Santa Monica LCA Workshop Recap: Empowering Advocates for Better Bicycling

Fueled by League members’ calls for a dedicated bike advocacy workshop, 2024 marked the debut of the League Cycling Advocate (LCA) program. Now in its second year, the program certifies attendees as LCAs and equips them with the essential knowledge and tools to become powerful bike advocates—all in three action-packed days.

Two weeks ago, over thirty passionate bike advocates and ten guest speakers gathered in Santa Monica, California, to attend the League’s third LCA workshop. Attendees came from across the country to learn how to sharpen and strengthen their advocacy skills and become more effective storytellers and engaged community leaders.

The Santa Monica workshop was hosted in partnership with Santa Monica Spoke, the local bike advocacy organization. Guest Speakers came from a wide range of local organizations including BikeLA, Biking While Black, People for Mobility Justice, Day One, Agathon Designs, Altadena Town Council, and the City of Santa Monica. 

Energized by our setting in sunny downtown Santa Monica, the workshop kicked off with a welcoming message and emphasis on how people are at the center of advocacy and building the bike movement. Santa Monica, known for its progressive environmental policies and scenic coastal routes, is already a great place for biking and was an incredible backdrop for the workshop as it underscored the need for continued advocacy to build truly safe, inclusive, and well-connected bike networks. Starting with a group ride through Santa Monica on Thursday evening, attendees were able to take in the city’s progress and reflect on how thoughtful infrastructure and community-driven advocacy can shape better places for everyone to move through. 

Insights from Expert Guest Speakers

The heart of the workshop was the two-day series of presentations from 10 guest speakers—local leaders, cycling experts, and experienced advocates who provided valuable insights and advice on how to create lasting change. Here’s a breakdown of their key takeaways:

• Building Effective Coalitions: One speaker emphasized the power of centering one’s own identity and values to build coalitions with like-minded organizations, such as city officials, local businesses, and other advocacy groups. 
• Engaging with Local Government: A local elected official offered strategies on how to approach local government officials to push for bike-friendly policies and community events. This included tips on writing effective petitions, speaking at city council meetings, and building relationships with policymakers.

• Centering Equity and Mobility Justice: One crucial session focused on ensuring that discussions and strategies around cycling are designed with all communities in mind, especially those that have historically been underserved. Speakers highlighted how to meet people and a community where they are and learn about the history of a place and the future dreams and goals that they want.
• Data-Driven Advocacy: The importance of data in making the case for bike infrastructure was a popular topic. One speaker demonstrated how collecting data on bike usage, accident rates, and environmental benefits can help advocates create compelling arguments that appeal to both policymakers and the general public. (P.S. Bike audits are a great way for citizen advocates to collect key data — check out the AARP Bike Audit Tool Kit to learn more!)
• Effective Communication Strategies: Another session offered tips on how to communicate with both the media and the public to raise awareness about bike advocacy efforts. This included crafting press releases, engaging on social media, and using storytelling to connect with decision-makers.
• Grassroots Organizing: A discussion focused on grassroots organizing strategies to explain how advocates can mobilize community members to join the cause, attend meetings, and participate in campaigns. The session also offered advice on creating lasting systems of change, hosting bike events, and growing a community around cycling.
• Sustainable Funding for Bike Projects: The workshop also featured a speaker from the city who discussed how to secure funding for bike infrastructure projects through grants, private sponsorships, and public-private partnerships.

Networking and Community Building

One of the key benefits of the workshop was the opportunity for networking. In addition to the presentations, the event included several bike rides and networking dinners. The hands-on approach gave participants the chance to collaborate with others, discuss specific challenges, and brainstorm solutions.

Attendees connected with others who share their passion for cycling and advocacy, building a sense of community that will extend beyond the event. Participants swapped stories, exchanged resources, and even started planning collaborative projects. This open exchange of ideas sets the stage for future collaborations and partnerships that will continue to move the needle toward more sustainable, radically welcoming communities for people who bike.

Wrapping Up: A Call to Action

As the workshop came to a close, attendees left feeling empowered and equipped with new knowledge, tools, and connections that would help them be more effective advocates for cycling in their communities. The day’s activities not only deepened their understanding of the challenges and opportunities in bike advocacy but also reinforced the idea that change happens when individuals come together, armed with passion and purpose.

The workshop was a great reminder that effective advocacy isn’t just about asking for bike lanes—it’s about creating a movement, one conversation, and one partnership at a time. We can expect even more progress toward making our streets safer and more welcoming for cyclists.

Next League Cycling Advocate Workshop

Stay tuned for the dates and timing for the next bike advocacy workshop in Detroit this fall. Info will be available at bikeleague.org/lca, or you can sign up to receive all the latest news by subscribing to the League’s bi-monthly newsletter.