The Canadian Cycling Association (now known as Cycling Canada) introduced the CAN-BIKE program in 1985, with the publication of Bicycling II Course Instructors’ Guide, by Daniel Egan, Chair of the CCA Education Committee. However, the CCA had been developing empirically based cycling education programs for some time. Cycling Freedom for Women, by Barbara Bernhardt, was introduced in 1983. Earlier, a group of instructors in British Columbia had traveled to Seattle to certify as Effective Cycling instructors under the supervision of John Forester. Upon their return to Canada, those instructors developed a distinctively Canadian version of the program, later to become known as CAN-BIKE.
The program is still delivered today across the country by a network of passionate and knowledgeable instructors.
Frequently asked questions
You can access and learn about the eLearning module here.
All participants should come prepared with a bike that is in good working order (with a bell), closed-toe shoes, a certified helmet. Helmets sold in Canada are certified by CSA (Canadian Standards Association), CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), Snell or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). A bike helmet is a single-impact helmet, which means that once it has been in a hard fall, it must be replaced.
The cost of a course will vary depending on the level of course, number of participants, and location. Typically instructors will each have their own rates to correspond with different services.
You can search for instructor contacts through this page.
Courses are typically offered on-demand, and interested participants should contact an instructor directly to determine availability.