family biking

For parents and kids to learn how to ride safely on the road together. Take recreational rides from home, ride to the store, school or the library. An essential course for cycling families.

Objective:

Families learn skills and build confidence to ride safely on residential roads together.  

Course outline:

Theory:

Traffic Dynamics
Traffic Dynamics
Rules of the road, where to ride on the road, principles of traffic flow.
Maintenance and Equipment
Basic tool kit, bicycle fit, selection, helmets, safety equipment, inspection/safety check, flat tire repair.
Crashes and Collisions
Studies, analysis, risk mitigation.
Other
Other
Route planning, bike security, riding in the dark, nutrition.

On bike:

Group Riding
Group Riding
Technique, etiquette.
Rock Dodge
Handling Skills
Skills to prevent crashes.
Roads
Roads
Riding on residential roads.
Family Time
A bonding experience for families and confidence that all know the same things.

Course structure: 

  • Maximum 6 participants per instructor.
  • Minimum age: 9 years (no exceptions). Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, max 3 children per parent/guardian.
  • All participants must be able to ride a bike without training wheels and comfortably on pathways; see pre-course skills evaluation.
  • Participants must supply their own properly fitting bike in good working condition and current, certified bike helmet. (A bike with gears is recommended but not required.)

Course runs rain, snow or shine; be prepared for the weather! 

Participant pre-course skills evaluation

In order to attend this course, participants must have the following cycling abilities:

  • Start independently
  • Balance and pedal
  • Stop using the brakes on the bike (coaster or hand brakes are acceptable)
  • Turn left and right
  • Ride with right hand only (left hand off the handlebar) for 3 seconds
  • Be comfortable riding on pathways.

We reserve the right to remove a participant from the course if their skills are inadequate to continue. No fee adjustment will be available.

Cost and length:

  • Course length: 8-18 hours with online or classroom learning.
  • $157.50 including GST per participant
  • Download more information here.

Note this course may have an online learning component which must be completed by each participant prior to the first day. This is a multi-day course; all sessions must be attended in full. We cannot accommodate participants for the remainder of the course if any part of a session is missed. 

 Intermediate course testimonials

No courses scheduled for 2024; please contact if you would like to coordinate one.

Questions? Email us!