Why become a Sustrans volunteer?
Our volunteers are what make Sustrans special.
Volunteering with Sustrans' I Bike project is fun and very rewarding.
Volunteers find the new skills they develop very valuable. We provide a variety of training opportunities to develop you and develop your own skills. We also provide mentoring support from our I Bike staff team.
We provide networking opportunities to meet other volunteers in the area and those involved in the programme from all over Scotland.
What does a Sustrans I Bike volunteer do?
I Bike is an innovative schools project promoting cycling, walking and scooting. Children, parents and teachers are empowered to travel actively, safely and confidently to school, encouraging exercise and reducing traffic congestion. The resulting culture of active travel in schools brings safer, happier and healthier communities.
I Bike Communities in Dumfries and Galloway has expanded our reach beyond the school gate. We work with adult groups and individuals to help people back on the bike and give them the confidence to cycle more regularly.
Sustrans Scotland’s I Bike Schools Volunteers support I Bike staff in running outdoor activities for children and young people at schools and with adult community groups.
You would be volunteering alongside a dedicated I Bike staff member at schools and/or with an adult community group.
Typical activities you would be supporting in schools include bike and scooter skills sessions, learn to ride sessions, led rides and scoots, led walks, bike clubs and bike maintenance.
The adult sessions are focused on building the skills and confidence to return to, or to begin, cycling at any age.
As a volunteer, you will have the support and guidance of the I Bike staff member. As you develop your skills you will learn how to engage children, young people and adults with the activities and help them build their skills and confidence on a bike or scooter.
As an I Bike volunteer, you would also ensure the safe delivery of activities in line with training and under the guidance of Sustrans or school staff.
What we're looking for
We’re looking for people who are:
- good communicators
- enthusiastic
- flexible
- reliable and punctual
- interested in volunteering in schools
- interested in cycling and walking
- able to engage and communicate well with everyone.
Time commitment
Opportunities are usually within school hours, between 9am and 3pm.
We recommend that you are available to volunteer at least once a month. However, this opportunity is flexible and we can help you find times to fit in with your commitments.
Training and support offered
We provide a welcome session for all new volunteers and recommend that you undertake an online safeguarding training course. There are various other training options which you can choose to take part in during your time as a volunteer, depending on your interests, such as:
- cycle training (Bikeability)
- cycle ride leader
- bike maintenance
- shadowing opportunities with I Bike Officers in other areas.
A PVG check is needed for this role. Sustrans will arrange this with you.
Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk
Our Safeguarding Statement sets out Sustrans’ organisational commitment to safeguarding best practice.
Equality, diversity and inclusion at Sustrans
Sustrans is committed to representing the diverse communities we work with, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We value equality and inclusiveness and believe that a diverse organisation brings with it a diversity of ideas and ways of working which strengthens everything we do.
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