Dancing at Galas Can Wait: Training the Next Generation of CAN-BIKE Instructors in Edmonton!

At Alberta Bike Swap, our schedule is usually packed with software updates, event logistics, and community Bike Index registration drives. But when it comes down to choosing between needing steel toed shoes to dance at a red-carpet event (Chris is an engineer) and advancing active transit safety, our core mission will always win.

This past weekend, while the business community gathered for the Calgary Chamber Gala, Chris left early to drive to Edmonton delivering an intensive CAN-BIKE Instructor Training course!

Why We Fund and Support CAN-BIKE

When we started Alberta Bike Swap, our vision went far beyond running bike consignment events and stopping bicycle theft. We wanted to build a safer cycling culture across Canada through legitimate cycling education.

That is why a major portion of our event proceeds goes directly toward funding CAN-BIKE—Canada’s only nationally accredited cycling safety program.

We believe that bike lanes and infrastructure are only half of the equation; knowledge and confidence are the other half. When riders understand vehicular traffic rules, hazard avoidance, and defensive lane positioning, cycling stops being intimidating and becomes a joyful, lifelong habit. After all, no one has a bike lane to their front door.

Inspiring Leaders on Two Wheels

Training new instructors means exponential impact: every new instructor goes on to teach hundreds of children, commuters, and adult learners over their careers.

This weekend’s cohort in Edmonton was exceptionally inspiring:

• Kellen of Bike Bus Alberta: Working on the front lines to get kids riding safely to school in group bike buses.

• Laura at the City of Edmonton: Bringing municipal perspective and active transit leadership to city cycling programs.

• Julie: A student dedicated to water resource management who recognizes that sustainable urban planning includes active, pedal-powered transit.

Watching these leaders master instructional techniques, bike-handling drills, and traffic safety principles was deeply rewarding.