Become a WABA Instructor! – Applications Closed

Cost Register for Smart Cycling

WABA Instructor, Hamzat Sani, coaching a participant through the “Instant Turn”.

We are not accepting applications at this time.

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 the Women & Bicycles, and are all certified to teach by the League of American Bicyclists. 

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. LCIs also help to foster a mindset that bicycles are treated as vehicles and that all roadway users are safer when following the rules of the road. LCIs can teach through an organization, such as WABA and/or can run classes independently. 

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

Upcoming Seminar Dates

Friday, May 21st – Sunday, May 23rd, 2021

Cost: $100.00
Please email us at education@test.waba.org for information on scholarships.

Location: Due to COVID-19, 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, and participants will be required to social distance and wear masks for the duration of the class. For more information about our COVID-19 policies click here.

Email education@test.waba.org to receive information about future LCI seminars.

Requirements to Attend the LCI Seminar

  • Submit an application – We are no longer accepting applications at this time.  
    • There are a limited number of seats available for the May 21st-23rd LCI seminar. All prospective candidates must submit an application beforehand. WABA will select candidates to attend. If you are interested in signing up for another LCI seminar, please visit the League of American Bicyclists website.
  • Sign up for 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. 
    • Dates (Registration closes Saturday, March 28th) 
      • Saturday, April 11th – 10:00 am-1:00 pm
      • Saturday, April 17th – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
      • If a class is canceled due to weather, it will be rescheduled for Sunday, April 18th from 10 am – 1 pm
    • If you are unable to attend any of the above dates, please contact WABA at education@test.waba.org.
  • Attend the LCI Seminar May 21st – 23rd, 2021
    • 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, May 21st – 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Zoom)
      • Saturday, May 22nd – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (In-person and on Zoom)
      • Sunday, May 23rd – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (Zoom)

If selected, your registration includes

  • Smart Cycling Registration
  • LCI Seminar Registration
  • WABA Membership

What you will need

  • A bicycle and helmet
    • If you do not have your own bicycle and helmet, please contact WABA at education@test.waba.org to coordinate a rental.
  • 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.

COVID-19 Protocols

Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, all participants are expected to adhere to WABA’s health and safety guidelines for in-person events. You can review WABA’s full guidelines for in-person events here.

  • 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.
  • All instructors and participants are required to wear face masks for the duration of the class.
  • WABA requires participants to wear face masks in accordance with CDC and jurisdictional mask guidelines at all in-person events:
    • Masks must cover both the mouth and nose. 
    • Masks must be secured below the chin. 
    • Participants should sanitize their hands before and after touching their mask or face area. 
    • For more details, read the full CDC mask guidelines. 
  • Participants will provide their contact information at event registration. Participants consent to WABA contacting them and/or releasing their contact information to necessary authorities if there is a need for contact tracing following an event to contain an outbreak of COVID-19.
  • All instructors and participants are required to maintain social distancing (6 ft apart) for the duration of the class
  • In the event of a minor injury (cuts or scrapes) participants will be provided with first aid supplies to treat themselves. If an individual is unable to treat themselves, or if a more serious injury occurs, WABA will call for an ambulance for additional medical care.

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 can still sign up for the Smart Cycling class. If you are interested in signing up for another LCI seminar, please visit the League of American Bicyclists website. 

Please sign up for one of the dates below:

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 
  4. What if I am unable to attend the Smart Cycling dates listed above?
    • Contact us at education@test.waba.org . 
    • We will help you schedule a one-on-one Smart Cycling class with an instructor.

Page last updated by Sydney Sotelo on March 31, 2021.