This is a course in defensive cycling for those who live or work in areas with busier roads. You will improve your confidence and skill in riding in increasingly challenging traffic situations.

Reasonable cycling experience is required for this course. This is usually taught as a combined Novice, Intermediate and Advanced course; there are no prerequisite courses in this format.

Course objectives:

Upon completion of the course, participants should feel confident to ride regularly and safely for transportation and recreational purposes, in any urban environment.

Course Outline:

Theory:

Traffic Dynamics

Rules of the road, where to ride on the road, principles of traffic flow.

Crashes and Collisions

Studies, analysis, risk mitigation.

Maintenance and Equipment

Basic tool kit, bicycle fit, selection, helmets, safety equipment, inspection/safety check, flat tire repair.

Other

Route planning, bike security, riding in the dark, nutrition.

Road:

Group Riding

Technique, etiquette.

Advanced Handling Skills

Skills to prevent crashes.

Arterials

Riding on arterials and other busy roads.

Course structure:

Maximum 6 participants per instructor.
Minimum age: 16 years. There is no maximum age.
All participants must be able to ride a bike comfortably on pathways; see pre-course skills evaluation.
Participants must provide their own properly fitting bike in good working condition, and a properly fitting, certified bike helmet. (A bike with gears is highly recommended.)

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. Fee adjustment will be applicable only if we feel your abilities are not appropriate for the Advanced road ride component.

Cost and length:

Course length: 12 hours plus online learning.
$210.00 including GST per participant.
Download more information here.

Women's only courses may be available; please email to inquire.

Note this course has 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.

The instructor gave concise and constructive feedback. Melissa was great at communication and being supportive while I was on the road. I liked how she gave me options depending on my own comfort level on the road. The most valuable learning experience was learning how to change lanes on a busy road with 3+ lanes.

Niko C.

Teaching season is complete for 2024. I look forward to seeing you in 2025!

Questions? Email us!