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.

Lucy shares the know-how to help Pitt students get around

What is your name and preferred pronouns?

Lucy Klug, she/her

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

I am the Mobility Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh where I manage and promote sustainable modes of commuting, including biking! The Office of Mobility and Campus Recreation at Pitt teamed up this year to offer 23 bike classes, including Confident City Cycling classes, POGOH demonstrations, bike maintenance classes at the Pitt Bike Cave, and more! Pitt folks – be sure to check program offerings through the Campus Recreation Portal and follow PittMobility, PittCampusRec and PittBikeCave to stay up to date on all things biking at Pitt!

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

The bike programs at Pitt are offered to all Pitt students and employees, but I also often teach with BikePGH at Confident City Cycling classes and Learn-to-Ride events for beginners of all ages. As a regular bike commuter, I really enjoy leading Confident City Cycling classes and empowering people to bike around the city. Urban bike infrastructure can be confusing to navigate as a beginner, so I’ve found that teaching this class has a huge impact on how people view and use streets.

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

I earned my League Cycling Instructor (LCI) certification last April (2024). Sarah Sleva with Pitt Campus Recreation (shoutout Sarah!!!) was in my cohort, and we basically started planning Pitt bike education efforts immediately after becoming LCIs. My background is in sustainability, but I’ve been passionate about biking for as long as I can remember. Earning my LCI certification was a dream-come-true opportunity for me.

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

Yes! Email me at lak146@pitt.edu

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

It’s okay to take a break. Learning something new takes time, and that’s part of the fun! Biking is all about the journey. Go easy on yourself. You got this!!

What advice would you give aspiring bike educators?

Be a knowledge-sponge! You can always learn something new from your fellow instructors or peers, whether it be a different bike handling technique or communication style. Openness is key and will help you grow as an educator while connecting with the people around you.

What has been your favorite experience in bike education?

I was recently leading a Confident City Cycling class and chatting with one participant about why they were interested in the class. They shared that they often drive but wanted to experience what it was like to bike on city streets, so that they could be a safer driver for the sake of cyclists. I was really inspired by that. Streets are for everyone, so it’s refreshing to hear that folks actively think about the well-being of others even if they aren’t necessarily using that mode of transportation themselves.

Where is your favorite place to ride in Pittsburgh?

Schenley Park Circuit. I used to bike around that loop between classes when I was a student at Pitt, so I feel a lot of nostalgia for it. Plus, the views are stunning!

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

I lived in Tacoma, Washington for a year after graduating college and bought a single-speed black road bike with blue rims (named Bikey). I didn’t have a car or know anyone in Tacoma, so this bike was very special to me and quite literally the key to my world. Before I moved back to Pittsburgh, I donated Bikey back to the community bike shop I bought it from. I think about Bikey often and hope someone new is enjoying it as much as I did!

What’s your favorite riding snack?

Any peanut butter protein bar.

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

Nope – let’s bike together!

Editor’s Note:

This winter we’re thrilled to honor Lucy Klug as an Educator of the Year for all of her hard work to expand bike education at The University of Pittsburgh- we’re excited to see what she does next!

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.