CBISC launches National Council to support cycling industry workforce in Canada

Thursday, 23 July 2026 Simon Yuen

The Canadian Bicycle Industry Skills Coalition (CBISC) has launched a new national sector council, which aims to support workforce development by addressing skills shortages, improving training systems and promoting long-term economic growth.

Focused on workforce development for Canada’s bicycle industry, the coalition has identified four initial priorities to support the long-term development of the cycling industry workforce.

These include advancing occupational recognition for bicycle mechanics and pursuing skilled trade designation, improving labour market intelligence to support industry planning and public policy, and supporting the development of nationally aligned training standards, curriculum frameworks, accreditation approaches and instructor qualifications.

The coalition also aims to strengthen workforce development by improving recruitment, supporting career progression and increasing workforce retention across the industry.

Currently, Canada does not recognise bicycle mechanics as a distinct occupation. Industry leaders believe this recognition is a critical first step towards establishing consistent training pathways, reliable workforce data and national professional standards.

“Through CBISC, we want to bring all the key stakeholders together to address the industry’s workforce challenges. By addressing these challenges, we can create rewarding and stable jobs and help accelerate the growth of Canada’s cycling industry,” said Zoé Kruchten, a founding member of CBISC.

CBISC emerged from a national advocacy initiative launched in 2025 to secure recognition of bicycle mechanics as a distinct occupation within Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

Emily Murray, Executive Vice President of CycloChrome in Montreal and a founding member of CBISC, added: “In Québec and across Canada, the need for a skilled and recognised bicycle mechanic workforce is increasing as our urban transportation habits evolve. We see this every day at CycloChrome.”