Position statements set out the Indoor Cycling Institute’s considered views on specific aspects of indoor cycling practice, education, safety, and professionalism.
They are intended to provide clarity where practice is variable, evolving, contested, or commonly misunderstood.
Position statements do not function as rules or regulation. They are offered as reference points to support professional judgement, discussion, education, and development.
They sit alongside the ICI Professional Standards Framework. The framework sets out practical best-practice guidance. Position statements explain ICI’s view on particular issues affecting the sector.

How position statements are used

ICI position statements may be used by instructors, studios, employers, training providers, and others to:

• understand the Institute’s perspective on a specific topic;
  
• support reflective practice and professional discussion;
• inform education, session design, and decision-making;
• provide context where guidance or standards are interpreted differently;
• support conversations about quality, safety, and professional responsibility;
• identify areas where indoor cycling practice may need further development.

Position statements are informed by ICI professional standards, real-world indoor cycling practice, instructor education, rider safety, and the development of indoor cycling as a specialist discipline.

Scope and limits

Position statements are not exhaustive and do not attempt to address every possible context or scenario.
They do not replace professional judgement, employer policies, insurance requirements, legal duties, health and safety procedures, safeguarding responsibilities, or local operating procedures.
The Institute recognises that indoor cycling is delivered across diverse settings. Responsible practice requires context-sensitive judgement, but that judgement should still be informed by clear standards, technical understanding, and rider care.

Current position statements

The following position statements are published by the Indoor Cycling Institute.
Indoor Cycling as a Specialist Discipline
Indoor cycling requires specific technical knowledge, coaching skill, rider observation, and safety awareness. It should not be treated as generic group exercise delivered on bikes.
Teaching Intensity in Indoor Cycling
Intensity should be coached clearly and purposefully. Riders should understand how hard they are meant to work, why, and how to adjust safely.
Cadence, Resistance and Rider Control
Cadence and resistance should be coached together to support safe, controlled, and effective riding.
Purpose-Led Session Design
Indoor cycling sessions should have a clear purpose and should not rely solely on entertainment, novelty, or choreography.
Use of Music in Indoor Cycling Sessions
Music can support rhythm, atmosphere, structure, and engagement, but it should not override safety, control, appropriate cadence, or effective instruction.
Choreography and Non-Cycling Movements
Movements and choreography should not compromise rider control, stability, resistance, cadence, or safe contact with the bike.
New Rider Safety
New riders should receive appropriate onboarding. Previous attendance elsewhere should not be treated as proof that a rider understands safe bike use.
Virtual and On-Demand Indoor Cycling Sessions
Video-led indoor cycling provision requires suitable management, rider guidance, and competent supervision. Showing a video is not a substitute for rider care.
Professional Standards, Certification and Recognition
Certification is important, but professional practice also depends on standards, conduct, CPD, experience, reflection, and ongoing development.
Experience, Reflection and Ongoing Development
Experience becomes professionally valuable when it is combined with reflection, learning, and willingness to improve.

Relationship to the Professional Standards Framework

This position statement sits alongside the ICI Professional Standards Framework.
It should be read alongside:
Indoor Cycling Instructor Scope of Practice
ICI Code of Professional Conduct
ICI Safety Standards for Indoor Cycling Sessions
ICI Cadence and Intensity Guidance
ICI New Rider Onboarding Standard
ICI Guidance for Studios and Operators
ICI Incident and Near-Miss Reporting Guidance
Together, the framework and position statements support safer, clearer, and more professional indoor cycling practice.
Position statements allow the Institute to contribute thoughtfully to the development of indoor cycling without resorting to prescription or control.

Position statements allow the Institute to contribute thoughtfully to the development of indoor cycling without resorting to prescription or control.