Level 1: Fundamentals of Cycling, also known as Learn to Ride
Course objective:
For a person who has never ridden a bicycle to learn how to ride a bicycle. Note all participants must provide their own properly fitting bike and certified bike helmet.
Course outline:
- Introductions and paperwork.
- Helmet and bike fundamentals:
- Helmet information and fit.
- How a bike works: power transmission, steering, brakes and gears.
- Bike fit.
- Bike check - ABCD & Me Quick Bike Check.
- Learn to ride:
- Coast and balance.
- Pedal and steer.
- Go and stop.
- Next steps:
- Practice tips.
- For Adults: Level 1B (Fundamentals of Pathway Cycling), Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4.
- For Children: ages 7-8 - Level 2, age 9 and up - Level 2 or Level 3.
Adult (age 14+) course cost: $100 per participant (indoor courses: $120). Maximum 4 participants per group. 3 hours in one session. Over 120 successful participants since 2012! 79% overall success rate. Download more information here.
Child (age 4-13) course cost: $80 per participant (indoor courses: $100). Maximum 4 participants per group. 3 hours in one session. Over 100 successful participants since 2015! 81% success rate in 2018. Download more information here.
Media coverage: Calgary Herald article and video
A video compilation auto-created by Google Photos (sound not required but the music is nice).
Not quite sure?
Read these testimonials from previous participants.
Read this article from New York City and/or watch this video (from the UK).
2019 Child courses: please note that many courses in 2018 had wait lists. If you are interested in a date that's full, please ensure that you get on the wait list for it. Also, if you register for a different date in addition to signing up for the wait list, transfer fees will not apply if we can accomodate you for the wait listed course. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to email!
Adult courses: if you need to rent a bike, there is a place about a 10 minute walk from the Haysboro Community Centre, but you will need to choose an afternoon course as they are not open until 10am. There are other options for renting, though, so let us know you would like to rent and we will send you more information on this option and help you find the right course time for you.