One of the most crucial things we do as an organization is teach people to ride a bike safely and confidently in the city – our Bicycle Education program teaches over a thousand people a year. We can’t do that work without our League Certified Instructors (LCIs), who are all certified by the League of American Bicyclists after passing a rigorous test. Every class is taught by an LCI, and they’re an integral part of how we show our students that biking and rolling is a convenient, safe, and joyful way to move around our city.
Many of our LCI’s are deeply rooted in San Francisco and the Bay Area through work or their families, and their students often benefit from the knowledge and experiences they have to share during class and on the bikes. One of our longest-running instructors, Chester Hartsough, was born and raised in San Francisco, and we talked to him about what this work means to him.
How did you come to biking?
I was born in San Francisco and spent my childhood here, and as a teenager moved to rural Nevada County. Riding around on dirt roads with friends is where I really learned to ride a bike, but it wasn’t until I was at school at UC Davis where I began to see bicycle riding as a means of transportation.
It’s also where I started to understand the transportation injustices inherent in our society. I was stopped many times for minor infractions, including once on suspicion of having stolen a bicycle. I became more determined to make biking a major means of getting around the world with an understanding that people of color have a right to occupy these spaces.
What do you like about your LCI work?
I love witnessing people finding joy in learning to ride a bike for the first time no matter what the age; that pride and immediate self-confidence boost they have is contagious, and I love getting to share that feeling with them. And in the long run, I know I’m helping create everyday solutions to our climate crisis, one student at a time.
What’s an experience of teaching that has stuck with you?
I recently had an eighty year old student in my class who was determined, persistent, and resilient. The day started out rough for her. During class she struggled a bit and had one small fall but got right back up and on her bike. By the end of the class she was riding around as well as any of the other students who were young enough to be her great-grandchildren! It was inspiring to see – it’s truly never too late to learn!
We’re grateful to Chester for his years of experience and his enthusiasm for this work! If you’re ready to get on a bike, take a look at our upcoming classes and webinars.
