Bike Education
Confident City Cycling Classes
More Arlingtonians, and Washington-area residents in general, are riding bikes now than in recent years. To promote safe and fun riding, Arlington County and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) are offering Confident City Cycling classes to educate you on the skills you need to incorporate bicycling into your daily routine.
Classes will resume in Spring, 2012
Three types of classes are offered, CCC1, CCC2 and L2R:
BikeArlington and WABA offer two types of CCC classes: CCC1 is a 2-hour basic skills class and CCC2 is a 4-hour vehicular cycling and avoidance maneuver class. Both types of class involve in-class and on-bike elements. In addition to these, BikeArlington and WABA also offer a 3-hour L2R class for non-riding adults who want to learn how. All classes are taught by instructors certified through the League of American Bicyclists League Cycling Instructor program.
CCC1 (2 hrs.) covers basic bicycling information and on-bike skills such as: bicycle selection, fit, inspection, gearing, cadence, clothing, accessories, and bike handling basics like starting and stopping, riding straight, scanning and signaling. Half of this class will be an on-line course and half will be on-bike practicing bike handling skills. This class is recommended before taking CCC2. Participants must bring their own bikes, helmets, and water. Participants will be required to sign liability waivers. ($5 for WABA Members, $10 for non-members)
CCC2 (4 hrs.) covers more advanced cycling techniques such as: vehicular cycling principles, roadway positioning, lane changes, turns and parking lot drills to learn avoidance maneuvers. Half of this class will be an on-line course and half will be on-bike practicing avoidance maneuvers and finally a supervised group ride on open streets with motorized traffic. CCC1 is a prerequisite for new or beginning riders. Participants must bring their own bikes, helmets, and water. Clipless/SPD shoes/pedals are not recommended for this class. Participants will be required to sign liability waivers. (all classes before 2010 count as CCC1). ($5 for WABA Members, $10 for non-members)
L2R (3 hrs.) is the entry class to bicycling. This class is designed for adults who have never learned to ride a bicycle. We will employ a special technique for teaching balance, steering, starting, stopping and pedaling. We have an 80% success rate with our friendly and encouraging staff of trained instructors. ($5 for WABA Members, $10 for non-members)
Topics of the classes include:
- Rules of the Road: Knowing is half the battle! Did you know that you have to adhere to the same rules of the road as a car or truck does? Did you know that you have the same rights that the operator of a car or truck does? Well its true- you do! Our course offers some great tips and tricks for safely and legally using our roadways.
- Avoiding the Common Causes of Crashes: Believe it or not, most crashes are avoidable. Learn what to do if a car turns suddenly in front of you, if you have to stop suddenly, what to do to avoid the dreaded car door and much more!
- Lane Positioning: Do you ever feel like cars are passing you too closely or running you into the gutter? Learn proper lane positioning to encourage drivers to pass you at a safe distance. Also learn how to safely cross lanes of traffic in order to made turns or avoid obstacles in the road.
- Improving Pedaling Efficiency: Bicycling shouldn't be backbreaking work! The bicycle is one of the most efficient inventions of all time- make the most of it! Learn how to shift gears in anticipation of a hill, achieve a good cadence, and minimize the wear and tear on your knees.
- Useful Accessory Equipment: We all know you need a helmet, but learn some other helpful and handy equipment to make your ride more enjoyable.
- Basic Bike Maintenance and Repair: Everyone who rides a bike should know some basic repair and maintenance skills. Learn how to change a flat tire and other emergency repair tips.
Register Online Here
Adult Education Cycling Classes
Sponsored by Arlington Public Schools, the Arlington Adult Education program will be hosting 3 different cycling classes instructed by local Arlingtonian Allen Muchnick. Allen is a certified LCI and has been teaching bicycling and bicycle maintenance classes for almost 20 years.
Allen will be offering 1 Smart Cycling class, 4 Bicycle Maintenance & Repair courses and 4 Bicycle Mechanics Workshops.
- Smart Cycling--Traffic Skills 101: Classroom and on-bike instruction in bicycling best practices for roads, paths, and groups. Learn equipment use and care, breakdown repairs, efficient pedaling, bike handling, training, vehicular (street) cycling, and crash prevention. Nine hours over two sessions. Bike and helmet REQUIRED for the second class session only. Two sessions: One 3-hour session and one 6-hour session.
- Bicycle Maintenance & Repair: Lecture/demonstration on bike fit, breakdown repairs, and the inspection, adjustment, lubrication, and renovation of diverse components. Bike not required. One 3-hour session
- Bicycle Mechanics Workshop: This self-directed, hands-on sequel to any other bicycle class lets you tune up, fix, or modify your bicycle or practice inspection, maintenance, or repair procedures. Bring bike(s), supplies, and inspiration. One 3-hour session.
View the Course Schedules and Register Online Here
Arlington County Police Department Classes for Children
The Arlington County Police Department has officers able to provide bicycle safety instruction to groups of school-aged children when requested by a community organization such as a religious institution, civic association, service club, scout troop or youth group. Contact the appropriate District office to determine when an officer would be available.
League of American Bicyclists Classes
Youth and adult bicyclists may want to check out the Smart Cycling Classes offered by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Certified instructors teach a variety of classes for nominal fees to ages eight and up. Courses range from riding in traffic and emergency maneuvers to tour preparation and bicycle mechanics. Visit the LAB's calendar to search for local resources or for the name and number of an instructor near you, write to the League of American Bicyclists, 1612 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 22206, 202-822-1333 (TDD 711) or email education@bikeleague.org.
