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The ICI Professional Standards Framework brings together the core guidance documents that define good practice in indoor cycling instruction.
The framework is designed to support instructors, ICI members, ICI-recognised instructors, studios, operators, training providers, and riders. It provides a clear reference point for safe, effective, and purposeful indoor cycling delivery.
Indoor cycling is a specialist discipline. Good instruction requires technical knowledge, clear communication, appropriate use of cadence and resistance, safe bike set-up, rider onboarding, observation, professional judgement, and the ability to intervene when riders are not in control.
The framework is published as best-practice guidance and as the expected standard for ICI-recognised instructors. It is intended to support higher professional expectations across the sector.

How the framework works

The Professional Standards Framework is not a single policy document. It is a connected set of guidance pages covering the main areas of responsible indoor cycling practice.
Each document deals with a specific part of the instructor, studio, or rider experience. Together, they create a coherent professional reference point for indoor cycling.
The framework is not intended to replace formal qualifications, insurance requirements, employer procedures, venue policies, or legal duties. It is intended to clarify best practice and help instructors and operators understand what good indoor cycling should look like in real settings.

Core areas of professional practice

The ICI Professional Standards address the following core areas of practice:

Rider safety and duty of care
Instructors must prioritise rider safety, including appropriate screening, bike set-up, instruction, supervision and response to signs of distress or risk.

Session design and structure
Sessions should have a clear purpose, logical progression, appropriate warm-up and cool-down, and a balance of challenge and recovery suitable for the intended riders.

Use of intensity, cadence and load
Instructors should demonstrate understanding of how cadence, resistance and duration interact, and how these variables affect riders differently.

Instruction, communication and cueing
Clear, timely and appropriate instruction should be used to support safe execution, understanding and engagement throughout the session.

Professional behaviour and boundaries
Instructors should act with professionalism, respect and integrity, maintaining appropriate boundaries and recognising their responsibility to riders and venues.

Ongoing development and reflection
Professional practice includes reflection, continued learning and willingness to adapt based on feedback, evidence and experience.

Core framework documents

Indoor Cycling Instructor Scope of Practice
The Scope of Practice defines the role of the indoor cycling instructor, what instructors are responsible for, what sits outside the role, and the standard of practice expected of ICI-recognised instructors.
It covers session planning, cadence, resistance, bike set-up, rider control, new rider onboarding, professional boundaries, and when to refer, reduce intensity, or stop.
Read the Scope of Practice

ICI Code of Professional Conduct
The Code of Professional Conduct sets out expected standards of professional behaviour for ICI members, ICI-recognised instructors, tutors, and those representing ICI.
It covers honesty, competence, rider care, professional boundaries, communication, CPD, safety responsibilities, and the need to work within qualification, insurance, and competence.
Read the Code of Conduct

ICI Safety Standards for Indoor Cycling Sessions
The Safety Standards for Indoor Cycling Sessions cover the practical safety expectations involved in planning and delivering indoor cycling classes.
This includes session structure, warm-up and cool-down, rider monitoring, safe riding positions, cadence and resistance use, intervention, high-risk practices, and the instructor’s role in preventing avoidable loss of control.
Link to: ICI Safety Standards for Indoor Cycling Sessions
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Read the Safety Standards

ICI Cadence and Intensity Guidance
Cadence and intensity are central to both safety and effectiveness in indoor cycling.
This guidance explains ICI’s recommended cadence ranges, the importance of appropriate resistance, how cadence and load should work together, and how instructors should coach foot speed and intensity, including when bikes do not display cadence.
Read Cadence and Intensity Guidance

ICI New Rider Onboarding Standard
New riders should not be assumed to understand indoor cycling, bike set-up, resistance, cadence, or how to stop safely.
The New Rider Onboarding Standard defines what should happen when a rider is new to indoor cycling, new to a studio, new to a particular bike type, or arrives late to a session.
Read the New Rider Onboarding Standard

ICI Incident and Near-Miss Reporting Guidance
Good professional practice includes learning from concerns before they become serious incidents.
This guidance encourages instructors and operators to record, review, and learn from incidents, near-misses, equipment concerns, rider control issues, and other safety-related events.
Read Incident and Near-Miss Guidance

ICI Studio and Management Guidance
Studios and operators have an important role in supporting safe indoor cycling practice.
This guidance covers instructor standards, studio policies, late-arrival procedures, rider induction, bike maintenance, virtual and on-demand sessions, supervision, and the management systems needed to support responsible indoor cycling delivery.
Read Studio and Management Guidance

What Riders Should Expect from an Indoor Cycling Instructor
Riders should be able to recognise good instruction.
This public-facing guide explains what riders should reasonably expect from a well-taught indoor cycling class, including bike set-up guidance, clear instruction, appropriate cadence and resistance, a proper warm-up and cool-down, and an instructor who notices when riders are not in control.
Read the Rider Guide

Who the framework is for

The ICI Professional Standards Framework is intended for:

• indoor cycling instructors who want to develop safe, effective, and professional practice;
  
• ICI members and ICI-recognised instructors;
• tutors and training providers delivering indoor cycling education;
• studios, gyms, leisure operators, and employers;
• managers responsible for group exercise provision;
• riders who want to understand what good instruction should include;
• organisations seeking a clearer view of professional practice in indoor cycling.

The framework gives each group a shared reference point. It helps instructors understand what is expected, supports studios in assessing and developing provision, and helps riders recognise safer and more professional instruction.

How the standards are used by ICI

ICI professional standards underpin our education, guidance, CPD, and instructor recognition.
Training delivered through ICI programmes is designed to reflect these standards. Continuing professional development helps instructors apply them over time, in real classes with real riders.

• Standards define expectations.
  
• Training supports instructors in meeting them.
• CPD helps instructors maintain and develop them.
• Recognition helps identify instructors who are committed to them.

As the framework develops, relevant standards updates may be used to support ICI membership, CPD, tutor expectations, and endorsed instructor status.

Relationship to position statements

The Professional Standards Framework sits alongside ICI’s position statements.
The framework explains what good practice should include. Position statements set out ICI’s view on specific issues affecting indoor cycling instruction, rider safety, professional development, and sector practice.
For example, a framework document may explain how cadence and resistance should be coached. A position statement may explain why ICI considers safe cadence and resistance guidance to be essential within the sector.
Both have a role. The framework provides the working standards. Position statements explain ICI’s position on particular topics.
View all Position Statements
Indoor Cycling as a Specialist Discipline
Professional Standards, Certification and Recognition
Purpose-Led Session Design
Virtual and On-Demand Indoor Cycling Sessions

Professional standards in practice

The aim of the framework is not to make indoor cycling complicated. It is to make good practice clearer.
Indoor cycling should be purposeful, well-coached, technically sound, and safe. Riders should not be left guessing how fast to pedal, how much resistance to use, how to set up the bike, or how to stop safely.
Instructors should not have to rely on habit or imitation. Studios should not have to judge quality only by attendance numbers or popularity. Riders should be able to expect instruction that is safe, clear, and professionally delivered.
The ICI Professional Standards Framework exists to support that aim.

Policies and practical resources

Indoor Cycling Instructor Standards Policy
Indoor cycling incident and near-miss report form

Next steps for instructors

Instructors can begin with the Indoor Cycling Instructor Scope of Practice, then continue to the Cadence and Resistance Guidance and New Rider Onboarding Standard.
Buttons:
Start with the Scope of Practice
Link to: Indoor Cycling Instructor Scope of Practice
Take the Scope of Practice update
Link to: standalone update course once created
View ICI CPD courses
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