DISCOVER YOUR LOCAL BICYCLING COMMUNITY
Find local advocacy groups, bike shops, instructors, clubs, classes and more!
LCI Spotlight: Marjon Manitius
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 connected with League Cycling Instructor Marjon Manitius, founder and board member of the Brookhaven Bike Alliance in Brookhaven, Georgia. Marjon grew up in the Netherlands, where biking is a big part of everyday life, and she brings that perspective to her work in Metro Atlanta. Whether she’s organizing community events like Pedal the Parks or teaching brand-new riders through her Learn to Ride business, Marjon is sparking a love for biking that’s changing how her community moves and connects. In this spotlight, she shares how her journey from everyday Dutch cyclist to local bike educator began, and what keeps her inspired.
Tell us a little about yourself and why you enjoy teaching bike education.
I was practically born on a bicycle, because, well, I’m Dutch. In the Netherlands, biking isn’t just a way to get around; it’s a way of life. Kids ride to school, to the store, to their friends’ houses, it’s part of growing up. And maybe it’s no coincidence that Dutch children are among the happiest in the world (having the freedom to bike and eat chocolate sprinkles for breakfast certainly helps!).
When I moved to the U.S., I was surprised by how disconnected biking felt from everyday life. I wanted my own children to grow up with the same sense of freedom and independence I had, so I started looking for ways to help shift the culture around cycling in my community. That led me to co-found the Brookhaven Bike Alliance and grow Pedal the Parks into one of our most loved local events.
As a League Cycling Instructor, I love teaching bike education because I see the difference it makes, especially for those just discovering the joy and confidence that riding a bike can bring. Whether it’s a child taking their first solo ride or an adult learning to navigate city streets, helping others gain that freedom on two wheels is deeply rewarding.
What first motivated you to become an LCI?
After eight years of active bike advocacy and regularly using the League’s resources to support my work, becoming an LCI felt like a natural next step. When I saw that an LCI seminar was being offered in my state, I jumped at the opportunity. It was a chance to deepen my knowledge, build new skills, and gain the tools to teach others with greater confidence and impact.
Since earning my LCI certification, I’ve launched my own Learn to Ride business, teaching both kids and adults how to ride a bike—many for the very first time. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to witness those breakthrough moments and help others discover the joy and freedom of biking.
If you’re in the Brookhaven, Georgia area and interested in lessons, feel free to reach out at [email protected].
What has been your greatest reward in teaching bike education?
On the advocacy side, the greatest reward has been witnessing the shift, seeing city leaders begin to treat biking as a serious part of our transportation future. It’s slow, but it’s happening.
On the teaching side, nothing compares to the moment a child realizes they’re riding on their own. The mix of surprise, pride, and pure joy on their face. It’s like watching confidence come to life in real time.
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 overthink it, just start. You’ve got all the tools from your training, and the best way to build confidence is to put them into practice. Start small: teach a friend, host a mini skills session, or partner with a local event. Every class gets easier, and every rider you help makes it worth it.
What is something you think that all LCIs should know about teaching bike education?
When teaching beginners, patience is key. Take the time to connect with each rider, not just about biking, but about their interests and what motivates them. Using that connection to gently distract from fear helps ease anxiety and builds confidence. A little patience and understanding can truly transform the learning experience.
Give us an interesting or funny fact about you.
When I was six, my clog flew right off my foot and got caught in my bike’s front wheel. That caused me to do a full 360 spin, but somehow I landed perfectly straight, with not a single scratch. Looks like I had some early biking skills!
What is your favorite thing about being on a bike?
My favorite thing about being on a bike is how it brings so much at once, it’s relaxing, great exercise, good for the environment, and fast enough to get where you need to go but slow enough to really enjoy your surroundings. It’s a simple way to connect with both your body and your community.
What is your favorite memory from being on a bike?
One of my favorite memories is watching Pedal the Parks grow over seven years from a small community ride into a fantastic annual event that now draws hundreds of cyclists of all ages. I’ll never forget the moment I led a group of 250 riders through Brookhaven parks—seeing families, friends, and neighbors riding side by side, sharing smiles and laughter, truly brought the event to life. It’s incredible to witness how a simple idea turned into a vibrant celebration that connects people to biking and to each other. Pedal the Parks has become so much more than a ride; it’s a reflection of community spirit and the joy of exploring our local parks together.