LCI Spotlight: Eugene Rider

The League certifies hundreds of League Cycling Instructors every year and there are thousands of LCIs across the country leading bike education efforts in their communities. In our LCI spotlight series, we share the stories of League Cycling Instructors doing what they do daily: educating, mentoring, and empowering. You don’t have to be an extraordinary athlete 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.

This month, we’re catching up with Eugene Rider, an enthusiastic League Cycling Instructor, Vice President and Education & Training Chair of the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club, and a member of the Coastal Cruisers.

Eugene’s nominator says, “Eugene works well with everyone. He is on the board of the bicycle club, is a member of several other clubs, works with local police, firemen, HOAs, etc., and organizes Bike Rodeos for kids several times a year. He’s just such a darn positive person! He’s innovative and enjoys teaching kids and adults.”

Per SMBC, Eugene leads multiple rides a month as a certified group ride lead and active certified League Cycle Instructor (LCI). He also teaches safe cycling classes for SMBC and local bike shops.

Know an inspiring LCI we should feature next? Nominate a stellar bike educator here! 

Tell us a little about yourself and why you enjoy teaching bike education.

I started riding road bikes in 1967. It gave me a freedom that I love to pass on. Teaching bicycle safety, mainly for kids, to help them to be safe in urban settings. I also bring many community groups to participate in rodeos.

“Eugene Rider, a member of the Sarasota-Manatee Bike Club who organized the [Bike Rodeo], emphasized it’s really important the kids take safety advice to heart, especially in this area. Sadly, he hears about situations all the time where a cyclist is hit or nearly hit by a car.”

SPD, safety organizations host ‘Bike Rodeo’ for young cyclists

What first motivated you to become an LCI?

I am a process-driven person who has been part of corporate training departments. I wanted to have a repeatable process to teach participants how to ride safely. I also wanted to give back to my community using skills built in my career.

What is your best piece of advice for an LCI who wants to teach a class but isn’t sure how to get started?

Don’t wait, start today to find a place to have a class! Start with a local bike club, your local bike shop, community groups, or city law enforcement. Opportunities are there, just get started.

What is something you think all LCIs should know about teaching bike education?

Be patient and stay focused on the end result of safety. Enjoy the event!

Give us an interesting or funny fact about you.

I have many hobbies, including scuba diving, flying planes, and photography. Cycling is the best for me.

What is your favorite thing about being on a bike?

I love finding new roads and meeting people. I enjoy being a bike ambassador.

What has been your greatest reward in teaching bike education?

Teaching kids and adults how to ride a bike is reward enough, by giving them the freedom to explore and ride safely.

“For me, the real idea of success is the smile on their face and the glow that they have as they’re walking away with their new helmet, and they’re walking away with a bike they can actually ride,” Rider said. “And they look more confident.”

SPD, safety organizations host ‘Bike Rodeo’ for young cyclists