LCI Seminar at The Bike Coalition: A Weekend of Learning, Growth, and Advocacy
LCI Coach Ron Durgin leads a classroom session, sharing his extensive experience in promoting cycling for both transportation and leisure. Ron earned his LCI credential in 2007 and became a National Coach in 2013.
Last weekend, The Bike Coalition had the incredible opportunity to host another League Cycling Instructor (LCI) Seminar right at our office—an essential step in growing bike education and advocacy in San Diego. The weekend was a huge success, with staff member Jason officially becoming an LCI, alongside local advocates from across San Diego County.
But that wasn’t all—Kevin (SDCBC staff) and Randy (longtime LCI and friend of the Coalition) took a major leap forward in their journey towards becoming LCI Coaches. This achievement is a game-changer for bike education in San Diego. With LCI Coaches on-staff here locally, we’ll be able to train new Cycling Instructors more frequently and with more local oversight. A huge thank-you to LCI Coach Ron Durgin, who traveled from LA to lead the seminar and mentor everyone throughout the weekend. His guidance, both in the classroom and on the road, was invaluable.
TREF nurse Honda instructing her peers on the rock dodge technique.
One of the most inspiring parts of the weekend was the participation of a cohort from TREF—Trauma Research and Education Foundation. It’s a collaboration among the hospitals that sustain San Diego County’s trauma care system. They recognize the critical role bike education has in preventing injuries before they happen. Their commitment to keeping people safe and out of the emergency room showcases just how important it is to build a truly bike-friendly city.
“As recently as six months ago, I would have never pictured myself riding a bike in these streets – NOT TO MENTION IN THE RAIN! But I did, and I had fun!”
TREF members gearing up for the road and drills session, bringing their passion for trauma prevention to the streets!
Of course, the weekend also had its eye-opening moments. While riding down Harbor Drive, a high volume road largely without dedicated bike infrastructure, we experienced firsthand the challenges that local cyclists face daily. A lack of education about cyclists’ rights was on display, and served as a great reminder that San Diego still has a long way to go in embracing a true culture of biking.
LCI candidates navigating the high-speed, car-centric lanes of Harbor Drive—a stark reminder of why both bike education and safer, more inclusive cycling infrastructure is essential.
Despite these challenges, the energy throughout the seminar was upbeat and inspiring. Everyone cheered each other on, pushed themselves to refine their skills, and embraced the power of teaching as a tool for keeping our communities inclusive for all road users. Regardless of individual outcomes, each student left feeling positive and empowered, knowing they had gained valuable knowledge to take back to their communities.
This weekend proved that bike education is growing in San Diego, and thanks to the dedication of our new LCIs, LCI candidates, and future coaches, we’re well on our way to creating a safer, more bike-friendly city.