In 2025, I spent more time in parking lots, quiet neighborhood streets, and on greenways than anywhere else. Helping kids and adults experience that first moment of balance on a bike. It was also the year I officially became a League Cycling Instructor, a milestone that shaped not just how I teach, but why Ready Set Bike exists in the first place.
Becoming certified wasn’t about adding letters after my name. It was about making sure that the way I teach people to ride is grounded in proven methods, safety, and joy, especially for true beginners.
Seeing the Same Struggles, Over and Over Again
For years, through my work as a board member of the Brookhaven Bike Alliance and through hands-on teaching in the community, I kept seeing the same pattern:
- Kids who wanted to ride but were scared or frustrated
- Adults who never learned as kids and felt embarrassed to try
- Parents doing their best, but unsure how to actually help
Most people assume learning to ride is simple: push, pedal, hope for the best. But without the right approach, those early experiences can create fear instead of confidence—and that fear sticks.
That realization is what pushed me to pursue certification through the League of American Bicyclists, the national organization that sets the gold standard for bicycle education in the U.S.
What the League Cycling Instructor Certification Really Means
The League Cycling Instructor (LCI) certification is a rigorous program focused on:
- Teaching bike skills progressively, not all at once
- Understanding how people learn movement and balance
- Creating inclusive, supportive learning environments
- Emphasizing safety without making riding feel scary
What I loved most is that it validated what I already believed: learning to ride should be playful, pressure-free, and tailored to the individual, not rushed or forced.
It also reinforced something important: there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. A confident six-year-old, a cautious ten-year-old, and a motivated adult learner all need different cues, pacing, and encouragement.
Being Featured in the LCI Spotlight
Shortly after earning my certification, I was honored to be featured in the League’s LCI Spotlight, highlighting my work in Brookhaven and the launch of Ready Set Bike.
That recognition meant a lot, not because of visibility, but because it affirmed the mission behind Ready Set Bike: providing truly local, accessible, high-quality bike education for beginners.
If you’re curious, you can read the full spotlight on the League’s website https://bikeleague.org/lci-spotlight-marjon-manitius/.
What This Means for You (or Your Child)
When you book a lesson with Ready Set Bike, you’re not just getting someone who loves bikes. You’re getting instruction that is:
- Based on nationally recognized teaching methods
- Designed to build confidence first, skills second
- Adapted to each rider’s comfort level and personality
- Focused on success without tears, pressure, or shame
Whether it’s a child learning to ride for the first time or an adult finally giving themselves permission to try, my goal is always the same: help riders feel capable, safe, and proud of themselves.
Why Ready Set Bike Exists
Ready Set Bike was born out of a simple gap I saw in our community: plenty of bikes, plenty of enthusiasm but not enough support for true beginners.
By combining professional certification with deep roots in Brookhaven’s cycling community, Ready Set Bike offers private and small-group lessons that meet riders exactly where they are.
If you or your child are ready to experience the joy of riding, without the stress, you can learn more or book a lesson at https://readyset.bike