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 Vanika Mock, co-leader of Black Girls Do Bike NYC. Vanika came to cycling later in life and hasn’t looked back since — and these days, she’s as passionate about bringing others into the bike movement as she is about getting out on the bike herself. In this spotlight, she shares what sparked her love of cycling, what it meant to find a community that felt like home, and what keeps her showing up to teach.
Tell us a little about yourself and why you enjoy teaching bike education.
You are never too old to learn to ride a bike. I didn’t learn until my 40’s because I was always intimidated by the idea, but I am so happy I finally did. There is a whole world out there for cyclists, and I love being a part of it. Teaching others to bike is very personal to me because I used to be the one making excuses until I finally committed to learning.
When I first started riding with a group, their motivation and encouragement were essential. With their support, I ended up completing three centuries—something I never imagined I could achieve. Since then, I’ve even cycled through the hills of Italy and Colorado.
Riding has become a true source of happiness for me. I ride my bike regularly as one of the co-leaders of Black Girls Do Bike NYC. I have met some of the most phenomenal women all across the 5 Boroughs. When we ride together, we have the most amazing experiences. This has truly been life-changing!
If you are part of a community that is underrepresented in cycling (such as adaptive cyclists, BIPOC, or LGBTQ+ communities), please tell us about your experience and how it shapes your approach to cycling education.
Black women are significantly underrepresented in the cycling community, often due to the high costs associated with the sport. Between purchasing a bike, jerseys, helmets, and necessary tech, cycling can feel like an unattainable reach for many in New York.
As a BIPOC individual, I rarely saw people who looked like me cycling in the city. Initially, I felt too intimidated to ride alone, which eventually led me to quit altogether. I simply didn’t believe there was a place for me in the New York cycling world.
Discovering Black Girls Do Bike NYC changed everything. Seeing a group of Black women cyclists for the first time was an incredible experience. I was welcomed into a community of women from all walks of life who cycled for fun, competition, and commuting. Through their support, I gained the confidence to ride in traffic, learned essential safety signals, and found dedicated riding partners.
| 🌟 Partner Spotlight: Black Girls Do Bike (BDGB) is a 501c3 organization that was created to give BIPOC an opportunity to bicycle in a supportive and caring environment. Currently, there are over 100+ chapters worldwide, and 30,000 members. |
My involvement grew until I became one of the four leaders of the organization. I eventually completed my training to become a League Certified Instructor (LCI).
Now, I volunteer as a Marshal for major events like the 5 Boro Bike Tour and the Tour De Bronx, and I serve as an LCI for programs like Skyscraper (NY), where I teach young students how to ride safely and confidently.
Seeing other cyclists utilize the skills I’ve taught them is incredibly rewarding. I strive to ensure every rider feels supported, encouraged, and educated. For me, cycling is no longer just an activity—it is a way of life.
What first motivated you to become an LCI?
I was motivated to become an LCI by the other leaders of Black Girls Do Bike NYC. We took the training classes together to support and encourage each other. I also wanted to learn how to be a better rider and teacher.
What has been your greatest reward in teaching bike education?
My greatest reward in teaching bike education is watching the smile on a new rider’s face when they finally ‘get it’! Or, when a former rider sends another student my way.
What is your best piece of advice for an LCI who wants to teach a class but isn’t sure how to get started?
My best piece of advice for someone who wants to teach a class and isn’t sure how to get started would be the following.
- Start with the end in mind. Picture what your successful class will look like. How many students need to show up for it to be a success? Location of class? Days and times of class?
- Decide who your audience will be (youth or adults?) How will you reach potential students?
- Review your class notes. They will inspire you to write out your program and lessons.
- Reach out to your LCI Instructor or classmates for help. They can help motivate or inspire you. Perhaps they can even help you teach the class! You can also bounce ideas off people who know you and your abilities.
- Check out the League Cycling Instructor portal for additional information. Don’t reinvent the wheel. There is so much information already provided for you.
| 💡 Did you know? LCIs have a lot of tools and resources at their fingertips in the LCI Portal. There are slide decks, business cards, posters to promote your class, waivers, teaching scripts, exams, and more! |
What is something you think that all LCIs should know about teaching bike education?
I would want all LCIs to know that teaching bike education is fun and very rewarding. You will also meet a bunch of really cool people from all walks of life!
Give us an interesting or funny fact about you.
My husband and I are huge outdoors people…. We bike, camp, fish, boat, and hike. We absolutely love the outdoors. We also took the Polar Plunge in NYC on January 1st!
What is your favorite thing about being on a bike?
The freedom of riding on the open road is my favorite thing about being on a bike.
What is your favorite memory from being on a bike?
Riding my bike is a significant stress reliever for me, especially after a busy week as a New York Real Estate Broker. This downtime allows me to reflect on my work and helps me to stay present when it matters most.
Additionally, my husband and I bike together regularly. It is a wonderful way for us to connect as a family and enjoy quality time together.