Bike infrastructure will never go from every front door to every possible destination: you will need to ride on the road to get to nearby destinations like the dentist, grocery store, library or coffee shop. An essential course for most cyclists.

Course objective:

Cyclists aged 16 and up learn skills and build confidence to ride safely on residential roads. 

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.

Handling Skills

Skills to prevent crashes.

Roads

Riding on residential 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 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: 6 hours plus online learning.
• Cost: $100 per participant.

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. 

I think it is so important to have knowledge regarding the rules of the road. I am very confident when I am on my bike now. I love riding to my destination instead of sitting on a bus or driving a car.

Theresa H.

2021 Course dates: 

Want more information? Email us!