Become a WABA Instructor! – Applications currently closed

Seminar Smart Cycling FAQs

What is an LCI?

League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) are certified by the League of American Bicyclists to teach bike safety classes to children and adults. Instructors help people to feel more secure when getting on a bike, whether it is their first time, or they are looking to incorporate riding into their daily routine. They teach bicycle handling skills as well as trail etiquette and traffic law to ensure that people on bikes know how to ride safely, considerately, and legally.

WABA has a cohort of over 50 League Cycling Instructors who teach our Adult and Youth education classes, lead community rides, and assist with Signature Events. They are enthusiastic local educators, bike experts, and active members community groups like Black Women Bike and Women & Bicycles.

To become an LCI, you must take and pass both the prerequisite Smart Cycling class and the LCI Seminar.

Requirements to attend the LCI Seminar

Registrations closed on April 20. Candidates will be notified by Monday, April 25.

There are a limited number of seats available for our June LCI seminar. All prospective candidates must submit an application beforehand. WABA will select candidates to attend. If selected, your registration includes a WABA Membership and a spot in a Smart Cycling class and the LCI Seminar. If you are interested in signing up for another LCI seminar, please visit the League of American Bicyclists website.

Sign up a Smart Cycling class

Smart Cycling is a 3-hour course that will teach you the bicycle handling maneuvers and practice drills that you will be tested on during the LCI seminar. All candidates must pass the Smart Cycling course before attending the seminar. Registration will open once candidates have received an email inviting them to attend the LCI Seminar, and closes on Friday, April 29th. If you are only interested in attending the Smart Cycling class, please email us at education@waba.org and we will notify you when applications open.

Smart Cycling dates:

  • Saturday, May 7 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Sunday, May 22 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Rain date: Saturday, June 4 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Attend the LCI Seminar June 24-26, 2022

The LCI seminar focuses on how to effectively teach bike safety education through classroom facilitation and on-bike techniques. All candidates will be tested on their knowledge of the Smart Cycling curriculum and their ability to facilitate the subsequent lessons and drills. All candidates are required to attend all 3 days of the seminar: 

  • Friday, June 24 – 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Zoom)
  • Saturday, June 25 – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (In-person and on Zoom)
  • Sunday, June 26 – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (Zoom)

Cost: $100. Please email us at education@waba.org for information on scholarships.

Location: This will be a hybrid online/in-person event. The majority of the seminar will take place over Zoom. Candidates will be required to complete the Smart Cycling class and the drill examination in person. These two modules will take place outside at Anacostia Park.

What you will need:

  • A bicycle and helmet;
  • A League of American Bicyclists Membership – After passing the Smart Cycling class, candidates must purchase a League of American Bicyclists membership before they can register for the LCI seminar. Membership dues start at $45/year for individuals.

Register for Smart Cycling

Smart Cycling registration will open once candidates have received an email inviting them to attend the LCI Seminar. If you were not invited to attend the Seminar, you will still be able to sign up for the Smart Cycling class. The rain date for both classes is Saturday, June 4 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.

  • Register for Smart Cycling on Saturday, May 7 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Register for Smart Cycling on Sunday, May 22 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Once I become an LCI where can I teach? 
    • LCIs teach all over the country, in small towns, big cities and with organizations and schools. Most LCIs in the Washington region work for:
      • WABA’s Education Program;
      • REI;
      • Themselves, as an independent contractor.
    • There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities with local organizations, school, community organizations, and more.
  2. Once I become an LCI is there anything that I have to do to maintain my certification?
    • Teach two classes per year and report them to the League
    • Maintain your annual League of American Bicyclists membership (includes important teaching insurance coverage)
  3. I am not interested in the seminar, can I still take the Smart Cycling class? 
    • Yes, click here to register for Smart Cycling only. Please note that Smart Cycling registration will only open once candidates have received an email inviting them to attend the LCI Seminar. If you are only interested in attending the Smart Cycling class, please email us at education@waba.org and we will notify you when applications open.
  4. What if I am unable to attend the Smart Cycling dates listed above?
    • Contact us at education@waba.org
    • We can help you schedule a one-on-one Smart Cycling class with an instructor.
  5. What are your COVID-19 health and safety protocols?
    • Outside activities are mask optional. WABA does not require participants to be vaccinated in order to attend class although we strongly encourage all participants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are:
      • Vaccinated and boosted, you may choose to forgo a mask.
      • Not vaccinate or fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a CDC approved face mask for the duration of class.
    • Participants should not attend in-person events if they feel sick or show symptoms of illness. WABA will refund registration fees to individuals who cannot attend because they are sick on the day of an event. If you are sick and unable to attend an in-person event, contact WABA for a refund.