Become a League Cycling Instructor
Bike East Bay is proud to host an annual League of American Bicyclists (LAB) LCI Seminar.
League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) are ambassadors for biking in their communities, either as individuals, through education efforts, or as part of a local bicycling or recreation organization.
After earning certification through a three-day LAB seminar, LCIs can teach a variety of Smart Cycling classes to children as well as adults, helping them feel more confident and secure about riding. From League of American Bicyclists’ youth focused classes to Bicycle Friendly Driver curriculum, LCIs can educate people who bike and drive how to safely and legally share the road.
Through the generous support of Alameda County Transportation Commission and funded by a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, we are able to offer full scholarships for attendees. Interested candidates must apply below.
If you have already received your LCI certification and you would like to work with Bike East Bay as a bike instructor, please review the instructor job description and get in contact with Kelly (at) BikeEastBay.org.
What are the LCI application requirements?
Although no professional experience is required to attend an LCI Seminar, all applicants must first:
- Pass the League of American Bicyclists’ Smart Cycling Exam with a score of 85% or higher. We highly encourage you to also participate in an Urban Cycling 101: Day 1 class provided by Bike East Bay to prepare or supplement your knowledge.
- Participate in a Smart Cycling 2 on-bike class at Bike East Bay (Urban Cycling 101: Day 2) or at a neighboring bike coalition such as the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition or San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. Be sure to communicate that you are taking the class as part of the LCI seminar application process— instructors will need to grade you.
These prerequisites must be completed in sequential order prior to applying to any LCI seminar. To find out more about instructor certification, please visit the League of American Bicyclists.
How does becoming an LCI help my community?
As a League Cycling Instructor, you could be the reason one more person chooses to hop on the saddle — and do so with confidence. LCIs have access to educational materials developed by the LAB and can take part in opportunities to meet other educators, continue their own education, and learn how to be an advocate for better biking in their communities.
Some local organizations that may be interested in hiring LCIs include Bike East Bay, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, local ride clubs, Parks district recreation programs, and more. These skills can also be helpful for leading group rides in your community.
Who should become an LCI?
You don’t have to be a spandex-wearing cyclist or overachieving student to be a stellar LCI, all you need is the conviction that life is better for everyone when more people ride bikes.
We especially want people who have been traditionally underrepresented in the bicycling space to apply. Additionally, we want to encourage those who are culturally rooted and fluent in Cantonese or Spanish to apply.
What does the 3-day LCI Seminar cover?
The LCI training seminar focuses on teaching and demonstration techniques used with future students both on the road and in the classroom. The seminar emphasis is on how to teach bicycle safety and skills so as to provide increased comfort and confidence for new and returning bicyclists and youth. The seminar does not emphasize the content or specific details of the cycling course curricula. It is primarily about teaching, and each candidate will have opportunities during the seminar to practice facilitating parts of the Smart Cycling curriculum, both in the classroom and in the parking lot. The seminar is normally one evening and two full days. Generally, one-third of the time is on-bike, so students should be prepared to ride.
Ready to Apply?
2026 Seminar Dates: Sat. March 7, Sun. March 8, and Sat. March 14
Location: Bike East Bay office, 466 Water Street, Oakland
Applications Due: January 24th, 2026
The League of American Bicyclists requires seminar attendees to have completed prerequisites before participating; please be prepared to upload your Smart Cycling Exam Certificate and Score Sheet in your application.
Bike East Bay
LCI Seminar Interest Form
We offer LCI Seminars once per year. If you’re interested in applying or being notified once we have schedule the next Seminar, please fill out this form.
Even if you have yet to complete all Seminar prerequisites, feel free to express your interest: we can help connect you to classes needed so you’re ready to apply next year!