Meet Bernadette McKeever
Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 12:07PM
Bicycles are a huge part of my life. As an advocate, I pride myself on being part of the change that is happening in my native city of Long Beach and also on a national level. As a cyclist, I enjoy being part of the culture, and I thrive on the healthy lifestyle it provides. As a teacher of all things bicycle related, it comes naturally to me, and I thoroughly enjoy it.
Growing up here along the waterfront in Long Beach, I was naturally attracted to the ocean and what it provides. When I was 12 years old I started sailing, competing by the time I was 15, cruising offshore when I was 18, instructing by the time I was 22 and have enjoyed every minute! On Saturday mornings, you will find me dockside at Leeway Sailing Center, instructing adults from my beach chair. Stop by for a visit!
Locally I am a member of Long Beach Cyclists. I have been a volunteer with this organization for 6 years, and President for the last 4 years. Nationally, I am an active member of Adventure Cycling Association.
A lot of people are surprised by the fact that I’m a President of a highly regarded “vehicular” bicycling advocacy organization, and have not had “formal” road safety cyclist training. When people ask me why I haven’t taken the courses, I tell them the truth, that I haven’t had time, and (as a 20-30 hr a week VOLUNTEER for LB Cyclists) it’s too expensive. More importantly, I have had the time to befriend many “trained” cycling friends and members of our organization. Having spent many hours on the road with these individuals, I have learned enough to feel like I can still be a great leader by example.
Recently, I decided that I want to learn even more about local and national bicycling safety and standards, and I want to grow as a teacher. In order to achieve those goals, I think completing both the Traffic Skills 101 and the LCI courses will be essential. The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) is an important advocacy group in our nation. The men and woman representing the LAB are highly respected among cyclists, and if becoming part of “The League” is a way for me to grow in advocacy, then I would love the opportunity to be part of the process.