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 Laura’s leadership and experience in education

What is your name and preferred pronouns?

Laura Davidson Brienza — she/her pronouns

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

Yes- a few! Recently I started my small business, Cycology (cycology-ldb.com), through which I offer private lessons and classes, as well as lead group rides and events. I use my background in education and mental health to help children and adults find the freedom of confident riding. Additionally, I am one of the founders and now the Coordinator of BikeECS, the cycling program for K-12 students at the Environmental Charter School. The program has grown since its inception in 2017 and now includes a large support team and three fleets of bikes across our district buildings. Each year, hundreds of students are provided with opportunities to ride during the school day and access the physical and social-emotional benefits of riding a bike. I am also on the founding team of Pittsburgh Babes on Bikes Racing Team, which facilitates the growth of women & under-represented-gender-identifying cyclists in the Pittsburgh racing scene. I race several disciplines (cyclocross, triathlon, gravel, road) and lead training rides and various events to help promote the mission of getting more folks out riding and racing.

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

For years I specialized in working with youth and school programs, focusing on access and equity within the school systems. Recently I’ve also started working with adults and love helping women and under-repped gender cyclists to learn to ride for the first time or for the first time in a long time or get into competitive cycling & triathlons. Additionally, after continuing to ride and race late into my pregnancy in 2023 and seeing the lack of support and education around this topic, I also am passionate about supporting those who choose to become a cyclist and a parent.

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

My love for bike education began in 2016 when I took a summer job as the Site Coordinator for Bike Pittsburgh’s summer youth cycling program Positive Spin and quickly fell in love with this work. After years of bike education being my secondary role, I became a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) through the League of American Bicyclists and finally transitioned from my full-time school counseling position to dive into full-time bike education via BikeECS, Cycology, and various other avenues.

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

I do! All of my contact info is on cycology-ldb.com

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

You do you! It is so easy to get swept up in comparing yourself to other riders (and their mileage, gear, bikes, pace, etc), but just stay your course and find what makes you happy on the bike.

What advice would you give aspiring bike educators?

Find local mentors: Even if you feel intimidated by their experience, I hope you’ll find that they are generous in their support as you get started. I will forever be thankful for the many folks in Pittsburgh who have helped me over the years and continue to answer all of my many questions without judgment. There is always, always more to learn, and finding your go-to people will help you immensely.

What has been your favorite experience in bike education?

It simply does not get old to see someone pedal for the very first time and watch their face light up. The shy third grader, the moody middle schooler, the tough-guy high school junior, the folks in their 30s who never learned, or the woman in her 60s jumping on the bike again for the first time in 40 years– Anytime I get to facilitate that is an experience I truly treasure.

Where is your favorite place to ride in Pittsburgh?

I love a classic city loop from my home in the east end to the Point, bopping back and forth over some of my favorite bridges. And it’s a bonus if I find some extra hills to climb and parks to enjoy along the way.

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

My “babe”- my 2011 Trek Lexas road bike.

What’s your favorite riding snack?

Fig bar with peanut butter

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

My partner Andrew and I just had a daughter in November of 2023, and after a little break, I am excited to get back into lessons, riding, and racing in 2024: I’d love it if you joined me! Here are some ways below: Check out cycology-ldb.com to sign up for my lessons, rides, and more. Email bike.ecs@ecspgh.org to become a volunteer and ride with our students. All experiences are welcome! Check out pghbabesonbikes.com, or follow our Instagram and Strava club to stay in the loop on our community rides, events, & races.

Editor’s Note:

We’d also like to mention these additional achievements of Laura’s, including that she was awarded The League of American Bicyclists’s 2023 Educator of the Year! She’s also an asset to our Confident City Cycling classes and WMNBikePGH program. We are very lucky to have her in our educator community!

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.