Education at BikePGH would not be possible without our network of dedicated educators who teach classes, assist at events, work with schools and communities, and give private lessons. We created the Educator Spotlight Series to highlight these individuals and the incredible work they do to promote and teach cycling in the community.

Learn about Robin’s work as an LCI and through Women At Work Cycling Club

What is your name and preferred pronouns?

Robin L. Woods  –  she, her, hers

Do you represent a club or organization? Tell us about it!

Yes, the Women At Work Cycling Club (W@W). In April of 2021, the Women At Work Cycling Club became a Limited Liability Corporation. In July of the same year, I became certified by the League of American Bicyclists to teach as a Licensed Certified Instructor (LCI). The primary focus of the club is education i.e., how to ride safely from soup to nuts. 

I host weekly intermediate group rides on Mondays and beginner group rides bi-monthly on Thursdays. We also hike and snowshoe when it is too cold to cycle.

What kind of bike education do you specialize in? Do you focus on a certain population or community?

Educating the new/novice rider is my specialty. I love when I have an opportunity to help build confidence through education using the League Of American Bicyclists, BikePGH’s, and of course my own curriculum. Lately, I’ve had the opportunity to work with adults 75 years of age and toddlers on striders. Being in a position to make a difference in a life of any age is the best!

How long have you been a bike educator and how did you get involved with bike education?

I have unofficially been an educator in my own right for 10 years. My brother was the first person I knew to become a Licensed Certified Instructor (LCI) more than ten years ago. After taking a Traffic Skills course through the League of American Bicyclists in 2012, I became acutely aware of how many cyclists could benefit from additional education. 

When I decided to take the LCI course, unfortunately, we were hit with the 2019 Pandemic and the program was postponed for 2 years, and I lost my job. When the restrictions were lifted and the classes resumed, I joined in and completed the training course. It was at that time, that decided not to return to corporate America and to turn my hobby into a business. That was the beginning of the Women At Work Cycling Club

Do you give private lessons – how should students contact you?

Yes, I do offer private or small group lessons because it allows me to utilize the curriculum  I developed that addresses the very basic cycling information that people are afraid to ask or that is often skipped over once people have been bitten by the cycling bug.

I have a website and a Facebook page that is public, you can also find me in the League’s LCI registry.

• Womenatworkcyclingclub.com
• Women at Work Cycling Club Facebook Group
• League of American Bicyclists LCI Registry

What is one piece of advice you give new bike riders?

Trust your ride leader/instructor, relax, breathe, have an open mind, and try not to overthink the process.

What advice would you give aspiring bike educators?

Take the LCI course when offered, study, and prepare for the classroom and parking lot drills. Lastly, utilize the information and skills that you have gleaned.

What has been your favorite experience in bike education?

When I see people who have trained with me take their cycling to the next level by riding the PedalPGH or another out-of-state bike tour. I also cherish the opportunities that have been afforded to me through the people and entities that I have met along the way.

Where is your favorite place to ride in Pittsburgh?

Any and everywhere, I especially like road riding and hill climbing.

Do you have a favorite bike currently or from the past? Why is it your favorite?

After much contemplation, I would have to say that my favorite bike is my 2019
TREK SL-6 Domane that I purchased in February 2020. The Domane is my favorite of my 3 bikes because of the technology that makes it an endurance bike. This bike offers undisputable comfort on long rides.

What’s your favorite riding snack?

Water, Shot Bloks, peanut butter & jelly, bananas.

Anything else you’d like our community to know about you?

I am available for biking, walking, and hiking. I offer excess medical insurance for paid Women@Work members for said activities. You can also participate in any activity (once) with the club without being an official member. Come out and give us a try!

Would you like to be featured or know another educator who should be? Let us know by emailing education@bikepgh.org. If you’re looking for more information on classes and lessons, visit our Education page.