Do you need to be certified to run a cycle tour company? Really?
There are a bunch of companies offering bicycle instructor training, tour leader certification, and techniques for riding in traffic. I should probably take a course. It would add a bit of credibility to the whole outfit. Right?
But I’m really dreading the idea. It’s not like I’m some anarchist courier punk, but all the bike safety stuff I have read has been really uninspired. Where’s the joy, folks? I know that cycling in traffic can be a matter of life and death, but do you really need to treat it that way? Ugh.
Anyhow, these are the programs I know about. Anyone have any experience with them? Good or bad?
Adventure Cycling Association – This looks like the best of the bunch, including things like “discussions about the dynamics involved in leading self-contained tours, including group motivation, conflict resolution, public relations, and much more.” But three days and $400 is out of my budget.
League of American Bicyclists - These guys look serious. Too serious. Their big draw is a “student manual”. And a $200 fee. I’ll pass.
Our local crew at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine features classes for free. And they provide lunch! That’s the spirit!
I’m a League cycling instructor. I took the course a few years ago, and while it is kind of pricey, the biggest benefit is the insurance program LAB provides for instructors. And make no mistake, insurance is a key part of any bicycle-related business. The LAB course isn’t designed as a tour operation. It’s meant as a course of instruction for all types of cyclists regardless of their experience level. We teach how to ride safely and comfortably in traffic, generally with emphasis on bicycle commuting.
By: Ed W on March 24, 2007
at 9:51 pm
I should probably take another look at the LAB. I know that there are a few instructors in my area.
And I hadn’t even considered insurance. I was hoping that a liability waiver would suffice for the short tours that I am planning. Sounds like it is worth looking into further. Thanks for the advice.
By: jfink on March 27, 2007
at 12:04 am