via the correct protocols
• Making decisions when required for the benefit of a group or individual rider or other trail users
• Helping support people to develop their skills and confidence
• Leading groups
• Route planning and preparation.

Places are limited for each cohort.

There are no upfront costs for successful applicants, and there will be significant investment in you, therefore you will need to engage fully with the programme.

Would-be bike ambassadors will be supported through the project in a variety of learning modules.:

More details can be found on our News page: COBA – Community Of Bike Ambassadors Programme: https://www.codc.govt.nz/

COG 1: Introductions and opening exercise.

What are the Schools or Community Bike Ambassador programmes? The role of a Bike Ambassador. Intro to documentation – handbook/documentation.

COG 2: Foundation skills including bike set-up, ABCs, balance, stable platform, moving, stopping, braking, cornering, signalling. Moving groups in off-road environments.

COG 3: Road safety skills including NZTA Road Code for Cyclists, positioning, intersections, roundabouts and moving groups on the road network.

COG 4: Communication, customer service, conflict management and interactions with members of the public.

COG 5: Incident Management and Reporting.

COG 6: Trail-side repairs – input from local bike shops.

COG 7: First Aid Training – Peak Safety. (This is optional and dependent on funding.)

COG 8: Mentoring and refresher training.

You will need:

• Reasonable riding skills (you do NOT need to be an elite rider).
• A love of cycling.
• Your own bike (in excellent working condition), helmet and riding gear.
• Great communication & people skills.
• Be part of the local community and love cycling in our region.
• [A coaching or guiding qualification/experience would be desirable but is NOT essential].

Please send an expression of interest, in the form of a letter, outlining the following:

• Full name and contact info including mobile and email
• Your reasons for wanting to be involved with the Schools or Community Bike Ambassador programme
• Your cycling background and your favourite style of riding
• Where you live
• Any relevant leadership or coaching experience
• How often you ride the local trail/road network
• Any other relevant experience you may have.

Applications Chris Foggin, Road Safety Advisor, Bike Ambassador programme – chris.foggin@codc.govt.nz

More info: 027 473 3514.