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Welcome!

Bicycle Colorado was excited to support a League Cycling Instructor Equity Scholarship seminar held November 5-7, 2021. Five outstanding candidates from across Colorado undertook extensive bicycle education training that included crafting engaging presentations and learning how to safely lead group rides out on the road. We can’t wait to see where they take their new-found knowledge and skills! Special thanks to the League of American Bicyclists and supporting sponsors QBP, Big Ring Cycles (which closed its doors in September 2021) and USA Cycling.

 

 

Meet our LCI Equity Scholarship Awardees!

About the League Cycling Instructor (LCI) Certification

The League Cycling Instructor certification program was developed and is managed by the League of American Bicyclists

While it does not take a formal certification to be a leader in bicycle education, the League Cycling Instructor certification process gives educators deep knowledge and skills through a prerequisite Smart Cycling course and, through the LCI Seminar, prepares them to be an engaging teacher, safe instructor and to market their own bicycle education programs. 

Benefits of becoming an LCI include:

Bicyclists approaching the capitol
  • your bicycle education and events are insured under the League
  • you are searchable by the public through the League’s Connect Locally Map
  • you have access to League curricula which you may use or modify 
  • and the LCI credential can be used to demonstrate your value and expertise and generate revenue if you choose to charge a fee for your services. 

Visit the League of American Bicyclists’ blog to hear from LCIs about their experiences teaching and how the LCI certification has benefitted them, plus to learn more about the Smart Cycling program.

About the scholarship

Through this Equity Scholarship, Quality Bicycle Products (QBP), the League of American Bicyclists and Bicycle Colorado are partnering to cover the cost of Seminar registration ($500) and the first year of membership to the League of American Bicyclists ($45) for up to 10 Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) bicyclists who live in Colorado where QBP is based. Bicycle Colorado can also provide paid opportunities at our educator rate and/or support LCIs in finding opportunities toward their 12 hours of required annual instruction or continuing education to maintain their LCI certification. 

We recognize the systemic barriers that have limited and continue to limit opportunities for BIPOC individuals to safely and enjoyably ride a bike. Access to bikes and bike shops, safe infrastructure, adult mentors who ride, stigma around riding a bike and racial profiling in public spaces are all factors that have led to the marginalization and disproportionate representation of BIPOC communities in bicycling. 

There are also many leaders in bicycling to acknowledge and celebrate who have overcome and are challenging these barriers as well as people who are eager to grow their leadership in bicycling to impact others. We hope that the LCI certification will help people maximize their opportunities and impact as a bike educator, model leadership of color in bicycling and inspire others in their communities by challenging misconceptions of who rides a bike. Through this scholarship opportunity, we hope to help build a more inclusive culture for anyone who rides or wants to ride a bike.

Timeline

  • Sunday, April 18: Applications open
  • Sunday, May 16: Applications due by 11:59 p.m. MST 
  • Wednesday, May 26: Scholarship awardees announced
  • Wednesday, June 9: Smart Cycling Part 1: Virtual presentation and exam
  • Saturday, June 12: Smart Cycling Part 2: On-bike skills, group ride and assessment
  • Friday, November 5-Sunday, November 7: League Cycling Instructor Seminar

Note that certification is not guaranteed by attendance at sessions and is dependent on performance during the Smart Cycling course and the Seminar. We want all of our awardees to be successful in completing their LCI certification. We provide guidance in the Eligibility section below on bicycle knowledge and riding skills expected of applicants and will support those who need some additional coaching.

Bicycle Colorado’s role

Bicycle Colorado values inclusion and curiosity—proactively engaging people of diverse identities, backgrounds and perspectives while being active listeners who are open-minded, eager to improve and learn. As administrators of this scholarship, Smart Cycling facilitators and “site facilitators” during the Seminar, it is our responsibility to create a safe and welcoming space for all during the LCI activities. We look forward to holding ourselves accountable to our commitment to racial justice and listening to and learning from our awardees to inform all of the work we do at Bicycle Colorado. 

Learn more about our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Bicycle Colorado, and the work of our partners at Quality Bicycle Products and the League of American Bicyclists.

Our core values

COLLABORATION

We value and seek purposeful long-term partnerships, to work with organizations and communities to make a positive impact and connect others so they can form valued partnerships as well.

Our core values

COURAGE

We take a stand on issues important to people who ride bikes, and do so with humility.

Our core values

CREATIVITY

We take risks to discover new and creative ways to accomplish our goals, even when confronted with unforeseen challenges.

Our core values

CURIOSITY

We are curious, open-minded, active listeners, eager to improve and willing to learn.

Our core values

EQUITY

We use our skill and passion to ensure all people on bikes are treated equitably in Colorado.

Our core values

HONESTY

We are transparent, honest and do what we say.

Our core values

INCLUSIVITY

We value and proactively engage people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and we act with kindness and respect.

Special thanks to our partners and supporters:

 

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Meet LCI Coach Neil Walker

We are thrilled to welcome LCI Coach Neil Walker to the Denver area to facilitate the November Seminar and support our awardees. 

Neil was born and raised in Pittsburgh. He has been League Cycling Coach since 2013 and has worked extensively in educating both youth and adults, working in Minnesota, North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Detroit. Walker spent 17 years as the education coordinator for BRAG Dream Team (Bicycle Race Across Georgia).

In 2010, Walker created a company, Cycles and Change, to increase bicycle education and to bring change in communities of color and low-income areas. He is the recipient of the 2011 Community Service Award from the National Brotherhood of Cyclists, where he also serves as Education Director.

Walker is one of the founding members of the Equity Advisory Council, a group of advocates from various programs across the country, looking to bring equity and social justice to cycling. In 2016, Walker was named the League of American Bicyclists’ Instructor of the Year.

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We’re thrilled to see so many people out enjoying (and often rediscovering the joy of) riding a bike right now, and we’re asking ALL bicyclists to do their part to prevent the spread of #covid19 by wearing a mask or other face covering when out for a ride. Doing so keeps you, your loved ones, those around you, and all Coloradans safer while helping reduce stress on our medical system. If you still need a mask, click the link in our bio to pre-order one now and support our advocacy work! Thanks so much to everyone who has already purchased, and to @primalwear for supporting our efforts over the years. Ride on.
  • #BicycleColorado volunteers and staff members spent time today helping @denverurbangardens and @denverfoodrescue deliver “Grow a Garden” food boxes to home-bound families in Denver—via bike! Supporting our community on two wheels makes for a great way to spend a sunny day. Many thanks to our friends @ddchen47, David M., and @juggernautcargo for your help! Head to denverfoodrescue.org or dug.org to learn more about these great local organizations. #rideyourbike
  • Tonight the #BicycleColorado team celebrated Stacey, our outgoing Development Director, with a virtual happy hour. Stacey has been an absolute rockstar for BC. We’re sad to see her leave, but thrilled for her as she heads out on a new adventure (hopefully in the #BikeAdvocacy space!) in North Carolina. Please join us in wishing her well!