Be a Savvy Cyclist!
Course Content • Class Schedule • Register • Schedule a Group Class • What Participants Are Saying
Savvy Cyclist is a free, one-day "introduction to cycling" program for adults and mature teens who want to improve their cycling skills. This class is ideal for new cyclists who want to learn the basics, those returning to cycling from a long hiatus, people who want to be more independent on their bike, and those who feel a little nervous while cycling in traffic. [Savvy Cyclist Profile >]
If you do not know how to ride a bike (that is, start and stop smoothly every time, and ride your bike in a steady, straight line with no problems), this is not the right class for you. Participants must know how to balance and control a bicycle, and should arrive at the class with tires pumped up to be rock hard, and wheels true. (Don't know how to ride yet? Click here [PDF] for learn-to-ride instructions to try on your own--the method works for adults and children alike.)
Course Content
The class is mostly hands-on and bike-riding activities, though it includes some classroom learning. Participants will receive literature and accessories to ensure continued safe and enjoyable riding.
Savvy Cyclist is a League of American Bicyclists Road I class, and it fulfills the pre-requisite for entering the training and certification seminar to become a League Cycling Instructor.
Class Schedule: The 2008 class season is over. Classes will resume in March 2009. Check back this winter for registration details, or click here to request an e-mail notice when the 2009 class dates are posted.
Registration Details: Click here to request an e-mail notice when the 2009 class dates are posted and registration opens.
Savvy Cyclist class is free, but pre-registration and a fully refundable $50 deposit* are required to secure your spot. The registration form will be posted when new classes are scheduled. No day-of-class walk-ins, please!
*Deposit: To guarantee a place in the class, and to help ensure that registrants show up, we require a refundable $50 deposit by check or credit card. (Please do not send cash.) Your registration will not be considered complete without the deposit, meaning you will not receive class details or the advance course packet. We will not process the deposit of participants who attend the class. Deposits from any no-shows will be used to help defray program costs.
Cancellation policy: If you register and must cancel for any reason, we will not process your deposit provided you notify us at least a week prior to the class. If you wish to change to a different class date, you may do so up to a week in advance of the class you were registered for without losing your deposit. To cancel or change the date of the class, contact the Bicycle Education Program (see below). Anyone who cancels or reschedules at any point during the seven days prior to the class will be charged the $50 deposit fee, as will registrants who do not attend the class. We will not process the deposit of participants who attend the class.
Schedule a Class for Your Group: Bike New York's certified League Cycling Instructors also lead Savvy Cyclist classes for groups of engineers, urban planners, transportation management associations, public health officials, and others. Individuals are welcome to coordinate a free Savvy Cyclist course for their co-workers or community group (minimum 12 participants) in the New York metro area. Simply contact Bike New York's Bicycle Education Program staff to set a date and location.
What Participants Are Saying:
Course Content • Class Schedule • Register • Schedule a Group Class • What Participants Are Saying
Savvy Cyclist is a free, one-day "introduction to cycling" program for adults and mature teens who want to improve their cycling skills. This class is ideal for new cyclists who want to learn the basics, those returning to cycling from a long hiatus, people who want to be more independent on their bike, and those who feel a little nervous while cycling in traffic. [Savvy Cyclist Profile >]
If you do not know how to ride a bike (that is, start and stop smoothly every time, and ride your bike in a steady, straight line with no problems), this is not the right class for you. Participants must know how to balance and control a bicycle, and should arrive at the class with tires pumped up to be rock hard, and wheels true. (Don't know how to ride yet? Click here [PDF] for learn-to-ride instructions to try on your own--the method works for adults and children alike.)
Course Content
- Adjusting your bike and helmet for a comfortable fit
- Performing a safety inspection of your bike to make sure everything is working properly
- Understanding traffic principles and bicyclists' rights and responsibilities on the road
- Fixing a flat tire
- Using your gear system
- Locking your bike
- Bike handling drills
- A group ride of approximately 5-8 miles emphasizing cycling safely and confidently in traffic
The class is mostly hands-on and bike-riding activities, though it includes some classroom learning. Participants will receive literature and accessories to ensure continued safe and enjoyable riding.
Savvy Cyclist is a League of American Bicyclists Road I class, and it fulfills the pre-requisite for entering the training and certification seminar to become a League Cycling Instructor.
Class Schedule: The 2008 class season is over. Classes will resume in March 2009. Check back this winter for registration details, or click here to request an e-mail notice when the 2009 class dates are posted.
Registration Details: Click here to request an e-mail notice when the 2009 class dates are posted and registration opens.
Savvy Cyclist class is free, but pre-registration and a fully refundable $50 deposit* are required to secure your spot. The registration form will be posted when new classes are scheduled. No day-of-class walk-ins, please!
*Deposit: To guarantee a place in the class, and to help ensure that registrants show up, we require a refundable $50 deposit by check or credit card. (Please do not send cash.) Your registration will not be considered complete without the deposit, meaning you will not receive class details or the advance course packet. We will not process the deposit of participants who attend the class. Deposits from any no-shows will be used to help defray program costs.
Cancellation policy: If you register and must cancel for any reason, we will not process your deposit provided you notify us at least a week prior to the class. If you wish to change to a different class date, you may do so up to a week in advance of the class you were registered for without losing your deposit. To cancel or change the date of the class, contact the Bicycle Education Program (see below). Anyone who cancels or reschedules at any point during the seven days prior to the class will be charged the $50 deposit fee, as will registrants who do not attend the class. We will not process the deposit of participants who attend the class.
Schedule a Class for Your Group: Bike New York's certified League Cycling Instructors also lead Savvy Cyclist classes for groups of engineers, urban planners, transportation management associations, public health officials, and others. Individuals are welcome to coordinate a free Savvy Cyclist course for their co-workers or community group (minimum 12 participants) in the New York metro area. Simply contact Bike New York's Bicycle Education Program staff to set a date and location.
What Participants Are Saying:
- "I went out for my first ride since the class and it was great. I didn't realize how much I had gotten from the class until I was actually on a ride. I was able to 'take the lane' with no problem when it was appropriate and I made several left turns. I had no problem merging with traffic and the cars treated me just like any other vehicle. For the first time I really felt liked I belonged on the road."--April 2008
- "I took the savvy cyclist class yesterday. What a blast! The instructors were fantastic! They were very knowledgeable, while being fun, the class just flew by."--September 2007
- "I just wanted to thank you again for today's class. I got so much out of it. [The instructors] were so easy going and fun. That is how classes need to be run. It was a great learning experience."--July 2007
- "I really enjoyed the class today. The things we learned are very useful and essential. I will recommend it to all of my friends who ride."--May 2007
- "I want to thank you for creating and teaching such a great bicycling class. I learned a lot and I can't wait to practice what we covered!"--June 2006
