From road safety posters to teenage cycling instructor - my journey to the CTC
From a very early age I was thrust into the world of road safety. My dad worked for Sandwell Council, which meant I, along with other members of my family, often appeared photographed in road safety publications. At one time you couldn't go through the Sandwell area without seeing my photo plastered on the side of a bus reminding people to 'Belt up!'
I started work for Dudley Council in 2009 as a Bikeability instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed this, having a very active, outdoor job was perfect for me, and after all, it was definitely a better job than most 16-year-olds have!
At the time, obviously I had to base my contribution to this job around my A-levels and college work.
In 2011 I started instructing for Sandwell Council, and seeing a slightly different approach to the Bikeability delivery helped to develop my skills further. I mainly taught in primary schools and have the most experience teaching young children how to ride their bike safely on the roads.
I started work for Dudley Council in 2009 as a Bikeability instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed this, having a very active, outdoor job was perfect for me, and after all it was definitely a better job than most 16 year olds have!" Jonathan Billington CTC Reading
Both of these jobs gave me invaluable experience, not just in instructing and cycling skills, but confidence and communication also.
I started at the University of Reading in 2011, studying English Language BA. I'm now in my third and final year of study, which terrifyingly means very soon I will be no longer be sheltered by the warm embrace of education.
During all this time, I have been heavily contributing to the publishing company Room 9 Media, where I have helped to research, write and edit publications.
All of this experience helped me to become the Communications Officer for Reading CTC, where I promote cycling and CTC events in the area. I also have plans to do some Bikeability instructing at the university and in the local area.
I look forward to making my mark on the CTC in Reading and carrying on its outstanding work.
